Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy dinner? Look no further! This recipe for crispy fried cod fillets is perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend meal. Forget complicated cooking techniques – this recipe is incredibly straightforward, even for beginner cooks, and delivers restaurant-quality results in minutes. Prepare to be amazed by how simple it is to create a truly satisfying and flavorful homemade meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin on or off
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk (buttermilk adds extra tenderness)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cod
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a crispy crust. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Create the Breading Station
In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. In a separate shallow dish, pour the milk or buttermilk.
Step 3: Bread the Cod
Dip each cod fillet into the milk mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dredge the fillet in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breading adheres well. Repeat this process for a double-breading, resulting in extra crispy fillets.
Step 4: Fry the Cod
Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small pinch of flour dropped into it sizzles immediately. Carefully place the cod fillets in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Remove the cod fillets from the skillet and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as lemon wedges, tartar sauce, coleslaw, or french fries.
Cooking Tips for the Best Fried Cod:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy fillets instead of crispy ones. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Maintain oil temperature: Keep a close eye on the oil temperature. If it gets too low, the cod will absorb more oil.
- Use a thermometer: A cooking thermometer ensures the cod is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings! Cayenne pepper, Old Bay seasoning, or Italian herbs can add exciting flavor variations.
Variations:
- Spicy Fried Cod: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Lemon-Herb Fried Cod: Add some lemon zest and chopped fresh herbs (like parsley, dill, or thyme) to the flour mixture for a brighter, more herbaceous flavor.
- Panko-Crusted Cod: Replace the all-purpose flour with panko bread crumbs for an extra-crispy crust.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on a serving size of one cod fillet and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
This easy fried cod fillet recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner. It’s a delicious, satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. Enjoy!