If you're looking for a new recipe to add to your dinner rotation, a crispy breaded fish fillet recipe might just be what you need. Not only is it a healthy option, but it's also an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
The crispy exterior of the fish provides a satisfying crunch, while the tender and flaky interior melts in your mouth.
Preparing the breaded fish fillets is a straightforward process.
You'll need a few simple ingredients such as fish fillets, breadcrumbs, and eggs.
Dip the fillets into the beaten eggs and then coat them with breadcrumbs. For an extra crispy exterior, you can repeat the process and double coat the fillets.
Once the fillets are breaded, you can either fry them or bake them in the oven.
Preparing the Breaded Fish Fillets
When it comes to making crispy breaded fish fillets, the preparation is just as important as the cooking. Follow these simple steps to create delicious, golden fillets that are sure to impress.
Selecting the Fish
First, choose your fish. Fresh white fish such as cod or tilapia are great choices for this recipe. Make sure to select fillets that are of similar size and thickness for even cooking.
Creating the Breadcrumb Mix
To create the breadcrumb mix, combine breadcrumbs, flour, paprika, and your choice of seasoning in a shallow dish.
Old Bay seasoning is a popular choice for seafood, but you can also add other spices to suit your taste.
Coating the Fillets
Beat eggs in a separate shallow dish and season with salt and pepper.
Dip each fillet into the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mix.
For an extra crispy coating, use panko or cornmeal in place of traditional breadcrumbs.
Make sure to coat both sides of each fillet evenly, pressing the breadcrumb mix into the fish to ensure it sticks. Once all fillets are coated, let them rest for a few minutes to allow the coating to set.
By following these simple steps, you'll create delicious crispy breaded fish fillets that are high in protein and low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Plus, fish is a great source of calcium, iron, potassium, and vitamin C, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
Cooking and Serving Suggestions
Baking the Fish
Baking is a healthier and easier alternative to frying fish fillets.
Preheat your oven to 200°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat it with cooking spray.
Place the skinless fish fillets on the baking sheet and season them with salt and pepper.
You can also add your preferred spices like Cajun seasoning for extra flavour.
Brush the fillets with dijon mustard or sriracha mayo to add a tangy kick. Then, coat the fillets with panko breadcrumbs or your preferred breading ingredients to create a crispy crust.
Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and the crust is crispy and delicious.
Accompaniments and Sides
Baked breaded fish fillets can be served with a variety of accompaniments and sides.
You can make a simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber, and dress it with a lemon wedge and a drizzle of olive oil.
Alternatively, you can serve the fish with tartar sauce or your preferred dipping sauce.
For a classic fish and chips dish, you can serve the fish with french fries or roasted potatoes.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, you can store the breaded fish fillets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat the fish, preheat your oven to 180°C and place the fillets on a baking sheet.
Bake for about 10 minutes or until the fish is heated through.
You can also reheat the fish in a cast iron skillet with a small amount of vegetable oil over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes.
For a quick and easy weeknight dinner, you can make ahead and freeze the breaded fish fillets.
To freeze, place the fillets on a plate and freeze for about 2 hours. Then, transfer the fillets to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat frozen fillets, preheat your oven to 200°C and bake for about 25 minutes or until the fish is heated through and the crust is crispy.
Recipe Tips:
- Use thick white fish fillets like skinless cod for best results.
- Brush the fillets with unsalted butter before coating them with breadcrumbs for extra flavour.
- Check the nutrition information on the breading ingredients and choose the ones with lower calories, fat, and sodium.
- Use the Daily Values on the food labels to help you stay within your daily calorie and nutrient goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the secret to a super crispy batter for fish fillets?
The secret to a super crispy batter for fish fillets is to use cold ingredients and a light batter.
Make sure your fish is dry and cold before coating it in batter. Use a mixture of flour and cornstarch for a lighter batter that will crisp up nicely.
For an extra crispy texture, add a pinch of baking powder to the batter.
How can I make crispy breaded fish in the oven without it going soggy?
To make crispy breaded fish in the oven, you need to use the right technique.
First, make sure your fish is dry before breading it. Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispy texture that won't go soggy.
Place the breaded fish on a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow air to circulate and keep the fish crispy.
Finally, bake the fish at a high temperature for a short time to avoid overcooking and drying it out.
Can you suggest a good alternative to breadcrumbs for a crunchy fish coating?
If you want a good alternative to breadcrumbs for a crunchy fish coating, try using crushed cornflakes or crushed crackers.
These alternatives will give you a similar texture to breadcrumbs but with a slightly different flavour.
You can also try using almond flour or coconut flour for a gluten-free option.
What's the best type of oil to use for frying fish to get a crispy texture?
The best type of oil to use for frying fish to get a crispy texture is one with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.
These oils can be heated to high temperatures without burning, which is important for getting a crispy texture.
Make sure to heat the oil to the right temperature before adding the fish.
How do I prevent my breaded fish from sticking to the pan?
To prevent your breaded fish from sticking to the pan, make sure your pan is hot and well-oiled before adding the fish.
Use a non-stick pan or a well-seasoned cast iron pan for best results.
Don't overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the fish to steam and become soggy.
Finally, don't move the fish around too much while it's cooking, as this can cause the breading to come off.
Is there a gluten-free option for crispy breaded fish fillets?
Yes, there are several gluten-free options for crispy breaded fish fillets.
You can use almond flour, coconut flour, or gluten-free breadcrumbs for the coating. Make sure to check the label to ensure the product is certified gluten-free.