Flavorful Baked Cornmeal Fish and Crispy Potato Wedges
Indulge in this healthier twist on the classic fish and chips with our Flavorful Baked Cornmeal Fish and Crispy Potato Wedges. This recipe features succulent cod or haddock fillets coated in a zesty cornmeal batter infused with delightful herbs and a hint of citrus. The accompanying potato wedges are seasoned with just the right amount of salt, pepper, and vinegar, providing a tangy kick that elevates the dish. Perfectly baked in the oven, this meal brings all the comfort of traditional fish and chips without the guilt. Enjoy a flavorful, satisfying dinner that’s ideal for any night of the week!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
nonstick cooking spray
to taste (for baking sheet)
yellow cornmeal
1.5 cups (uncooked)
skim milk
1 cup (none)
lemon zest
1 teaspoon (freshly grated)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (none)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1.5 teaspoons (divided)
Old Bay Seasoning
1 teaspoon (optional)
black pepper
0.5 teaspoon (freshly ground)
cod fish fillets
1.25 lbs (or haddock fillets)
cornmeal
2 tablespoons (for dusting fish)
Idaho potatoes
2 large (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch-thick wedges)
white vinegar
2 tablespoons (or red wine vinegar)
table salt
0.5 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
0.5 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and coat a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
2
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, skim milk, lemon zest, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and Old Bay seasoning (if using). Mix until you achieve a thick, smooth batter. For best results, allow the batter to sit for about 10 minutes to let the milk fully absorb.
3
Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper on both sides, then dust each fillet lightly with 2 tablespoons of cornmeal – this will help the batter adhere better.
4
Once the batter has thickened, give it one last stir and then dip each seasoned fillet into the batter, ensuring both sides are well coated. Place the battered fillets onto the prepared baking sheet and spoon any leftover batter on top.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the potato wedges with vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss until the wedges are evenly coated, then spread them out alongside the fish on the baking sheet.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until the fish is flaky and tender, and the cornmeal coating is slightly crisp. Be sure to carefully flip the fish once during baking for even cooking.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of fish is best for this recipe?
You can use either cod or haddock fillets for the best results in this baked cornmeal dish.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) before baking the fish and potatoes.
How long does the fish and potato wedges take to cook?
The dish takes approximately 30 to 35 minutes to bake in a preheated oven.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
Why do I need to let the cornmeal batter sit for 10 minutes?
Letting the batter sit allows the milk to be fully absorbed by the cornmeal, resulting in a thicker and smoother consistency.
What kind of potatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for large Idaho potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch-thick wedges.
How do I ensure the batter sticks to the fish?
Dusting each seasoned fillet lightly with 2 tablespoons of cornmeal before dipping them into the batter helps it adhere better.
Can I substitute the white vinegar used for the potatoes?
Yes, you can use red wine vinegar as a substitute for white vinegar.
Is this a healthy alternative to traditional fish and chips?
Yes, this is a healthier baked version that is low in fat and tagged as weight watchers friendly.
What herbs are used in the cornmeal coating?
The coating is seasoned with dried basil, dried oregano, and lemon zest.
Should I flip the fish during baking?
Yes, you should carefully flip the fish once during the baking process to ensure even cooking.
How do I know when the fish is finished cooking?
The fish is done when it is flaky and tender, and the cornmeal coating has become slightly crisp.
What seasonings are added to the potato wedges?
The wedges are tossed with vinegar, salt, and black pepper before baking.
Is Old Bay Seasoning required?
Old Bay Seasoning is optional but adds a traditional seafood flavor to the batter.
What kind of milk is used for the batter?
The recipe specifies using skim milk for the cornmeal batter.
How much fish do I need for this recipe?
You will need 1.25 lbs of cod or haddock fillets.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
Yes, coat a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
What should I do with leftover batter?
Once the fillets are on the baking sheet, you can spoon any remaining batter on top of them.
How thick should the potato wedges be cut?
The potatoes should be cut into 1/2-inch-thick wedges for optimal roasting.
Does this recipe use fresh or dried herbs?
This recipe uses dried basil and dried oregano.
Is the lemon juice used in the recipe?
No, the recipe specifically uses freshly grated lemon zest rather than the juice.
What type of cornmeal is used for the batter?
The recipe requires 1.5 cups of uncooked yellow cornmeal.
Can I use red wine vinegar instead of white vinegar?
Yes, red wine vinegar is a listed alternative for the potato wedge seasoning.
Is the fish fried or baked?
This is a baked recipe, making it a lower-fat alternative to traditional deep-fried fish.
What total number of ingredients are required?
There are 15 ingredients used in this recipe, including seasonings and cooking spray.
How should I prepare the fish fillets before battering?
Season both sides with salt and pepper, then lightly dust them with cornmeal.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe makes 4 servings, though specific weight-based serving sizes are not provided.
What are the primary flavor profiles of the dish?
The dish features zesty citrus, savory herbs, and a tangy vinegar kick from the potatoes.
Is this recipe suitable for an easy weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner and takes about 35 minutes to bake.
What kind of salt is used for the potatoes?
The recipe suggests using table salt for the potato wedge seasoning.