Ingredients
Scale
- For the Fish:
- 4 fillets of white fish (such as cod, tilapia, or catfish), about 6 oz each
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (optional, for extra crispiness)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp milk (or buttermilk for extra tenderness)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Optional Garnish:
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Preparing the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy crust. Cut larger fillets into portions for even cooking. In a shallow bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg with milk to create an egg wash.
- Coating the Fish: Dip each fillet into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated, then press it into the cornmeal mixture. Shake off any excess and place on a plate. For extra crispiness, repeat the dipping process for a double coating. Let the coated fish rest for 5 minutes to help the crust adhere.
- Frying the Fish: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the fish fillets, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish (it should reach 145°F/63°C). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serving the Fish: Garnish with lemon wedges and chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour or skip the flour entirely.
- Vegan alternative: Substitute fish with tofu, tempeh, or cauliflower steaks.
- Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (1/4th of the recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg