Name: Fried Fish Fillets Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 lb orange roughy fillets or 1 lb haddock fillet; 3 eggs; 6 tablespoons whole milk; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon salt (divided); 1 teaspoon white pepper (divided); 2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning (divided)

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Fish is one of the most versatile and healthy ingredients you can have in your kitchen. There are a lot of fish recipes out there, but we’re excited to bring you this delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for fried fish fillets. Our recipe combines crispy Panko breadcrumbs, a blend of spices, and tender haddock fillets to create a dish that’s simple and satisfying.

Eating fried fish fillets is more than just satisfying your hunger; it also has a nostalgic feeling that can remind you of childhood memories or trips to the seaside. Whether it’s to satisfy your cravings or to impress your guests, this dish will make you feel like a culinary explorer in your own kitchen.

Cooking is an art form that requires creativity, discipline, and patience. With the right tools and ingredients, anyone can cook up a masterpiece. From start to finish, we’ll walk you through the process of creating crispy-on-the-outside and juicy-on-the-inside fried fish fillets. Let’s break down the ingredients, steps and techniques needed to achieve the desired result with this delicious fried fish recipe.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of fish in the sea, but none can compare to the deliciousness of perfectly fried fish fillets. And with this recipe, you’ll fall hook, line, and sinker for every crispy bite. Here are the top reasons why you’ll love this fried fish fillet recipe:

Firstly, it’s a perfect example of a mouthwatering fish recipe that will satisfy your cravings. The combination of the crispy breaded exterior and the succulent haddock fillet inside creates a delightful contrast in textures that will leave you wanting more.

Secondly, it’s easy to make and doesn’t require any complicated cooking techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. With simple pantry staples like flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, you can create a delicious meal for your family or friends in no time.

Thirdly, versatility is the name of the game with this recipe. Not only can you use any type of fish fillets that suits your taste buds like cream dory fish or cod but also add your seasoning choices like soy sauce and ginger to experiment with new flavors.

Fourthly, you can enjoy it in different ways. You can try serving these crispy pan-fried fish fillets on their own with garlic mayo dip or as a part of a larger meal or even pair them with lemon butter sauce, whichever way suits your preference and elevate your experience.

Lastly, who doesn’t love a healthy yet delicious fried fish recipe? This recipe allows for air frying instead of using too much oil that makes it healthier; combined with white pepper and salt as seasoning instead of black pepper making it less spicy yet flavorful.

In conclusion, the reasons why you’ll love this fried fish fillet recipe are endless. It’s effortless but produces incredible results that will impress anyone at the dinner table, versatile with tons of flavors experiments to play around with and healthier than other fried fish recipes. Going for something unique like the portuguese cod recipe? Why not? Just remember to use this fried fish fillet recipe next time around to sate those cravings for something truly unique and scrumptious!

Ingredient List

Before we embark on this crispy, pan-fried fish fillets recipe, let us gather all the necessary ingredients. All the important ingredients would be available in any grocery store. Check your pantry first, so you’ll know which of the items on this list you already have:

Here’s what we need:

Fish fillet: 4 pieces of haddock fillet or any other white fish.
All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup for coating the fish fillet.
Panko breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup gives fish that extra crunch.
Eggs: 2 large eggs are good for binding aesthetics.
Salt and pepper: 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp white pepper to taste.
Oil: Enough for shallow frying, about 1-2 cups, depending on the size of the pan you’re using.

These are just the basic essential items. However, If you want to add more flavor or a twist to it, check out section (5) “Substitutions and Variations” for more ideas.

The Recipe How-To

Preparing the fish fillets:

Step 1: Gather the ingredients

Before starting, prepare all the ingredients that you will need for this recipe. You will need 4 haddock fillets, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of panko breadcrumbs, 2 eggs, and some salt and white pepper.

Step 2: Prepare the coating

In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, a pinch of salt and white pepper, and some paprika. In another shallow dish, beat two eggs with a dash of water.

In a third shallow dish, add the panko breadcrumbs. You can also add some minced garlic or fresh herbs to add some flavor.

Step 3: Coat the fish fillets

Pat the fish fillets dry and season them with salt and white pepper. Dip each fillet into the flour mixture to coat it evenly, shaking off any excess.

Next, dip the fillet into the beaten egg mixture, making sure it is covered entirely. Finally, coat it in panko breadcrumbs or cornmeal coating until it is fully coated.

Step 4: Fry the fish fillets

Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1-2 fillets at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.

Once cooked, transfer them onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.

Optional Step: Air-Fry or Oven-Fry

For an even healthier option, fry the fish fillets with an air fryer or bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes or until they are crispy.

Pair your deliciously fried fish fillets with your favorite dipping sauce or serve them with lemon wedges for a fresh citrus flavor. Some recommended dipping sauces are garlic mayo dip, soy sauce with ginger, or garlic butter sauce.

Substitutions and Variations

While this recipe calls for haddock fillets, you can certainly substitute with other types of white fish such as cod, cream dory, or even tilapia. For a more exotic take, try using Portuguese-style salt cod which has been pre-soaked and de-salted prior to cooking.

As for the breading mixture, if you don’t have panko breadcrumbs on hand, regular breadcrumbs or even cornmeal coating make acceptable substitutes. You can also add a touch of black pepper or paprika to the flour mixture for added flavor.

For those looking for healthier options, try oven-frying the fish instead of pan-frying it. Alternatively, consider using an air fryer for crispy results without the added oil.

Finally, for a flavor twist, consider adding soy sauce, ginger, or garlic butter to the breading mixture or serving with a garlic mayo dip or lemon butter sauce on the side. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to create your own signature fried fish fillet recipe!

Serving and Pairing

Fried fish fillets are best served hot and crispy – straight from the skillet. There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of a perfectly crispy fried fish fillet. To accentuate the delicate flavors of the haddock fillet, I suggest serving it simply with a light squeeze of lemon juice. The tartness of the lemon cuts through the richness of the fried batter and complements the tender fish.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving these crispy pan-fried fish fillets with a garlic mayo dip. A creamy and savory sauce, made simply by whisking together mayonnaise and minced garlic, adds an extra pop of flavor to this dish.

When it comes to pairing side dishes, there are plenty of options. For something hearty that can stand up to the richness of the fried fish, consider serving with steak fries or roasted potatoes. A bright and tangy coleslaw is also a classic accompaniment that provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the fried fish.

For a more balanced meal, try serving your fried fish fillets alongside your favorite greens like broccoli or kale. A simple green salad with a mix of fresh greens, sliced red onions, and cherry tomatoes provides a crisp and refreshing complement to the dish.

Overall, this fried fish fillet recipe is versatile enough to be paired with various sides dishes and sauces depending on your personal preference. Regardless of how you serve it, you’re in for a delightfully satisfying meal that’s sure to please hungry eaters of all ages.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Fried fish fillets are best served immediately after frying, but they can still be stored for later consumption. If you plan to make the dish ahead of time, let the fried fish cool down to room temperature and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before storing it in a container or resealable bag. Place the container or bag in the refrigerator, keeping it separate from other food items.

Reheating can be done in two ways, and both are simple and quick. The first option is to reheat the fried fish fillets on a sheet pan in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes. This method keeps the crust crispy while the inside gets warmed through. The second option is by using an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 370°F and place the fillets inside. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes or until reheated nicely.

It’s not recommended to reheat fried fish fillets using a microwave or stovetop because they can make the crust become soft and soggy which will make them lose their crispy texture.

With this recipe, you can also make use of leftovers if any by shredding them into smaller pieces and adding some garlic butter, lemon juice, and soy sauce then warming this up on very low heat for 5-7 minutes for a quick snack meal.

Enjoy the flavor of the breaded crispy fish whenever you need a fast meal!

Tips for Perfect Results

When it comes to fried fish fillets, achieving the perfect golden-brown and crispy texture can be tricky. Fear not, culinary adventurers, as I have compiled a list of tips to ensure that your fish fillets turn out perfectly every time.

1. Temperature Control Is Key

Maintaining the right oil temperature is essential for crispy and evenly browned fish. The ideal frying temperature is around 375°F (190°C). Too low, and your fish will be soggy, while excessively high temperatures will burn the exterior and leave the interior undercooked.

2. Avoid Overcrowding Your Pan

Crowding the pan is a common mistake when frying fish fillets. This causes the oil temperature to drop, leading to uneven cooking and a greasy finished product. Instead, fry your fillets in batches to maintain steady heat.

3. Choose The Right Oil

For frying fish fillets, use oils with high smoke points like vegetable, canola or peanut oil. These oils have high heat tolerances and won’t break down quickly, making them perfect for achieving crispy results.

4. Get Creative With Breading

While the classic flour-egg-panko combination works fantastically, don’t be afraid to get creative with your breading mix! Use cornmeal or add spices like paprika or cayenne pepper to give your fillets an extra kick.

5. Use The Right Equipment

To make sure that your fillets fry evenly and stay crisp on both sides, use a cast-iron skillet with enough oil to cover at least half of the fillet’s thickness.

6. Be Mindful of Seasonings

The beauty of fried fish lies in its simplicity; however, it’s crucial not to over-season your fillets as this can dominate the natural flavor of the fish. Stick to basic seasonings like salt, white pepper or black pepper and let the natural flavors speak for themselves.

By keeping these tips in mind while preparing your next batch of fried fish fillets, you’re bound to produce perfectly golden-brown and crispy results that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

FAQ

Now that we’ve gone through the ingredient list, the recipe how-to, and serving and pairing suggestions for our delicious fried fish fillets, it’s time to address any potential questions or concerns that may arise. Here are some frequently asked questions and helpful tips to ensure your crispy and flavorful pan-fried fish fillets come out perfect every time.

What is the best way to fry fish at home?

When cooking fish through deep frying, it’s crucial to maintain the oil’s temperature at 375°. In case of batch cooking, make sure to reheat the oil to the required temperature before adding the fish. Overcrowding the pan with fillets might result in unevenly cooked fish, so it’s best to avoid it. Once the fish is in the oil, it’s best not to disturb it and let it fry until it’s perfectly cooked. Resist the temptation to cover the skillet or fryer while frying.

What do you season fish with before frying?

To prepare the seasoning mix, take a large bowl and add 1 tsp (4 g) of cayenne pepper, 1 tsp (4 g) of pepper, 2 tsp (8 g) of salt, 1 1/2 cups (192 g) of cornmeal, 1 tsp (4 g) of granulated garlic, and 1 tsp (4 g) of onion powder. Use a fork to evenly combine all the seasoning ingredients until they’re fully blended together.

Why do you Coat fish in flour before frying?

When cooking fish, using a coating can add a delightful crunch to every bite while also helping it to retain its shape. Along with the pleasing textural component, the coating absorbs the flavors from the cooking oil, adding an extra layer of deliciousness to the dish.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this fried fish fillet recipe is a perfect meal any day of the week. Its crispy exterior and delicate interior create an irresistible texture that will leave you wanting more. Not only is this recipe easy to follow, but it also offers various substitutions and variations for all tastes.

For optimal results, follow my tips for perfect frying, including overcrowding the pan and avoiding excess oil. Additionally, consider homemade garlic mayo or lemon butter sauce to elevate your dish to the next level.

Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends with its delicious flavor and appetizing presentation. Don’t hesitate to try out this recipe for your next meal; it may just become your new favorite fried fish recipe!

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Vikas

Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.

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