Bill'S Coating For Fish
A crispy, flavorful coating for fish featuring self-rising cornmeal and flour, perfect for those who enjoy a seasoned, crunchy exterior with tender fish inside.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients and place in a brown paper bag.
- Drop pieces of the fish into the bag and shake until the pieces are well coated.
- Drop fish immediately into hot oil.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra crispy coating, let the coated fish rest for a few minutes before frying. You can substitute the self-rising flour with all-purpose flour mixed with baking powder if needed. If you want a bit of heat, consider adding cayenne pepper to the mix. This coating works well with various types of fish, making it versatile for different American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This fish coating is perfect for serving with a side of tartar sauce and a fresh salad. Pair it with homemade gorp! for a delightful crunch. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables and rice for a well-rounded meal. For a more indulgent experience, consider serving with a side of Baked Whiskey Cookies for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover coating can be stored in an airtight container in the pantry for up to a month. If you have fried fish leftovers, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and refrigerate. To reheat, bake the fish in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through and crispy, about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bill'S Coating For Fish contains roughly 328 calories, with 9g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 625mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this coating on other proteins?
Absolutely! This coating works wonderfully on chicken or vegetables, making it a versatile option in your kitchen. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you're using. For example, chicken may require a longer frying time than fish to ensure it cooks through.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
A quick test for oil temperature is to drop a small piece of bread into the hot oil. If it sizzles and browns within 30 seconds, the oil is ready. Alternatively, you can use a thermometer; the ideal frying temperature is around 350°F to 375°F for crispy results.
Can I make this coating ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dry coating mixture in advance and store it in a cool, dry place. Just be sure to give it a good shake before using it to ensure even distribution of the ingredients. This can save you time on busy cooking days!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).