Description
A classic Southern-style cornmeal fried fish recipe featuring crispy, golden fillets coated in a seasoned cornmeal and flour mixture, fried to perfection in vegetable oil. This simple and flavorful dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Coating Mix
- 1 ¾ cups white or yellow cornmeal
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Fish
- 4 fish fillets (such as catfish or tilapia), about 6 ounces each
- Salt and black pepper, to taste (optional)
- Vegetable oil, about 1 inch for frying
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the cornmeal, flour, paprika, salt, lemon pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of spices.
- Prepare Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better. Optionally, season the fillets lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Coat Fish: Dredge each fish fillet thoroughly in the cornmeal mixture, gently pressing the coating onto the surface to adhere well.
- Heat Oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a heavy skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy or test by dropping a pinch of the coating to see if it sizzles immediately.
- Fry Fish: Carefully add the coated fish fillets to the hot oil. Fry for 3-5 minutes on each side until the coating is golden brown and the fish is cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the oil temperature and crispiness.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried fish with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by lemon wedges and your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Drying the fish fillets before coating is crucial for a crispy crust.
- Maintain the oil temperature around 350°F to prevent greasy or undercooked fish.
- Use a heavy skillet or cast iron pan for even heat distribution during frying.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the spiciness to your preference.
- Serve with tartar sauce, coleslaw, or hush puppies for a traditional Southern meal.
