Are you ready to transform ordinary fish into a crispy, mouth-watering delicacy that will have everyone begging for seconds? This Basic Deep Fried Fish in Pieces recipe is your ticket to culinary magic, promising restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen. Whether you're a seafood lover or looking to impress your family with a quick and delicious meal, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that's surprisingly simple to prepare!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fish fillets (cod, tilapia, etc.)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your workspace. Gather all ingredients: 1 pound of fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia), 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 2 cups of vegetable oil for frying. Ensure you have a large plate or tray lined with paper towels to drain the fried fish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and paprika. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispy coating when frying.
- Cut the fish fillets into bite-sized pieces, approximately 2 to 3 inches in size. This will help them cook evenly and make them easier to handle.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is ready, you can drop a small amount of the flour mixture into the oil. If it sizzles and bubbles, the oil is hot enough for frying.
- While the oil is heating, coat each piece of fish in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure to cover all sides of the fish evenly, shaking off any excess flour.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated fish pieces to the oil in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy fish. Fry the fish for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Using a slotted spoon or tongs, remove the fried fish from the oil and place them on the prepared plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Repeat the frying process with any remaining fish pieces, ensuring the oil temperature remains consistent.
- Once all the fish is fried, serve immediately while hot. You can accompany it with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your delicious, homemade deep-fried fish!
Tips
- Pat the fish completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent oil splattering.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature around 375°F for the perfect golden-brown exterior.
- Don't overcrowd the pan - fry in batches to keep the oil temperature consistent and prevent soggy fish.
- Choose firm white fish like cod or tilapia that hold their shape well during frying.
- Let the fish rest on paper towels after frying to absorb excess oil and maintain the crispy texture.
- Season your flour mixture generously for extra flavor - feel free to experiment with additional spices like garlic powder or cayenne pepper.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture - crispy fish waits for no one!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg
