Craving that crispy, golden-fried fish you love from Golden Corral, but don't want to leave the house? This recipe brings the restaurant's famous flavor right to your kitchen! It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and delivers a delicious, healthy meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun family gathering. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple yet satisfying recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cod fillets, or your favorite white fish (such as tilapia or haddock) cut into 4-inch pieces.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or enough for shallow frying)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the breading adhere better and ensures a crispier result.
Step 2: Make the Breading Mixture
In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 3: Bread the Fish
Dip each fish fillet into the milk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres completely.
Step 4: Fry the Fish
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot (a pinch of flour should sizzle immediately), carefully place the breaded fish fillets in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd it. 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 fried fish from the skillet and place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, french fries, or hushpuppies.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Fried Fish:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy fish. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Maintain consistent oil temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays at the right temperature throughout the frying process.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile. Cayenne pepper adds a nice kick!
- Fresh is best: Using fresh fish will definitely enhance the taste and texture of your dish.
Variations:
- Spicy Fish: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the breading mixture for a spicier kick.
- Lemon Herb Fish: Add some lemon zest and chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the breading for a brighter, more aromatic flavor.
- Cornmeal Breading: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with cornmeal for a slightly coarser, more textured crust.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of the fish fillets and the amount of oil used. However, a general estimate for one 4-ounce serving is:
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Around 25-30g
- Fat: Around 10-15g
This Golden Corral-inspired fried fish recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and easy recipes, perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas. It showcases the simplicity of homemade cooking while delivering a restaurant-quality taste. Enjoy!