Crispy Southern-Style Baked Fish Fillets
This delightful recipe offers a perfect blend of crispy textures and savory flavors, showcasing tender fish fillets enveloped in a flavorful breading. The unique combination of cornmeal, breadcrumbs, and aromatic spices not only enhances the fish's natural taste but also provides a satisfying crunch with every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights, these fish fillets can be served alongside a rich, nutty browned butter sauce or your favorite tartar sauce, making it an ideal dish for family dinners or gatherings. Whether you choose whiting or any other white fish, this recipe will impress your taste buds and elevate your culinary repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
white cornmeal
1/4 cup (can be replaced with yellow cornmeal)
fine dry breadcrumb
1/4 cup (preferably plain)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
paprika
1/2 teaspoon (smoked or sweet, based on preference)
dried dill
1/2 teaspoon (can be adjusted to taste)
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (freshly ground preferred)
fish fillet
1 lb (fresh or frozen, thawed)
milk
1/3 cup (whole or low-fat)
butter or margarine
3 tablespoons (melted)
tartar sauce
to taste (optional)
browned butter
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2
In a shallow dish, mix together the white or yellow cornmeal, fine dry breadcrumbs, salt, paprika, dried dill, and pepper until well combined.
3
Pour the milk into a separate shallow dish. Dip the fish fillets into the milk, ensuring they are fully coated.
4
Transfer each milk-dipped fish fillet into the breading mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating on both sides.
5
Arrange the coated fish fillets in a lightly greased 13x9 inch baking dish or on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the fillets.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is golden brown.
7
For serving, consider drizzling with fresh lemon juice and serving with tartar sauce or warmed browned butter for a delicious dipping experience. Enjoy your meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this fish recipe?
The recipe is called Crispy Southern-Style Baked Fish Fillets.
What are the primary textures described in this dish?
The dish offers a perfect blend of crispy textures and tender fish fillets.
What ingredients make the breading unique?
The breading is a unique combination of cornmeal, breadcrumbs, and aromatic spices.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius).
How long does the fish need to bake?
The fish should bake for 10-15 minutes or until it flakes easily.
What type of cornmeal can be used?
You can use either white or yellow cornmeal.
What is the first step in preparing the breading?
Mix together the cornmeal, breadcrumbs, salt, paprika, dried dill, and pepper in a shallow dish.
What is the purpose of the milk in this recipe?
The fish fillets are dipped into the milk to ensure the breading mixture adheres properly.
How should the fish fillets be coated?
Press the milk-dipped fillets gently into the breading mixture for an even coating on both sides.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A lightly greased 13x9 inch baking dish is recommended.
Can I use a cookie sheet instead of a baking dish?
Yes, you can use a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
Should butter be applied before or after baking?
Melted butter should be drizzled over the top of the fillets before baking.
How do you know when the fish is fully cooked?
The fish is done when it is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.
What are some suggested dipping sauces?
Suggested sauces include tartar sauce or warmed browned butter.
What type of fish works best for this recipe?
Whiting or any other white fish fillets work well.
Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, you can use frozen fish as long as it has been thawed first.
What kind of breadcrumbs are needed?
Fine dry breadcrumbs, preferably plain, are required.
How much fish does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of fish fillets.
Is there a specific type of paprika to use?
You can use smoked or sweet paprika based on your preference.
What type of milk is suggested for dipping?
The recipe suggests using 1/3 cup of whole or low-fat milk.
Can margarine be used instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either butter or margarine.
How much salt is included in the breading?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or you can adjust to taste.
What are the aromatic spices used in the breading?
The spices include salt, paprika, dried dill, and black pepper.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy weeknight dinner and a quick meal.
Is this recipe considered high in protein?
Yes, it is tagged as a high protein dish.
What is a recommended garnish for serving?
Drizzling the fish with fresh lemon juice is recommended before serving.
Can the amount of dill be changed?
Yes, the dried dill can be adjusted to your personal taste.
Does the recipe require fresh black pepper?
Freshly ground black pepper is preferred for the best flavor.
What style of cooking does this recipe follow?
This is a Southern-style breaded fish recipe.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a family-friendly meal.