How to Fry Fish: A Quick and Easy Guide

If you're a fan of seafood, you'll know that there are many ways to prepare fish. One of the most popular methods is frying, which can result in a delicious, golden brown, crispy fish fillet that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, learning how to fry fish is a valuable skill that will come in handy time and time again.

Before you start frying your fish, there are a few important steps you need to take to ensure that it turns out perfectly. First, you need to choose the right type of fish.

Some fish are better suited for frying than others, so it's important to do your research and select a type of fish that will hold up well during the frying process. You also need to properly prepare your fish by seasoning it and coating it in a batter or breading.

 

Preparing Your Fish for Frying

Before you can start frying your fish, you need to prepare it properly. This involves selecting the right fish, cleaning and seasoning it, creating the perfect batter, dredging and breading it, and ensuring it is thawed and dried. Here are some tips to help you prepare your fish for frying.

Choosing the Right Fish

When it comes to frying fish, you want to choose a fish that is simple, delicious, and traditional. Some of the best fish for frying include cod, flounder, white fish, tilapia, bass, catfish, trout, perch, halibut, striped bass, and pollock. Make sure the fish is fresh or frozen and has been properly cleaned and scaled.

Cleaning and Seasoning

Before frying your fish, make sure to clean it thoroughly and season it to enhance the flavours. You can use a rub or a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

Creating the Perfect Batter

The batter is what gives your fish that crispy texture. To create the perfect batter, you can use a mixture of flour, egg, milk, or beer batter. You can also add baking powder or seasoned flour to the mixture for an extra kick of flavour.

Dredging and Breading

Once you have your batter ready, it's time to dredge and bread your fish. This involves coating the fish in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs to create a crispy coating. Make sure to shake off any excess flour or breadcrumbs before frying.

Thawing and Drying

If you are using frozen fish, make sure to thaw it properly before frying. You can do this by placing the fish in the fridge overnight or running it under cold water. Once thawed, pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

Marinating and Enhancing Flavour

For an extra burst of flavour, you can marinate your fish before frying. You can use a mixture of lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or Old Bay seasoning. Make sure to let the fish marinate for at least 30 minutes before frying.

Safety Tips

When frying fish, it's important to take safety precautions to avoid any accidents. Make sure to heat the oil to the correct temperature and use a deep fryer or cast iron skillet. Avoid overcrowding the pan and use a slotted spoon to remove the fish from the oil. Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of any accidents.

Alternative Methods

If you don't have a deep fryer or cast iron skillet, you can also use an air fryer or pan fry your fish. You can also bake your fish in a preheated oven for a healthier alternative. Serve your fried fish with a lemon wedge, tartar sauce, or your favourite side dish.

Cooking and Serving

Frying the Fish

Once you have prepared your fish, it's time to fry it. Heat the oil in a deep pan or a fryer, and make sure it's hot enough before you start. You can test this by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil. If it sizzles and turns golden brown within a few seconds, the oil is ready.

Next, carefully place the fish into the hot oil. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan or fryer, as this can cause the temperature of the oil to drop and result in soggy fish. Fry the fish until it's golden brown and crispy on both sides. This should take around 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish.

Draining and Resting

Once the fish is cooked, use a slotted spoon to carefully remove it from the oil. Place the fish on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, as this will help to keep it moist and prevent it from becoming dry.

Sides and Accompaniments

No fish and chips meal is complete without some tasty sides and accompaniments. Serve your fried fish with a side of crispy fries, coleslaw, or hushpuppies. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a wedge of lemon to add some extra flavour.

Tartar sauce, mayonnaise, or malt vinegar are also popular condiments to serve with fried fish. Experiment with different flavours and spices to find your perfect combination.

Reheating Leftovers

If you have any leftover fried fish, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, preheat your oven to 180°C and place the fish on a baking tray. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving leftover fried fish, as this can make it soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to fry fish in a pan with oil?

When frying fish in a pan with oil, it's important to choose the right oil. Vegetable oil or canola oil are good options as they have a high smoke point and a neutral flavour. Heat the oil in a pan until it's hot but not smoking. Then, dip the fish in a flour mixture and place it in the pan. Fry the fish for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it's golden brown. Remove the fish from the pan and drain it on paper towels to remove any excess oil.

Can you give tips on frying fish with flour and egg?

If you want to add some extra crunch to your fried fish, try using a mixture of flour and egg. First, dip the fish in a beaten egg mixture, then coat it in seasoned flour. Heat the oil in the pan until it's hot but not smoking, then add the fish. Fry the fish for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it's golden brown. Remove the fish from the pan and drain it on paper towels to remove any excess oil.

What's the secret to frying fish without any flour?

If you want to fry fish without using flour, you can use a cornmeal coating instead. Mix together cornmeal, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Dip the fish in a beaten egg mixture, then coat it in the cornmeal mixture. Heat the oil in the pan until it's hot but not smoking, then add the fish. Fry the fish for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it's golden brown. Remove the fish from the pan and drain it on paper towels to remove any excess oil.

How long should you deep fry fish to get it just right?

When deep frying fish, it's important to maintain the temperature of the oil. Heat the oil to 375°F and then add the fish. Fry the fish for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it's golden brown. Remove the fish from the oil and drain it on paper towels to remove any excess oil.

What's a classic old fashioned fried fish recipe?

A classic old fashioned fried fish recipe involves dipping the fish in a flour mixture and then frying it in oil. To make the flour mixture, mix together flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Dip the fish in a beaten egg mixture, then coat it in the flour mixture.

Heat the oil in the pan until it's hot but not smoking, then add the fish. Fry the fish for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it's golden brown. Remove the fish from the pan and drain it on paper towels to remove any excess oil.

Should you dip fish in egg or flour first when frying?

When frying fish, it's best to dip it in flour first, then egg. This will help the flour adhere to the fish and create a crispy coating. Dip the fish in the flour mixture, then shake off any excess. Next, dip the fish in the beaten egg mixture, making sure it's fully coated. Then, fry the fish in oil until it's golden brown.