Get ready to hook your taste buds! Crispy fried fish is a culinary delight that can be enjoyed at any time, whether it’s for a casual dinner or a special occasion. In this article, we’re diving into the world of 18 mouth-watering crispy fried fish recipes that will make your mouth water and your stomach rumble.
From classic Southern-style catfish to Asian-inspired sweet and sour flavors, our collection has something for every taste bud and cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting plate of fish ‘n’ chips or something more adventurous like spicy Korean-style fried fish, we’ve got you covered. So grab your apron, preheat your oil, and get ready to indulge in some finger-lickin’ good food!
Classic Southern Fried Catfish
Get ready to savor the crispy, golden goodness of this iconic Southern dish! This recipe is a staple in many Southern households and is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 catfish fillets (about 1 pound each)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each catfish fillet into the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in the flour mixture to coat.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
5. Fry the coated catfish fillets for 4-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
7. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as hushpuppies, coleslaw, and tartar sauce.
Cooking Time: About 12-15 minutes
Beer-Battered Fish and Chips
A classic British dish gets a refreshing twist with this beer-battered fish and chips recipe. A light, crispy batter infused with the flavors of beer pairs perfectly with tender fish and crunchy fries.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound whitefish fillets (cod or haddock work well)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 cup cold beer
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into fry shapes
– Lemon wedges and malt vinegar for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt.
3. Gradually add beer while whisking until smooth batter forms.
4. Dip fish fillets into batter, letting excess drip off.
5. Fry battered fish for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
6. Cut potatoes into fry shapes and fry in hot oil for 2-3 minutes or until crispy. Drain and season with salt.
7. Serve beer-battered fish with chips and a squeeze of lemon, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cajun Spiced Pan-Fried Tilapia
Get ready to taste the bold flavors of Louisiana with this easy and delicious recipe! Crispy on the outside, moist on the inside, this Cajun spiced tilapia is a perfect combination for any meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge tilapia fillets in the spice mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Add butter to the preheated skillet and swirl it around to coat the bottom.
5. Place the coated tilapia fillets in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with lemon wedges (if desired).
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Asian-Style Sweet and Sour Fried Fish
This sweet and sour fried fish recipe is a twist on the classic Chinese dish, with a crispy exterior giving way to tender, flavorful fish. The tangy and sweet sauce adds a depth of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 4 pieces of firm white fish (such as cod or tilapia), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
– 1 egg, beaten
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Sweet and sour sauce (see below)
Sweet and Sour Sauce:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons vinegar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. Dredge fish pieces in flour mixture (flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and white pepper), shaking off excess.
2. Dip floured fish in beaten egg, then coat with a thin layer of panko breadcrumbs.
3. Fry fish in hot oil until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Drain fish on paper towels and serve immediately with sweet and sour sauce.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Garlic Butter Fried Salmon
This recipe yields a mouthwatering and flavorful dish that combines the richness of salmon with the pungency of garlic and butter. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Garlic Butter Fried Salmon is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic and butter until well combined.
3. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
4. Place salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle garlic butter mixture evenly over the fish.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Crispy Coconut Shrimp with Mango Dipping Sauce
Elevate your appetizer game with this tropical twist on classic shrimp. Crispy coconut flakes and sweet mango dipping sauce make for a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Mango Dipping Sauce (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, coconut, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each shrimp into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
5. Drain on paper towels.
Mango Dipping Sauce:
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Juice of 1 lime
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine.
Golden Fried Cod with Tartar Sauce
Golden Fried Cod with Tartar Sauce Recipe
Get ready to enjoy a crispy, golden-fried cod dish paired with a creamy and tangy tartar sauce!
Ingredients:
– 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Tartar sauce ingredients:
+ 1/2 cup mayonnaise
+ 1/4 cup chopped pickles
+ 1 tbsp lemon juice
+ Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each cod fillet into the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in the flour mixture to coat.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry cod for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. While the cod is cooking, mix together tartar sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
7. Serve hot with tartar sauce.
Cooking Time: About 12-15 minutes
Spicy Korean Fried Fish with Gochujang Glaze
Get ready for a flavor bomb! This Spicy Korean Fried Fish recipe combines the crunch of fried fish with the spicy-sweetness of gochujang glaze.
Ingredients:
– 4 pieces of firm white fish (such as cod or tilapia), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Gochujang glaze (see below)
Gochujang Glaze:
– 2 tablespoons gochujang paste
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and Korean chili flakes.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate bowl.
3. Dredge fish pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip in buttermilk, and finally coat with flour mixture again.
4. Fry fish in hot oil until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Brush gochujang glaze on top of fried fish during the last minute of frying.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lemon Herb Pan-Fried Trout
Brighten up your dinner plate with this flavorful and aromatic lemon herb pan-fried trout recipe. With a burst of citrusy freshness and herbs, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 trout fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, dill, and garlic powder.
3. Place the trout fillets in the prepared pan, skin side down (if they have skin).
4. Brush the lemon herb mixture evenly onto both sides of the trout.
5. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and flaky.
6. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Crispy Fish Tacos with Chipotle Mayo
Elevate your taco game with this flavorful and crispy fish recipe, paired with a spicy chipotle mayo that will leave you hooked. This Mexican-inspired dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cod fillets, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 corn tortillas
– Chipotle mayo (see below)
– Sliced radishes, lime wedges, cilantro, and shredded lettuce for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, lime juice, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Coat fish pieces evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Place coated fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos by placing fish on tortillas, topping with chipotle mayo, radishes, lime wedges, cilantro, and lettuce.
Chipotle Mayo:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
– Salt to taste
Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Sesame-Crusted Fried Tuna Steaks
Experience the perfect blend of crispy exterior and tender interior with this easy-to-make Sesame-Crusted Fried Tuna Steaks recipe. Pan-fried to perfection, these tuna steaks are coated in a nutty sesame crust that adds depth and complexity to the dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 tuna steaks (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp sesame seeds
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, grated ginger, and soy sauce.
3. Dip each tuna steak into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the coated tuna steaks and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes total
Jamaican Escovitch Fried Fish
Get ready to savor a flavorful Caribbean delight with this classic Jamaican Escovitch Fried Fish recipe! This mouth-watering dish is a staple in many Jamaican households, and for good reason – the combination of crispy fried fish, tangy escovitch sauce, and bold spices is simply irresistible.
Ingredients:
– 4 pieces of firm white fish (such as snapper or tilapia), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Escovitch sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Chopped scallions and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each piece of fish into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry fish pieces until golden brown and crispy (about 3-4 minutes per side).
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with escovitch sauce spooned over the top.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions and lime wedges.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Cornmeal-Crusted Fried Perch
This recipe brings a Southern twist to pan-frying perch, adding a crispy cornmeal crust that complements the delicate fish flavor. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 perch fillets (about 6 oz each)
– 1 cup all-purpose cornmeal
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat a deep skillet or Dutch oven with about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together cornmeal, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each perch fillet into the cornmeal mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Fry the perch for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Cooking Time: About 8-10 minutes total frying time.
Panko-Fried Sea Bass with Lemon Aioli
Panko-Fried Sea Bass with Lemon Aioli: A delicate sea bass fillet coated in crispy Panko breadcrumbs and served with a tangy and creamy lemon aioli sauce. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 sea bass fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Lemon Aioli Sauce ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together Panko breadcrumbs, flour, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3. Dip each sea bass fillet in buttermilk, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated sea bass for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve with Lemon Aioli Sauce (mix all ingredients together in a bowl).
Cooking Time: About 12-15 minutes total.
Thai-Style Fried Whole Fish with Chili Sauce
This classic Thai dish is a flavorful and aromatic way to enjoy whole fish, crispy fried on the outside and tender on the inside. Served with a spicy chili sauce, it’s a treat for the senses.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole fish (such as tilapia or catfish), gutted and scaled
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Chili sauce ingredients: 2 cups chili peppers, 1 cup fish sauce, 1/2 cup lime juice, 1/4 cup palm sugar, 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. Cut the fish into a whole piece, including head and tail.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge the fish in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a wok or deep frying pan to 350°F.
5. Fry the fish for 5-7 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden brown.
6. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
7. To make chili sauce: Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
8. Serve fried fish with chili sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes (including frying time).
Crunchy Fish Fingers with Homemade Ketchup
Get ready to satisfy your fish finger cravings with a delicious twist – crunchy on the outside and flaky on the inside. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat.
Ingredients:
– 400g cod fillet, cut into finger shapes
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/4 cup milk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Homemade ketchup (recipe below)
– Lemon wedges and chopped parsley for serving
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, panko breadcrumbs, and a pinch of salt.
2. Dip each fish finger into the beaten egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Heat about 5cm (2 inches) of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
4. Fry the coated fish fingers for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy.
5. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
Homemade Ketchup:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl, whisking until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Indian Spiced Fried Mackerel
Experience the bold flavors of India with this aromatic fried mackerel recipe, where spices and heat come together to create a mouthwatering treat.
Ingredients:
• 4 mackerel fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp garam masala powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together flour, garam masala, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper.
2. Pour the mixture into the buttermilk and stir until smooth.
3. Dip each mackerel fillet into the marinade, coating evenly.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the mackerel for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Remove from oil and drain excess oil.
7. Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Quick and Easy Fried Sardines with Garlic
Get a delicious and flavorful meal on the table in no time with this simple recipe! Sardines are packed with omega-3s, protein, and flavor, making them an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of sardines (drained and rinsed)
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the sardines to the skillet, spreading them out in an even layer.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the sardines are crispy and golden brown.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, with lemon wedges optional.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a world of crispy, golden-brown goodness with these 18 mouth-watering fried fish recipes. From classic Southern-style catfish to spicy Korean-fried fish and everything in between, there’s something for every occasion. Whether you’re craving sweet and sour flavors, garlic butter richness, or a tangy tartar sauce, this collection has got you covered. With a range of cooking methods and spices from around the world, these recipes are sure to satisfy your fried fish cravings.
