The World's BEST Fried FISH Recipe: How To Fry Fried Fish

Introduction

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and fry the best fish. With clear instructions and helpful tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious fried fish dish that you can enjoy at home. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Fresh fish fillets (such as tilapia, catfish, or your preferred type)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cornmeal
• All-purpose flour
• Egg
• Milk
• Cooking oil (for frying)

Practical Tips

• Choose fresh fish for the best flavor.
• Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.

Step 2: Prepare the Fish

1. Clean the Fish: Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Season the Fish: In a bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this mixture generously over the fish fillets.

Common Pitfalls

• Avoid over-seasoning, as it can overpower the natural flavor of the fish.

Step 3: Set Up the Breading Station

1. Prepare the Breading Mixture:

   • In one bowl, mix equal parts cornmeal and all-purpose flour.
   • In another bowl, whisk together one egg and a splash of milk.

2. Dredging Process:

   • Dip each seasoned fish fillet first into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
   • Next, coat the fillet in the cornmeal-flour mixture, ensuring an even covering.

Practical Tips

• For extra crunch, you can double dip the fish by repeating the egg and breading steps.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

1. Choose Your Cooking Oil: Use oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil.
2. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, pour enough oil to submerge the fish fillets. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).

Safety Note

• Always monitor the oil temperature to prevent it from overheating and smoking.

Step 5: Fry the Fish

1. Fry the Fish: Carefully add the breaded fish fillets to the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
2. Cooking Time: Fry the fish for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Practical Tips

• Use a slotted spatula to turn the fish gently to avoid breaking the fillet.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

1. Remove the Fish: Once cooked, transfer the fried fish to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
2. Serving Suggestions: Serve the fried fish with sides such as coleslaw, fries, or tartar sauce.

Common Pitfalls

• Ensure the fish is fully cooked by checking that it flakes easily with a fork.

Conclusion

You now have a complete guide to making the best fried fish. From preparation to frying, following these steps will help you create a tasty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your fried fish with your favorite sides, and feel free to experiment with different seasonings and sauces for a personal touch!