Discover the secret to making perfectly crispy fried fish fillets that are golden on the outside and tender on the inside. This recipe combines a simple coating technique with a flavorful seasoning blend to elevate your fish to restaurant-quality. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these fillets are sure to impress!
Ingredients:
- 4 fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or haddock)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Tartar sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fish:
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the coating adhere better and ensures a crispy texture.
- Set Up the Breading Stations:
- In one shallow dish, combine the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until well blended.
- Coat the Fish:
- Dip each fish fillet into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Dredge the fillet in the flour-cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. You can test the oil temperature by dropping a small pinch of flour into it—if it sizzles, the oil is ready.
- Fry the Fish:
- Carefully place the coated fish fillets into the hot oil. Fry in batches if necessary, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook the fillets for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The fish should flake easily with a fork.
- Drain and Serve:
- Transfer the cooked fillets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and tartar sauce if desired.
Enjoy your crispy, golden fish fillets with your favorite side dishes for a delicious and satisfying meal!