Southern Fried Fish

Serving Tray of Fried Fish

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What makes southern fried fish different from any other? It’s the cornmeal base for the breading.  Traditional for fried catfish, this breading works well with just about any fish that you would fry.  The key to this recipe (or any fried food) is to maintain the oil temps between 300-350 during the cooking process. 

Recipe

Serves: 2-4     Prep Time: 30 min.     Cook Time: 15 min.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. boneless fish fillets
  • Dry breading mix (You can use a ready-made mix like Lousiana Fish Fry New Orleans Style or you can follow the recipe below).
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 1 egg

Dry Breading Mix 

  • 1 cup of cornflour or cornmeal
  • 1 tbsp. cajun/creole seasoning

Directions

Prepare the fillets by ensuring all bones have been removed.   Leaving the skin on is optional, but I prefer it removed.  If using large fillets (like walleye), cut them into serving sized pieces. Pat fish dry. 

In a bowl, whisk 1 egg with a cup of milk.   In a separate bowl, combine the seasoning with the cornflour/cornmeal.  

Fill a cast iron skillet or deep fryer with enough peanut oil to fry.  For cast iron, 1/2″ of oil does the trick.  For a deep fryer,  follow the directions for your fryer for appropriate fill level.  Pre-heat the oil to 350 degrees.  It is important not to heat above this as the oil will begin to breakdown. This will cause an off-taste in the fish as well as put bad chemicals into your body.

Dip each piece of fish in the egg/milk mixture, then in the dry corn flour mixture.  Place in the hot oil.

Fry the fish in small enough batches so that the oil temp doesn’t drop below 300.  If the temp drops much below this, the fillets will start to soak up the oil.  

Fry each batch until golden brown.  As long as the oil temp stays in range, this should only take 3-4 minutes in a deep fryer and 2-3 minutes per side in a frying pan.  

Remove the fillets to a paper towel lined plate to remove the excess oil.  Lightly salt immediately so the salt will stick. 

As long as you didn’t burn the cooking oil it can be filtered and reused.