Crispy Southern-Style Fried Fish

🍽️ Crispy Southern-Style Fried Fish

🐟 Ingredients:

• 4 fish fillets (tilapia, whiting, or catfish)
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk)
• Oil for frying

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prepare the fish:
   Rinse the fish fillets and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Make the coating:
   In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
3. Wet mixture:
   In another bowl, whisk the egg with buttermilk.
4. Coat the fish:
   Dip each fillet into the wet mixture, then coat well in the cornmeal mixture. Press gently so it sticks.
5. Heat the oil:
   Heat oil in a deep pan to about 175°C (350°F).
6. Fry:
   Fry fish for 4–6 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain:
   Remove and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
8. Serve:
   Serve hot with lemon wedges, fries, or salad.

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💡 Tips:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying.
• For extra crunch, double-coat the fish.
• Add a bit of hot sauce to the wet mix for more flavor.

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📊 Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4