Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Crispy Exterior, Tender Interior: The contrast between the crunchy coating and the moist, flaky cod creates a harmonious texture that is both satisfying and delectable.
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Flavorful Seasoning: A blend of spices infuses the fish with a savory depth, enhancing its natural flavors without overpowering them.
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Versatile Pairing Options: This fried cod pairs wonderfully with various sides, from classic fries to fresh salads, allowing for a customizable meal experience.
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Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is accessible even for novice cooks aiming to impress.
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 pieces of fresh cod fillets (about 2 to 2.5 pounds), skinless and boneless
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal (for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika will add a lovely depth)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for heat)
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for an herby touch)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk (any kind will work)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for a hint of tang)
- Vegetable oil or canola oil (for frying, enough to fill the skillet or fryer to a depth of about ½ inch)
- Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
- Tartar sauce (homemade or store-bought, for serving, optional)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the Cod Fillets: Rinse the cod fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
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Set Up the Breading Station:
- In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and dried parsley. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the spices.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
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Bread the Cod Fillets:
- Dredge each seasoned cod fillet in the flour mixture, ensuring a light, even coating. Shake off any excess.
- Dip the floured fillet into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl.
- Return the fillet to the flour mixture for a second coating, pressing gently to adhere the breading.
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Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, pour enough oil to reach a depth of about ½ inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), or until a small piece of breading sizzles upon contact.
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Fry the Cod Fillets:
- Carefully place the breaded cod fillets into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fillets from the oil, placing them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
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Serve Immediately: Transfer the fried cod to a serving platter. Garnish with lemon wedges and serve with tartar sauce on the side, if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8 to 10 servings.
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Preparation Time: Around 20 minutes.
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Cooking Time: Approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
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Total Time: About 30 to 35 minutes.
Variations
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Herb-Infused Breading: Incorporate finely chopped fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, or chives into the breading mixture for an aromatic twist.
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Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture to elevate the heat level.
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Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the cornmeal is certified gluten-free.
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Alternative Fish: This recipe works well with other white fish varieties like haddock, pollock, or tilapia.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Place any leftover fried cod in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
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Reheating:
- Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the fish on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
- Air Fryer Method: Set the air fryer to 350
Print
Fried Cod Fish Recipe with Crispy Golden Crust
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 Servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in the perfect balance of crunch and tenderness with this Fried Cod Fish recipe! Featuring a golden, crispy crust and flaky, flavorful cod, this dish is a seafood lover’s dream. Easy to prepare and seasoned to perfection, it pairs well with fries, fresh salads, or coleslaw for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 cod fillets (2 to 2.5 lbs), skinless & boneless
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal (for extra crunch)
- 1 tsp paprika (or smoked paprika)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp dried parsley (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
- Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
- Tartar sauce (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cod – Rinse fillets under cold water, pat dry, and season with salt and black pepper.
- Set Up Breading Station:
- Mix flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and parsley in a shallow dish.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and Dijon mustard.
- Bread the Cod:
- Coat each fillet in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture.
- Return to the flour mixture, pressing gently for a firm coating.
- Heat the Oil – Pour oil into a skillet (½-inch depth) and heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Cod:
- Fry fillets for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and flaky.
- Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve Immediately – Garnish with lemon wedges and serve with tartar sauce.
Notes
- Extra Crispy Texture – Double-coating the fillets enhances the crunch.
- Spice it Up – Add more cayenne or mix hot sauce into the egg mixture.
- Alternative Fish – Swap cod for haddock, pollock, or tilapia.
- Prep Time: 20minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
