Fish Fry Recipe: 3 Unique way to Master the Crispy Delights

Do you want a delicious and crispy fish fry that will make your taste buds dance? Look no further! I will unveil the secrets to mastering the perfect fish fry recipe that will leave you and your guests wanting more.

This fish fries are marinated and shallow fried until tender and crisp.

You may use double coating technique for a great fry, but I used only single marination for this dish. The beautiful thing about this recipe is that it only requires basic frying ingredients, which I am sure you must be having in your pantry.

Note: In double coating technique, first marination is used for the absorption of spices and flavors while the second coating to give crispiness to fish.

Why fish fry is a popular dish

Fish fry has long been a beloved dish around the world, and for good reason. The combination of a crispy coating and tender, flaky fish creates a delectable contrast of textures that is hard to resist. The flavors of the marinade and seasoning infuse into the fish, enhancing its natural taste and making each bite a burst of delight.

Furthermore, fish fry is a versatile dish that may be eaten as a main course, a snack, or even a sandwich filling. Fish fry is popular across civilizations, with variations seen in cuisines ranging from the Mediterranean to Asia. So, whether you want to make a traditional fish fry or put your own unique twist on it, you’re likely to discover a style that appeals to your taste buds.

Ingredients

To achieve the perfect fish fry, it’s important to start with the right ingredients.

Fresh fish – The foundation of any great fish fry is, of course, the fish itself. Try to get fresh, high-quality fish that is firm and odorless. The type of fish you choose will indeed depend on your personal preference and availability, but popular options include Rohu, Katla, and tilapia. Remember, the fresher the fish, the better the flavor. I am using Rohu fish for this dish, feel free to select what you like.

Seasonings and marinade – A well-seasoned fish fry is what sets it apart from the ordinary one. Create a flavorful marinade by combining mustard oil and spices such as paprika, turmeric powder, and salt. Marinate the fish for 30-45 minutes so that all the pieces absorb the flavors of spices evenly.

Now let’s move on to the step-by-step process on how to prepare the perfect fish fry.

How to make the perfect fish fry

Prep the fish – Start by cleaning and patting dry the fish fillets/pieces. This removes any excess moisture and allows the marinade to adhere better.

Pro tip: Cut the fish into manageable pieces, ensuring they are of similar thickness for even cooking.

Marinate the fish – In a medium to large bowl (depending upon fish quantity), place the fish pieces and add in spices such as turmeric powder, red chilli powder, fish fry masala – (optional) and salt to taste. Add mustard oil to the bowl and mix well to create a marinade. Cover the mixture with a lid and keep the marinate aside for 30-45 minutes.

Fry the fish – Heat oil in a deep-frying pan or kadai over medium heat. The amount of oil should be sufficient to cover the fish halfway. Now, place the marinated fish into the hot oil, being careful not to fill up the pan completely. Cook the fish for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a spoon or tongs to flip the fish fillets. When the fish is fried perfectly, place fish pieces on paper towels to drain any extra oil.

Time to serve – Once all the fish pieces are cooked, it’s time to serve and enjoy your delightful fish fry. Arrange the fish on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges (optional though). Pair your fish fry with a bowl of fresh green salad.

Tips to choose the right type of fish for frying

When it comes to choosing the right fish for frying, there are a few factors to consider.

Firstly, opt for fish with firm flesh that will hold up well during the frying process.

Secondly, take into account the flavor profile of the fish. Some fish, such as catfish, have a stronger taste that pairs well with bold seasonings, while others, like rohu, have a sweet and milder flavor that allows the marinade and coating to shine.

Techniques for achieving a crispy coating

Although, I used single coating before frying but if you like your fish fries crispier and well coated, here are some techniques to achieve an extra-crispy coating:

Double coating: After dipping the fish in the coating mixture, dip it again in a beaten egg before applying a second layer of the coating mixture. This double coating creates a thicker and crunchier crust.

Use breadcrumbs for coating: Use breadcrumbs for an even crunchier texture. Breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier, creating an airy coating that adds a delightful crunch to your fish fry.

Deep-frying vs. shallow-frying: While deep-frying is the traditional method for cooking fish fry, you can also achieve a crispy coating with shallow-frying. Shallow-frying requires less oil comparatively and can be done in a skillet or frying pan. The key is to ensure that the oil is hot enough and that you turn the fish time-to-time while cooking to achieve an even crispness.

Sides and accompaniments

Pair your fish fry with sides and accompaniments that complement its flavors to make a complete and pleasant meal. A few ideas are:

Crispy french fries: What better way to complement a fish fry than with a side of crispy french fries? The combination of crunchy fries and delicate fish works well.

Fresh green salad: A fresh green salad will help to balance off the richness of the fish fry. Combine tomatoes, cucumber and lemon slices in a salad bowl. The brilliant colors and mild flavors will go wonderfully with the fish fry.

Healthier alternatives to traditional frying methods

Consider the following cooking techniques as a healthy alternative to standard fish frying methods:

Grilling: Take your fish fry outdoors and grill it to perfection. Brush the coated fish with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking and place it on a preheated grill. Cook for a few minutes on each side until the coating is crispy and the fish is done.

Air frying: A kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food. Air frying requires little to no oil, resulting in a healthier version of your favorite fish fry.

Baking: Preheat your oven to a high temperature and bake the fish for approximately 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy. This method uses less oil while still producing a pleasing crunch.

FAQ

Why my fish turning out greasy?

If your fish fry turns out greasy, it could be because the oil was not hot enough and the fish absorbed extra oil, resulting in a greasy texture. Make sure the oil is at the optimum temperature before adding the fish, and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper frying.

Why is my fish stuck to the pan?

To avoid the fish from sticking to the pan while frying, make sure the oil is heated enough before adding the fish. A hot pan forms a barrier between the fish and the surface, which prevents it from sticking. You could alternatively use a nonstick pan or coat it with a little layer of oil before cooking.

Why does coating not stick to the fish properly?

If the coating does not stick well to the fish, it could be due to excess moisture on the fish or to the thin/runny marination. Ensure that the fish is thoroughly dried before coating it with the mixture. You can also lightly dust the fish with rice flour before dipping it into the coating mixture to improve adherence.

General QnA

What is a healthy way to fry fish?

I’m not saying pan-frying is terrible, but air frying/grilling is a healthier option. However, you would have to compromise on taste.