Crispy Cornmeal-Crusted Fish Fillets
Impress your family and friends with these Crispy Cornmeal-Crusted Fish Fillets! This delightful dish combines the flaky tenderness of fish fillets with a golden, crunchy cornmeal batter that is seasoned to perfection. Perfectly pan-fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this dish makes for an ideal lunch or snack option. Serve it alongside your favorite sides like roasted potatoes or rice for a hearty meal. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and the burst of flavors in every bite!
4
Servings
375
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fish fillets
2 lbs (of your choice)
All-purpose flour
1/2 cup (sifted)
Milk
1/2 cup (preferably whole milk)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (granulated)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Paprika
1/2 teaspoon (smoked or regular)
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (optional, for heat)
Oregano leaves
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
Yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup (for coating)
Vegetable oil
1/2 cup (for frying)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, milk, beaten egg, sugar, salt, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and oregano until smooth.
2
On a large piece of waxed paper, spread out the cornmeal evenly.
3
Dip each fish fillet into the batter, ensuring it’s well coated, then transfer the fillet to the cornmeal. Coat both sides generously with cornmeal, pressing lightly to adhere.
4
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
5
Carefully place 3 or 4 coated fish fillets into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
6
Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fillets are golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
7
Once cooked, transfer the fried fish onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
8
Repeat with the remaining fish fillets, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
9
Serve hot with your choice of sides, such as roasted potatoes or steamed rice.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
35g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Cornmeal-Crusted Fish Fillets?
This dish features flaky fish fillets dipped in a seasoned batter and coated in cornmeal for a golden, crunchy exterior.
What kind of fish should I use for this recipe?
You can use any fish fillets of your choice, though white fish like tilapia, cod, or catfish are popular options.
How do I make the fish extra crispy?
The combination of the cornmeal coating and ensuring the vegetable oil is hot before frying helps achieve maximum crispiness.
Is this fish recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a high-protein seafood dish containing 25g of protein per serving and uses pan-frying rather than deep-frying.
Can I bake these fillets instead of pan-frying them?
Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until the fish flakes easily, though the texture will be less crunchy than frying.
What are some recommended sides for this dish?
It pairs perfectly with roasted potatoes, steamed rice, coleslaw, or a fresh side salad.
Is there a substitute for yellow cornmeal?
You can use white cornmeal or breadcrumbs, though the flavor and color will differ slightly.
Can I use frozen fish fillets?
Yes, just ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry with paper towels before starting the battering process.
Which oil is best for frying the fish?
Vegetable oil is recommended, but other high-smoke point oils like canola or peanut oil also work well.
How long does it take to cook each fillet?
Cook the fillets for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?
The fish is done when the crust is golden and the internal meat flakes easily when tested with a fork.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your cornmeal is certified gluten-free.
Is the cayenne pepper mandatory?
No, the cayenne pepper is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor.
What spices are included in the batter?
The batter is seasoned with salt, paprika, dried oregano, and optionally cayenne pepper.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 375 calories per serving.
Can I reheat leftover fried fish?
Yes, for best results reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain the crispy texture.
How should I store leftover fish fillets?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Is it possible to air fry this recipe?
Yes, spray the coated fillets with oil and air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.
What is the preparation process for the batter?
You whisk together flour, milk, egg, sugar, and spices until the mixture is smooth.
Why is sugar added to the batter?
A small amount of sugar helps with the browning of the crust and balances the savory spices.
Why should I use paper towels after frying?
Placing the fried fish on paper towels helps drain excess oil, keeping the crust from becoming soggy.
Can I use whole milk for the batter?
Yes, whole milk is preferred for a richer batter, though low-fat milk can also be used.
How many fillets should I cook at one time?
It is best to cook 3 or 4 fillets at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature.
How do I get the cornmeal to stick to the fish?
Dip the fish in the wet batter first, then press it firmly into the cornmeal on both sides to ensure it adheres.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, its mild flavor and crunchy texture make it a popular choice for both children and adults.
Can these fillets be used for fish tacos?
Absolutely! These crispy fillets are excellent when sliced and served in tortillas with slaw and lime.
What temperature should the oil be?
The oil should be heated over medium heat until it is hot and shimmering but not smoking.
Can I use white cornmeal instead of yellow cornmeal?
Yes, white cornmeal works just as well, though yellow cornmeal provides a more vibrant golden color.
Can I use a dairy-free milk substitute?
Yes, unsweetened almond milk or soy milk can be used in the batter as a substitute for dairy milk.