Golden Crunch Oven-Fried Fish
Indulge in this deliciously crispy oven-fried fish that's sure to tantalize your taste buds. Despite being oven-fried, this dish boasts a rich and satisfying flavor, ideally complemented by the distinct crunch in every bite. The perfect balance of seasonings elevates the dish, making each mouthful delectable. This recipe is adapted from the March 2008 issue of recipes+ magazine and is ideal for those seeking a quick and delightful meal under 30 minutes.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooking oil or olive oil
2 cups
soft stale bread crumbs
1 cup
parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (finely grated)
dried oregano leaves
2 teaspoons
plain flour
1/2 cup
eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
white fish fillets
4
lemon
1 (to serve)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2
2. On a large plate, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and dried oregano. Place the flour in a separate shallow bowl and beat the eggs lightly in another bowl.
3
3. Take each fish fillet and dust it with flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the floured fish into the beaten egg, ensuring it's coated lightly, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly. Repeat this process for all fillets.
4
4. Place the breaded fish on a clean plate, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 15 minutes to help the coating adhere.
5
5. As the fish chills, pour the oil into a large roasting pan and place it in the oven. Allow the oil to heat until a cube of bread dropped into it browns in 20 seconds, indicating the right temperature.
6
6. Carefully remove the pan from the oven and gently place the prepared fish fillets into the hot oil.
7
7. Return the pan to the oven and bake the fish for approximately 3 minutes on one side, then carefully flip the fillets and bake for an additional 3-4 minutes or until golden brown.
8
8. Remove the pan from the oven and drain the fish on paper towels to remove excess oil.
9
9. Serve the golden crunchy fish with a fresh salad and lemon wedges for squeezing over.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Golden Crunch Oven-Fried Fish?
It is a crispy, flavorful seafood dish that uses a breadcrumb and parmesan coating to achieve a deep-fried texture in the oven.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe is designed to be completed in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick meal.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 180°C (350°F) before cooking.
What type of fish should I use?
The recipe calls for four white fish fillets, such as cod, tilapia, or snapper.
What kind of oil is best for this dish?
You can use either standard cooking oil or olive oil for the roasting pan.
Why is parmesan cheese included in the breading?
Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory flavor and contributes to the distinct crunchy texture of the crust.
Why must the fish be refrigerated for 15 minutes?
Refrigerating the breaded fillets helps the coating adhere more effectively to the fish before cooking.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough for the fish?
Drop a small cube of bread into the oil; if it browns in 20 seconds, the oil is ready.
How long do I cook the fish on the first side?
The fish fillets should bake for approximately 3 minutes on the first side.
How long do I cook the fish on the second side?
After flipping, bake the fish for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve the golden fish with a fresh salad and lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
How do I prevent the breading from falling off?
Ensure you dust the fish in flour and shake off excess before dipping in egg and pressing firmly into the breadcrumbs.
Can I substitute the dried oregano?
Yes, you can substitute dried oregano with dried basil or thyme depending on your flavor preference.
How do I remove excess oil from the cooked fish?
Drain the fillets on paper towels immediately after removing them from the roasting pan.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the purpose of the flour in this recipe?
The flour creates a dry surface on the fish, which helps the egg wash and breadcrumbs stick better.
Can I use frozen fish fillets?
Yes, but ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry with paper towels before breading.
How do I make soft stale bread crumbs?
You can pulse day-old bread in a food processor until you reach a coarse crumb consistency.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the plain flour and breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free alternatives.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, its mild flavor and crunchy texture are typically very appealing to kids.
How much oil is needed for the roasting pan?
The recipe requires 2 cups of cooking oil or olive oil for the roasting process.
What does the lemon wedge add to the dish?
Fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness of the fried coating and brightens the flavor of the fish.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Pecorino Romano or another hard, salty cheese can be used as a substitute for parmesan.
Should the fish fillets be skinless?
For the best texture and even breading, it is recommended to use skinless fillets.
What happens if the oil isn't hot enough?
The breading may absorb too much oil and become soggy rather than crispy.
Can I add extra spices to the breading?
Absolutely; garlic powder or paprika can be added to the breadcrumb mixture for extra zest.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
Is this dish healthier than deep-frying?
Yes, oven-frying generally uses less oil absorption than traditional deep-frying.
Where did this recipe originate?
This specific version is adapted from the March 2008 issue of recipes+ magazine.
Can I use lemon juice from a bottle?
While possible, fresh lemon wedges provide a superior, bright flavor to the finished fish.