Description
This Cornmeal Fried Fish recipe offers a crispy and flavorful twist on traditional fried fish using a seasoned cornmeal coating. Perfectly golden and tender, the fish is fried to perfection and makes a delightful main dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Coating
- 1 ¾ cups white or yellow cornmeal
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Fish
- Fish fillets (such as catfish, tilapia, or cod) – about 4 fillets
- Salt and pepper, optional for seasoning
- Vegetable oil, about 1 inch for frying
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow dish, combine cornmeal, flour, paprika, salt, lemon pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to create a seasoned coating for the fish.
- Prepare Fish: Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well. Optionally, season the fillets lightly with salt and pepper for extra flavor.
- Coat Fish: Dredge each fish fillet thoroughly in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating adheres evenly on all sides.
- Heat Oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a heavy skillet and heat over medium-high until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), ideal for frying.
- Fry Fish: Carefully add the coated fish fillets to the hot oil. Fry each side for 3-5 minutes until the coating is golden brown and the fish is cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the oil temperature.
- Drain and Serve: Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried fish from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for perfect frying results.
- Fish fillet options include catfish, tilapia, cod, or any firm white fish.
- For extra crispiness, double dredge the fish by dipping back into the coating mixture after the first coating.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in an oven to retain crispiness.