Welcome to the crispy, golden goodness of fried fish! If you’re craving something that’s crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside, and packed with flavor, then this recipe is for you. Picture biting into a perfectly fried fish fillet with a satisfying crunch, followed by the tender, melt-in-your-mouth fish—seriously, it’s as good as it sounds. Trust me, you’re going to want this one on repeat. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight dinner or making it for a crowd, it’s bound to impress.
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Why You’ll Love Crispy Fried Fish
This crispy fried fish is an absolute winner. Here’s why:
- Versatile: Whether you’re cooking for a laid-back family dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, this dish fits the bill perfectly. It’s just as great on its own as it is paired with sides for a fuller meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Simple, everyday ingredients come together to create a restaurant-worthy dish. You won’t need to break the bank to make this one, and chances are, you’ve already got most of what you need in your kitchen.
- Quick and Easy: The steps are simple and straightforward. Even if you’re not an expert in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for anyone. You’ll have everything prepped and cooked in no time!
- Customizable: You can adjust the seasoning to suit your tastes. Add some heat with a dash of cayenne pepper or make it extra flavorful with a bit of smoked paprika. It’s your dish—season it to perfection!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s kids or adults at the table, this fried fish is a guaranteed hit. It’s crispy, tasty, and always leaves people asking for more.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this crispy fried fish—it uses simple ingredients but delivers such incredible flavor:
- Fish Fillets: Choose your favorite fish, whether it’s cod, tilapia, or haddock. Fresh or frozen, it all works, and the fish gets crispy without losing that delicate, flaky texture.
- Flour: All-purpose flour to create that beautiful crisp coating.
- Cornstarch: For an extra crispy finish that makes the crust light and crunchy.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a bit of paprika. These everyday spices create the perfect base flavor.
- Eggs: To help the flour and cornstarch mixture stick to the fish fillets.
- Oil: Use vegetable or canola oil for frying. It’s all about that deep, golden, crispy crust, and the oil makes it happen.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into how you’re going to bring this crispy fried fish to life:
1. Prep Your Fish: Pat your fish fillets dry with paper towels. This is crucial to get that crispy texture—we don’t want any moisture standing in the way of that beautiful golden crust!
2. Set Up Your Dipping Station: You’ll need three shallow bowls. In one, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In the second, beat the eggs. And in the third, set up a little flour for dredging.
3. Coat the Fish: First, dip each fillet into the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure it’s evenly coated, then dip it into the beaten eggs, followed by the flour once again. Double coating helps achieve that extra crispy crust.
4. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat enough oil to cover the bottom over medium-high heat. You’ll know the oil is ready when it sizzles when a small piece of the coating is dropped in.
5. Fry the Fish: Carefully place the coated fillets into the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side or until the fish is golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or you’ll risk the crust becoming soggy.
6. Drain and Serve: Once golden, transfer the fillets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy that perfect crunch with every bite!
How to Serve Crispy Fried Fish
This fried fish is perfect on its own or paired with these tasty sides:
- Fresh Salads: A crisp, fresh salad with a zesty vinaigrette is a great way to balance the richness of the fried fish.
- Crusty Bread: Serve it with a side of warm, crusty bread for soaking up any delicious juices or sauces.
- Creamy Accompaniments: A dollop of tartar sauce, creamy ranch, or even a tangy yogurt dip will complement the crispy fish perfectly.
- Vegetable Sides: Roasted veggies like carrots, green beans, or a simple slaw add a great contrast in texture and flavor.
Additional Tips
Here are some tips to help make this recipe even better:
- Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the flour and egg coatings ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry.
- Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, try adding cayenne pepper or chili flakes to your flour mixture. It gives the fish a fun kick.
- Dietary Adjustments: If you’re gluten-free, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and you’re good to go!
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for that crispy texture.
- Double the Batch: Consider making a double batch if you’re serving a crowd. This recipe freezes beautifully, so you’ll have crispy fried fish ready to go for busy days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute [ingredient] with [alternative ingredient]?
A1: Absolutely! If you don’t have cornstarch, you can swap it for more flour. You can also try using almond flour for a gluten-free option.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Fried fish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the fish fillets and coating ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the fish crispy.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, freeze the fried fish fillets in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once they’re frozen solid. Reheat in the oven when ready to eat.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to bring back that crispy texture.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! Just make sure you have enough oil for frying, and you might need to cook the fish in batches.
Q7: Can I use frozen fish fillets?
A7: Yes! Just be sure to thaw them completely before starting the recipe.
Q8: Can I make this in the air fryer?
A8: Yes, you can! Spray the fish with a bit of cooking spray and air fry at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q9: What can I serve with this for a complete meal?
A9: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even coleslaw for a well-rounded meal.
Q10: Can I make this dish with other types of fish?
A10: Yes! You can use any firm white fish, like tilapia, cod, or haddock.
Conclusion
This crispy fried fish recipe is a total game-changer, packed with flavor, texture, and a crispy finish that’s irresistible. Perfect for any occasion, it’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the process, savor the results, and most importantly, share the love with those around you. Trust me, they’ll be begging for the recipe!
Print
Crispy Fried Fish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: International
Description
Golden, crispy batter fried fish that’s perfectly seasoned with aromatic spices! A family-favorite recipe that’s easy to prepare and utterly delicious. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a weekend seafood treat.
Ingredients
- 8 hake fillets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 cup cold milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 tsp jeera powder (cumin)
- 1/2 tsp dhania powder (coriander)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, sift the flour, salt, and baking powder. Add the jeera powder, dhania powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. - Mix the Wet Ingredients
Gradually whisk in the cold milk and water until you have a smooth batter. - Coat the Fish
Lay the hake fillets in a flat tray. Pour the batter over the fish, ensuring each fillet is evenly coated on both sides. - Chill
Cover and refrigerate the battered fish for 30 minutes to let the batter set. - Fry the Fish
Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Fry the fish until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side. Ensure the fish is evenly cooked. - Serve
Remove the fish from the oil and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic or onion powder to the batter.
- Serve with tartar sauce, spicy mayo, or a squeeze of fresh lemon.
- Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in an oven or air fryer for crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 fillets
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg