Craving a taste of that crispy, flaky fish you remember from Luby's Cafeteria? This recipe brings those delicious memories home, offering a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking that's both easy and impressive, resulting in a truly delicious dish. This isn't just another fish recipe; it's a journey back to classic comfort food, made easy. Get ready to be amazed by how simple it is to recreate this beloved classic!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cod fillets, or your favorite firm white fish (such as tilapia or haddock)
- 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:
Getting Started: Prepare Your Fish
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures a beautifully crisp crust.
- Cut the fish fillets into smaller, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
The Breading Process: Achieving that Perfect Crunch
- 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.
- Dip each piece of fish into the milk mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
- Then, dredge the fish in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well. Make sure all the fish pieces are fully coated.
Frying the Fish: The Golden Rule
- Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a pinch of flour sizzles immediately.
- Carefully place the breaded fish pieces in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy fish.
- Fry for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The fish is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork.
Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Meal
- Remove the fish from the skillet and place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides – coleslaw, tartar sauce, french fries, hushpuppies, or a simple side salad are all excellent choices.
Cooking Tips for Fish Fry Perfection:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: This is vital for achieving that perfect crispiness. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Adjust cooking time: Thicker fish pieces may require a slightly longer cooking time. Always ensure the fish is cooked through.
- Maintain oil temperature: If the oil starts to cool down, the fish will absorb more oil and become greasy.
Variations: Spice it Up!
- Spicy Fish Fry: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Herb Fish Fry: Add some lemon zest and dried herbs (such as oregano or thyme) to the flour mixture for a brighter flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of the fish and the amount of oil used. For a 4-ounce serving of cod:
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 10-15g
This easy Luby's-inspired fish recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It's a delicious, satisfying, and surprisingly simple dish that the whole family will enjoy. Give it a try and experience the taste of classic comfort food, made fresh in your own kitchen.