Best Crispy Fried Fish | Quick & Flavorful Seafood Recipe

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Few things are as satisfying as biting into a piece of golden, crispy fried fish. The crunch of the batter paired with tender, flaky cod creates a combination that’s hard to resist. With this Best Crispy Fried Fish | Quick & Flavorful Seafood Recipe, you can recreate restaurant-quality seafood right in your kitchen. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy Perfection: The beer batter and cornflake coating create an unbeatable crunch.
  • Bursting with Flavor: Seasonings like garlic powder and Cajun spices add a delicious kick.
  • Simple to Make: With just a few steps, you’ll have crispy, golden fish in no time.
  • Family Favorite: Perfect for fish and chips night or served with fresh sides for a complete meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to create this crispy fried fish recipe:

IngredientQuantity
Beer1 ½ cups
All-purpose flour1 cup
Large egg1
Garlic powder1 teaspoon
Salt½ teaspoon
Ground black pepper½ teaspoon
Cod fillets1 pound
Crushed cornflake crumbs2 cups
Cajun seasoning1 teaspoon
Oil for frying1 quart

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beer Batter

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the beer, flour, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.

2. Coat the Fish Fillets

  1. Add the cod fillets to the beer batter and stir gently to ensure they are well coated.

3. Make the Cornflake Coating

  1. In a separate bowl, mix the crushed cornflake crumbs with Cajun seasoning.
  2. Dip each battered cod fillet into the cornflake mixture, pressing gently to coat all sides.

4. Heat the Oil

  1. Pour the oil into a large, heavy skillet or deep fryer.
  2. Heat the oil to 365°F (185°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the correct temperature for even frying.

5. Fry the Fish

  1. Carefully place the coated fish fillets into the hot oil, a few pieces at a time to avoid overcrowding.
  2. Fry until the fish is golden brown and the flesh flakes easily with a fork, about 4-5 minutes per side.

6. Drain and Serve

  1. Remove the fried fish and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  2. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, lemon wedges, and sides.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Fried Fish

1. Use Cold Beer

  • The cold beer helps create a light, airy batter that fries up crispy.

2. Choose the Right Oil

  • Use oils with a high smoke point, like vegetable or peanut oil, for best results.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

  • Frying too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy fish.

4. Keep It Hot

  • Maintain the oil temperature at 365°F to ensure even cooking and crispy coating.

5. Pat the Fish Dry

  • Dry the cod fillets with a paper towel before dipping them into the batter to help the coating stick better.

Creative Serving Ideas

1. Classic Fish and Chips

  • Serve the crispy fried fish with hand-cut fries and malt vinegar for a British-inspired meal.

2. Tacos with a Twist

  • Use the fried fish as a filling for tacos, topped with coleslaw and a zesty lime crema.

3. Fresh Salads

  • Pair the fish with a light arugula or spinach salad for a balanced meal.

4. Sandwiches

  • Place the fish on a toasted bun with tartar sauce, lettuce, and pickles for a hearty sandwich.

Nutritional Information

NutrientPer Serving (Approx.)
Calories320
Total Fat15g
Saturated Fat3g
Carbohydrates25g
Protein20g
Sodium350mg

(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)


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FAQs About Crispy Fried Fish

1. Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes! You can substitute cod with haddock, tilapia, or catfish. Choose a firm, white fish for the best results.

2. What can I use instead of beer in the batter?

If you prefer not to use beer, you can substitute it with club soda or sparkling water for a similar effect.

3. How do I keep the fish crispy?

Place the fried fish on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent the bottom from becoming soggy.

4. Can I bake this instead of frying?

While frying gives the crispiest results, you can bake the fish at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Brush the fish with oil before baking.

5. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftover fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F to restore crispiness.

6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of cornflakes.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

The Best Crispy Fried Fish | Quick & Flavorful Seafood Recipe delivers everything you want in a seafood dish—crunchy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. It’s easy to make, versatile, and sure to please even picky eaters. Whether you’re serving it as part of a fish fry or creating a seafood-inspired feast, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

Ready to Fry Up Some Flavor?

Gather your ingredients and heat up your skillet because this crispy fried fish is too good to miss. With its bold flavors and satisfying crunch, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again. Explore More Seafood Recipes to keep your menu fresh and exciting!


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Best Crispy Fried Fish | Quick & Flavorful Seafood Recipe


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  • Author: Clara
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Dive into the ultimate seafood experience with the Best Crispy Fried Fish recipe! This dish features perfectly flaky cod encased in a crunchy, flavorful coating, all achieved in a matter of minutes. Whether served as a classic fish and chips dinner or as part of a creative seafood spread, this quick and easy recipe will become a go-to favorite for any occasion.


Ingredients

For the Beer Batter:

  • 1 ½ cups cold beer
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Fish:

  • 1 pound cod fillets (or other white fish)
  • 2 cups crushed cornflake crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil)

Instructions

Prepare the Beer Batter

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the beer, flour, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.

2. Coat the Fish

  1. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Submerge the fillets in the beer batter, ensuring they are fully coated.

3. Prepare the Cornflake Coating

  1. In a separate bowl, mix the crushed cornflake crumbs with Cajun seasoning.
  2. Dredge the battered fish in the cornflake mixture, pressing gently to ensure even coverage.

4. Heat the Oil

  1. Pour oil into a large skillet or deep fryer, filling it about 2-3 inches deep.
  2. Heat the oil to 365°F (185°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the temperature.

5. Fry the Fish

  1. Carefully place the coated fish fillets into the hot oil, frying a few pieces at a time to avoid overcrowding.
  2. Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The fish should flake easily with a fork.

6. Drain and Serve

  1. Remove the fried fish from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  2. Serve immediately with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For Extra Crunch: Use panko breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips as an alternative to cornflakes.
  • Seasoning Variations: Experiment with Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, or garlic salt for different flavor profiles.
  • Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature ensures a crispy coating without overcooking the fish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

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