Pan Fried Fish Recipe
Pan fried fish is one of the ideal dinner ideas with fish. It has a crisp, golden-brown crust that’s perfectly seasoned and reveals tender, juicy, and flavorful flesh when you bite into it. This dish comes together in under 8 minutes. Mashed potato, Toum sauce, and roasted potatoes are a few sides to serve with fried fish.
Pan Fried Fish Fillet
I live in the United Arab Emirates. People here used to depend on fishing and diving for pearls, so it’s only natural for me to enjoy cooking and eating fish. When I was little, my mom used to season and fry whole fish, but handling fish fillets was more convenient for me.
In this recipe, you can use skin-on or skinless fish fillets. I will also share how to prevent the fish from sticking to the pan while frying. You don’t have to know the exact oil temperature to fry fish; I will teach you an easier way to know when it is done. Since you are here and like cooking fish, why not try my Baked salmon recipe? It’s easy and yummy!
Why You’ll Love Pan Fried Fish
- Crispy Crust: The golden crust that forms when pan-frying fish is irresistible, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.
- Tender Flesh: Pan-fried fish retains a moist and tender interior, allowing you to enjoy all the flavors.
- Quick to Cook: This speedy dinner option takes less than 8 minutes to cook and is ideal for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Flavors: You can change the seasonings and herbs to suit your taste, allowing you to enjoy endless variations.
- Better Option: Compared to deep-frying, pan-frying uses less oil, making it a better cooking method.
How to Cook Fish Fillet in a Cast Iron
Usually, I take the easy way and use a non-stick pan, but the best frying pan for fish is cast iron, which is better than a regular heavy pan or a non-stick one.
Heat well to prevent the fish fillet from sticking to the pan, stainless steel, or cast iron. When you sprinkle a little water on the pan or cast iron, the water should sizzle and disappear.
Next, add the oil; if it’s hot, add the fish. You don’t have to move it for the first minute or two since it’s going to stick. Leave it in the pan to form a golden crust, and then it will be easy to flip it without it sticking. Cook the other side until golden, and you are done.
Best White Fish Fillet for Frying
You will need a firm fish that will hold well when frying. I always use catfish, but you can also use cod, bass, tilapia, or haddock.
Ingredients to Make Fried Fish
- Fish Fillet: If you can get fresh fish, that will be great, but frozen will do. I have used medium-sized fish, but cooking time varies depending on size. Cook the fish a little more if it’s thick and less if it’s thin.
- Spices: Paprika, onion and garlic powder, black pepper, and salt, plus Italian seasoning.
- All-purpose flour: Coating the fish with flour will give it that beautiful color and crust.
- Butter and olive oil: I have used these two fats together when frying the fish to add more flavor.
How to Make Pan Fried Fish
Step 1
Pat the fish dry.
Step 2
In a small bowl, mix the spices and rub both sides of the fish with it.
Step 3
Coat both sides of the fillet with flour.
Step 4
Heat the pan, add butter and olive oil.
Step 5
Fry the fish on one side for three minutes.
Step 6
Flip the fish and cook the other side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use rice flour or cornmeal to coat the fish.
There are two ways: in the oven or the air fryer. Do not heat the fish in the microwave because the crust might turn chewy.
If you are using a thermometer, the internal temperature should read 145 degrees. The old-school way is to gently press the fish to see if the juices flow. If so, it should cook for a tad bit more.
Related Recipes
- Pan Seared Salmon with Sauce.
- Southern Cornbread.
- Southern Biscuits.
- Corn on the Cob.
- Macaroni and Cheese.
- Tahini Sauce Recipe.
- Southern Potato Salad Recipe.
⭐ PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW
If you have tried my pan fried fish recipe and liked it, please give it a 5-star rating and leave a comment below about your experience!
Pan Fried Fish Easy Dinner Idea
Ingredients
- 2 white fish fillets, 150 grams each, cod, bass, tilapia, or haddock.
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
TO COAT THE FISH
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
TO FRY
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Pat the fish dry on both sides with a paper towel. Frozen fish will release more water, so make sure it is dry.
- Mix the spices well and rub both sides of the fish.
- Coat the fish on both sides with flour, pressing it down firmly. Gently shake to remove excess flour.
- Heat the cast iron or the pan you are using on medium-high heat. When splashing the pan with drops of water makes it sizzle and evaporate quickly, add the olive oil and butter.
- Add the fish and cook for 2 to 3 minutes depending how thick is the fish. until golden flip the fillet. Cook the other side for 2 minutes until it's done.
- Serve the fish immidiatly or the crust will get soft.
Notes
- Use firm fish fillets like cod, bass, tilapia, haddock, or catfish.
- Pat the fish dry before seasoning; it helps the fish get that golden crust you’ll love.
- If you fry in batches, give the oil one minute to reach the desired temperature again, then proceed with cooking the next batch.
- Don’t move the fish after placing it in the pan until a minute or two has passed.
- Cast iron is the best pan for frying the fish, but you can make this recipe using stainless steel or a non-stick pan.
- Place the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 days.
- To freeze, follow the previous step, but freeze the fish for two months.
- When reheating the fish, use the oven or an air fryer.
We thoroughly enjoyed this recipe. We used the frozen flounder pieces you get from a large bag in the seafood freezer section. Thawed them for 30mins. Fried ours in an electric roaster/fryer. I honestly would not change a thing. This recipe is definitely a keeper. Thank You.
Thought I’d also mention..
I got this recipe from the Super Cook App
Hi Teresa, Thanks a lot for your kind words. I’m happy that you and your family enjoyed it.