15 Southern Style Fried Fish Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 20, 2024
Southern style fried fish is a classic dish that is beloved by many, especially in the southern United States. The crispy and flavorful coating paired with tender and juicy fish is a winning combination that is sure to satisfy any seafood lover's cravings. While there are many variations of this recipe, the following is a tried and true method for creating the perfect southern style fried fish.
This classic Southern dish is a must-try for any seafood lover. The crispy coating and juicy, tender fish inside make for a perfect combination of flavors and textures. Serve it with a side of hush puppies and coleslaw for the ultimate Southern meal.
Catfish is a staple in Southern cuisine, and for good reason. This fish is perfect for frying, with its firm texture and mild, slightly sweet taste. Coated in a seasoned cornmeal mixture and fried to perfection, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
For a twist on the classic fried fish, try these salmon patties. They are made with canned salmon, making them a budget-friendly option. The patties are seasoned with herbs and spices and fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Take your fish to the next level by turning it into a delicious sandwich. A crispy fillet of fish is placed between two soft buns and topped with lettuce, tomato, and a homemade tartar sauce. It's a quick and easy meal that will satisfy any hunger.
5of 20
Spicy Southern Fried Catfish
Main Ingredients: Catfish, Self Rising Flour, Yellow Cornmeal, Hot Sauce
If you like a little heat in your food, this recipe is for you. The catfish fillets are coated in a spicy seasoning mixture before being fried to perfection. Serve with a side of creamy coleslaw to cool down your taste buds.
This simple and easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The fish is lightly seasoned and pan-fried in butter until golden brown. Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice and a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
This classic Southern dish is made with a simple cornmeal coating and fried until crispy. The catfish fillets are tender and flaky, while the coating adds a delicious crunch. Serve with a side of fries and a cold glass of sweet tea.
8of 20
Southern Fried Whiting Fish
Main Ingredients: Whiting Fillets, All Purpose Flour, Lemon Pepper, Salt
Whiting fish is a mild and delicate fish that is perfect for frying. The fillets are coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried until crispy and golden brown. Serve with a side of mac and cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal.
9of 20
Southern Fried Fish Nuggets
Main Ingredients: Cod Fillets, Salt, Seafood Breader, Vegetable Oil
These bite-sized fish nuggets are perfect for kids or anyone who loves finger food. The fish is cut into small pieces, coated in a seasoned batter, and fried until golden and crispy. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a fun and tasty meal.
10of 20
Cajun Fried Catfish
Main Ingredients: Catfish Fillets, Buttermilk, Vegetable Oil, Cornmeal
Cajun seasoning adds a flavorful kick to this fried catfish dish. The fillets are coated in a spicy mixture of herbs and spices and fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve with a side of dirty rice for a complete meal.
These salmon patties are a great way to use up leftover cooked salmon. They are seasoned with herbs and spices and fried until crispy and golden brown. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans for a comforting and delicious meal.
This recipe takes fried catfish to the next level with a crispy, crunchy coating. The fillets are dipped in a batter made with cornmeal and spices and fried until golden and crispy. Serve with a side of collard greens for a traditional Southern meal.
13of 20
Southern Style Golden Fried Fish
Main Ingredients: Filets, Buttermilk, Self Rising Flour, White Cornmeal
This classic Southern recipe is simple but delicious. The fish is coated in a mixture of flour, cornmeal, and spices and fried until golden and crispy. Serve with a side of hush puppies and tartar sauce for a true taste of the South.
14of 20
Southern-Fried Fish and Chips
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Vegetable Oil, Kosher Salt, Whole Milk
Fish and chips is a popular dish in the Southern United States, and for good reason. The fish is coated in a seasoned batter and fried until crispy, then served with a side of fries. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.
15of 20
Southern-Style Corn Meal Fried Catfish
Main Ingredients: Crisco Pure Vegetable Oil, Catfish Fillets, White Lily R
This recipe uses cornmeal to give the catfish a crispy and flavorful coating. The fillets are seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices and fried until golden and crunchy. Serve with a side of coleslaw and hush puppies for a complete meal.
This classic Southern dish is a must-try for any seafood lover. The crispy coating and juicy, tender fish inside make for a perfect combination of flavors and textures. Serve it with a side of hush puppies and coleslaw for the ultimate Southern meal.
17of 20
Classic Fried Catfish
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Hot Sauce, Catfish Fillets, Canola Oil
This simple and traditional recipe is a Southern favorite. The catfish fillets are coated in a seasoned cornmeal mixture and fried until crispy and golden brown. Serve with a side of collard greens and cornbread for a classic Southern meal.
18of 20
Fried Green Tomatoes
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Eggs, Water, Fish, Green Tomatoes, Salt
Fried green tomatoes are a popular Southern side dish that is made by dipping slices of unripe tomatoes in a batter and frying them until golden and crispy. Serve with a side of remoulade sauce for a delicious and unique appetizer or side dish.
19of 20
Fried Crawfish Salad
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Fish, Crawfish, Salad Greens, Tomato
This Southern twist on a classic salad is made with crispy fried crawfish tails. The salad is full of fresh vegetables and topped with a tangy dressing, making it a light and refreshing meal option. Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
For a show-stopping dish, try frying a whole catfish. The fish is coated in a seasoned batter and fried until crispy and golden brown. Serve with a side of red beans and rice for a true taste of the South.
Choosing the Right Fish
Freshness
When it comes to making the best southern style fried fish, the first step is to choose the right type of fish. Freshness is key in achieving the best flavor and texture. Look for fish that is firm to the touch and has a mild smell. Avoid any fish that has a strong, fishy odor as this is a sign of spoilage.
Type of Fish
While any type of white fish will work for this recipe, some popular choices include catfish, tilapia, and cod. These fish have a mild flavor that pairs well with the traditional southern style seasoning and batter. However, feel free to experiment with different types of fish to find your personal favorite.
Creating the Perfect Batter
Cornmeal vs. Flour
One of the key elements of southern style fried fish is the crispy coating. This is achieved by using a batter made with either cornmeal or flour. Cornmeal creates a coarser and crunchier coating, while flour creates a lighter and flakier one. You can also use a combination of both for the best of both worlds.
Seasoning
The seasoning for the batter is what gives southern style fried fish its distinct flavor. A classic blend of salt, pepper, and cayenne is commonly used, but you can also add in other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for added depth of flavor.
The Frying Process
Oil Choice
To achieve the perfect golden brown and crispy coating, it is important to use the right type of oil for frying. Peanut oil or vegetable oil are both great options as they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor, allowing the flavor of the fish and seasoning to shine through.
Frying Temperature
Maintaining the right frying temperature is crucial in order to achieve the perfect southern style fried fish. The oil should be heated to 375°F for best results. Using a thermometer can help ensure the oil stays at the right temperature throughout the frying process.
With these tips and techniques, you can create your own delicious southern style fried fish that is sure to impress. Serve it up with some hush puppies, coleslaw, and a side of tartar sauce for a true southern meal experience. Enjoy!