Frying Fish in Butter: A Delicious and Simple Recipe

Frying fish in butter is a delicious and simple way to prepare fish that is loved by many seafood enthusiasts. It enhances the natural flavour of the fish and creates a crispy and buttery exterior that is hard to resist. If you are looking for a quick and easy way to cook fish, frying it in butter is definitely worth a try.

Before you start frying your fish, it is important to prepare it properly. You should choose a fresh and high-quality fish, and clean and dry it thoroughly before cooking. You can also season it with your favourite spices and herbs to add more flavour. Once your fish is ready, you can start frying it in butter. Be sure to heat the butter over medium heat until it is hot but not smoking, and then add the fish to the pan. Cook it for a few minutes on each side until it is golden brown and crispy.

Key Takeaways

• Choose a fresh and high-quality fish, and clean and dry it thoroughly before cooking.
• Heat the butter over medium heat until it is hot but not smoking, and then add the fish to the pan.
• Cook the fish for a few minutes on each side until it is golden brown and crispy.

Preparing the Fish

Before frying your fish in butter, it's important to prepare it properly. This involves selecting the right fish, cleaning and drying it, and seasoning it with salt, pepper, or any other desired spices.

Selecting the Right Fish

When it comes to frying fish in butter, not all fish are created equal. Some good options include cod, salmon, halibut, catfish, snapper, tilapia, grouper, flounder, and sole. Make sure to choose fresh or frozen fish that has been properly thawed before cooking.

Cleaning and Drying the Fish

Once you have selected your fish, it's important to clean it thoroughly. Rinse it under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the fish to cook evenly and prevent it from becoming soggy.

Seasoning the Fish

Before frying your fish in butter, it's important to season it with salt, pepper, or any other desired spices. This will enhance the taste of the fish and add an extra layer of flavor. Coat the fish with flour, then gently tap it to remove any extra. This will help the fish to develop a crispy outer layer when fried in butter.

Frying the Fish

Choosing the Right Pan

To achieve a perfect crispy crust and moist interior, it is important to choose the right pan for frying fish in butter. A cast iron skillet is an excellent choice as it distributes heat evenly and retains it well. You can also use a non-stick skillet, but make sure it is oven-safe if you plan to finish cooking the fish in the oven.

Heating the Butter and Oil

To start, heat a mixture of butter and oil in the pan over medium-high heat until it starts to sizzle. You can use canola oil or olive oil for this purpose. Clarified butter or salted butter can also be used, but make sure to keep an eye on the heat as salted butter can burn quickly.

Cooking to Perfection

Once the butter and oil are heated, carefully place the fish fillets in the pan, skin-side down if applicable. Use a spatula to press down on the fillets to ensure they are in contact with the pan. Cook the fish for 2-3 minutes on each side until it develops a golden crust. Use a spatula to flip the fish and baste it with melted butter, garlic, and herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the pan and drain any excess oil on paper towels. You can serve the fish with lemon wedges, a side of potatoes or salad, and garnish it with chopped parsley or garlic. You can also make a delicious lemon butter sauce by adding lemon juice and unsalted butter to the pan. Sprinkle some paprika or blackened seasoning for added flavour.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pan fry fish with flour to get it crispy?

To pan fry fish with flour and get it crispy, you need to coat the fish in flour before frying it. The flour creates a crispy coating on the fish. To do this, you can season the flour with salt and pepper, or other spices of your choice. Then, dredge the fish in the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly on both sides. Shake off any excess flour before frying the fish in butter.

What's the trick to frying fish with flour and egg?

If you want an even crispier coating on your fried fish, you can use a mixture of flour and egg. To do this, beat an egg in a bowl and season it with salt and pepper. Dredge the fish in the flour mixture first, then dip it in the egg mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. Finally, dredge the fish in the flour mixture again before frying it in butter.

Can you fry fish in a pan using oil instead of butter?

Yes, you can fry fish in a pan using oil instead of butter. However, using butter gives the fish a richer flavour and a crispy exterior. If you prefer to use oil, choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or vegetable oil. Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat, then fry the fish until it is golden brown and cooked through.

What are the benefits of frying fish in butter?

Frying fish in butter enhances its natural flavour and creates a deliciously crispy and buttery exterior. Butter also contains healthy fats that are good for your heart and brain. However, it's important to use butter in moderation as it is high in calories and saturated fat.

How can you fry fish without using any flour at all?

If you prefer not to use flour, you can fry fish without it. Instead, you can use a mixture of breadcrumbs, cornmeal, or panko to coat the fish. To do this, season the coating mixture with salt and pepper, then dredge the fish in the mixture, making sure to coat it evenly on both sides. Fry the fish in butter until it is golden brown and cooked through.

Which oil is the healthiest option for frying fish?

The healthiest oil for frying fish is one that is high in unsaturated fats, such as olive oil or avocado oil. These oils are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. However, it's important to use these oils in moderation as they are still high in calories.