Country Fried Mullet Fish

Cuisine: Southern

Crispy, flavorful fried mullet fish coated with cornmeal and served with savory salt pork slices, perfect for a hearty Southern-style meal with bold tastes.

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Ingredients

  • 1 medium-sized mullet, cleaned and cut into portions
  • cornmeal
  • 1/4 lb. thick sliced, salt-cured bacon (salt pork)
  • vegetable cooking oil

Instructions

  1. In a fish fryer or deep boiler, bring enough oil to a boil to freely float the fish.
  2. Roll fish portions in cornmeal until well coated.
  3. Place the fish into the hot oil along with the salt pork slices.
  4. Cook until the fish floats to the top and can be easily forked.
  5. Do not remove the bacon slices until all fish portions are cooked.
  6. Serve the crisp bacon slices alongside the fried mullet fish.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, consider marinating the mullet in lemon juice and spices before coating in cornmeal. If you don’t have cornmeal, you can substitute with breadcrumbs or flour for a different texture. Make sure the oil is hot enough to prevent the fish from absorbing too much oil, achieving a crispier result. Cooking the bacon with the fish adds a rich, smoky flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Country Fried Mullet Fish hot, accompanied by the crisp bacon slices. It pairs beautifully with Reverend Painter'S Collard Greens or a refreshing Parmesan Salad for a balanced meal. For a complete feast, consider serving with homemade hushpuppies or a side of tartar sauce for dipping.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place the fish in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fish soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Country Fried Mullet Fish contains roughly 26 calories, with 1g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.

26 kcal 1% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.8g 2% DV
Total Fat 0.6g 1% DV
Carbs 4.1g 1% DV
Fiber 0.1g
Sugar 2.1g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 57.1mg 2% DV
Potassium 13.7mg
Cholesterol 2.1mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 32mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 2.2mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 0.8mg
Iron 0.3mg 2% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 a different type of fish for this recipe?

Yes, while mullet is traditional, you can use other firm white fish like catfish or tilapia. Just ensure the fish is cleaned and cut into similar-sized portions for even cooking.

What type of oil is best for frying mullet?

Vegetable oil is a great choice due to its high smoke point. You can also use canola or peanut oil for frying, as they can withstand high temperatures without burning.

How do I know when the fish is done cooking?

The fish is done when it floats to the surface and is golden brown. You can also check with a fork; if it flakes easily, it’s ready to be removed from the oil.

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).

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