Friday, 2 May 2025

Fried Fish Recipes

Fried Fish Recipes 


Fried fish is one of the most beloved comfort foods around the world, celebrated for its golden crunch and juicy, flavorful interior. Whether you prefer bold spices, tangy marinades, or light, crispy batters, there's a fried fish recipe to suit every craving. Below are three mouthwatering recipes that show off different styles of fried fish—Southern, Caribbean, and Asian—each bringing a unique twist to your table.


1. Classic Southern Fried Fish

Southern fried fish is all about simplicity, tradition, and flavor. It's a nostalgic dish in many American households, especially in the South, where fish fries bring communities together. This version features cornmeal for that signature crunch and a seasoning blend that makes the coating irresistible.


Ingredients:


1½ pounds catfish fillets or whiting


1 cup cornmeal


½ cup all-purpose flour


1½ teaspoons salt


1 teaspoon paprika


1 teaspoon garlic powder


½ teaspoon black pepper


½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)


2 eggs, beaten


½ cup buttermilk


Vegetable oil, for frying


Lemon wedges and hot sauce, for serving


Instructions:


Rinse and pat dry the fish fillets. In a shallow bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and cayenne.


In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.


Dip each fillet into the egg mixture, then dredge in the seasoned cornmeal mixture. Shake off excess and let rest on a tray.


Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or cast-iron pan to 350°F (175°C).


Fry the fish in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.


Drain on paper towels and serve with lemon wedges and hot sauce.


Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—doing so lowers the oil temperature and makes the fish greasy instead of crisp.


Flavor Notes: The cornmeal gives a hearty crunch, while the spices add depth without overwhelming the delicate fish flavor.


2. Spicy Jamaican Escovitch-Style Fried Fish

Jamaican escovitch fish combines crispy fried fish with a vinegar-spiked pepper sauce that adds brightness and heat. This dish is commonly made with whole snapper or grunts and is a staple of coastal Caribbean cooking.


Ingredients:


2 whole red snapper or butterfish (cleaned and scaled)


1 teaspoon salt


½ teaspoon black pepper


1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning or fish seasoning


½ cup all-purpose flour


Vegetable oil, for frying


For the Escovitch Pickle Sauce:


1 cup thinly sliced carrots


1 medium onion, thinly sliced


1 Scotch bonnet pepper, sliced (remove seeds for less heat)


1 cup white vinegar


½ cup water


½ teaspoon salt


½ teaspoon sugar


10–12 pimento seeds (allspice)


Instructions:


Pat fish dry and score each side with a few diagonal slashes. Season both sides and inside the cavity with salt, pepper, and seasoning.


Lightly coat the fish with flour.


Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Carefully lower in the fish and fry 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy.


Remove fish and set on paper towels to drain.


In a separate saucepan, combine vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and pimento seeds. Bring to a simmer.


Add carrots, onions, and pepper slices. Simmer 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.


Pour the hot pickle sauce over the fried fish and let sit 10 minutes before serving.


Tip: The escovitch sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.


Flavor Notes: The crispy skin and tender fish contrast beautifully with the tart, spicy, and slightly sweet pickled veggies.


3. Crispy Asian-Inspired Tempura Fish

Tempura is a light, airy batter technique from Japan that’s ideal for frying fish. The key is using ice-cold water and minimal mixing to create a lacy crust. This recipe brings together the subtle umami of soy and the light crispiness tempura is famous for.


Ingredients:


1½ pounds white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or halibut), cut into 2-inch pieces


1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting


½ cup cornstarch


1 egg


1 cup ice-cold sparkling water


½ teaspoon salt


Vegetable oil, for frying


For Dipping Sauce:


¼ cup soy sauce


1 tablespoon rice vinegar


1 teaspoon sugar


½ teaspoon sesame oil


1 teaspoon grated ginger


Optional: chopped scallions or sesame seeds


Instructions:


Pat the fish dry and lightly dust with flour. This helps the batter stick better.


In a mixing bowl, beat the egg lightly, then add the sparkling water. Stir in the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Mix gently until just combined (a few lumps are fine).


Heat oil in a wok or deep pot to 350°F (175°C).


Dip the fish pieces in the batter and fry in batches until golden and crisp, about 3–4 minutes.


Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.


Whisk together dipping sauce ingredients and serve with the fish.


Tip: Keep your batter cold throughout frying. If needed, place the bowl over ice.


Flavor Notes: Tempura is all about subtlety—this method lets the fish flavor shine while adding a barely-there crunch and delicate dipping sauce.


Final Thoughts

These three fried fish recipes each offer something different: the nostalgic comfort of Southern-style catfish, the fiery tang of Jamaican escovitch, and the airy elegance of Asian tempura. What they all have in common is their celebration of crisp texture, fresh ingredients, and bold flavor.


You can serve Southern fried fish with coleslaw and cornbread, escovitch fish with bammy or festival, and tempura fish with rice or a light cucumber salad. Whether you're cooking for family or entertaining guests, fried fish is always a winning choice that brings smiles to the table.


Fried Fish Pairing Ideas:


Southern Fried Fish: Cornbread, coleslaw, sweet tea


Escovitch Fish: Bammy, rice and peas, sorrel drink


Tempura Fish: Steamed rice, pickled vegetables, green tea

Further Reading 

Strawberry Growing for Kids and Families 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F73TV5GZ/

The Cabbage Homestead Journal: Recipes, Remedies & Rotations

https://www.amazon.com/Cabbage-Homestead-Journal-Rotations-Vegetables-ebook/dp/B0F6VYLNNV/

Homegrown Cabbage Skincare: DIY Wraps, Masks & Poultices for Healing 

https://www.amazon.com/Homegrown-Cabbage-Skin-Care-Poultices-ebook/dp/B0F6C1FZCW/

Cabbage Crafts for Kids: Fun Projects With a Farm-to-Art Twist 

https://www.amazon.com/Cabbage-Crafts-Kids-Farm-Art-ebook/dp/B0F6VJV2J3/



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