Famous Fried Fish
Crispy fried fish with a light pancake batter coating, perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal suitable for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak fish covered with buttermilk and lemon slice in the refrigerator in a covered container for 2 hours to remove fishy taste.
- Drain milk from fish; cut fillets into triangles.
- Roll the fish fillets in plain flour.
- Let the floured fillets dry on toweling.
- Combine dry pancake mix with club soda.
- Mix to the consistency of buttermilk; dip floured fillets into the batter.
- Fry in hot oil for 4 minutes on each side.
- Drain on toweling; arrange in one layer on a cookie sheet.
- Keep warm in a 250°F oven until all pieces are fried.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding spices like paprika or garlic powder to the flour before coating the fish. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pancake mix and flour alternative. Ensure the oil is hot enough by testing with a small drop of batter before frying.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fried fish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. It pairs beautifully with seasoned sides like coleslaw or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside American recipes like Hungry Horde Pasta Salad or even some crispy fries for a classic touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the fried fish on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the fish soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Famous Fried Fish contains roughly 3273 calories, with 13g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 344g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (90% of the Daily Value), potassium (31% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1209mg per serving (53% 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 frozen fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen fish, but make sure to fully thaw it before soaking in buttermilk. This will help ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption.
What type of fish works best for frying?
White, flaky fish such as cod, haddock, or tilapia are excellent choices for frying. They hold up well during cooking and have a mild flavor that complements the batter.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
While it's best to prepare the batter fresh for optimal texture, you can mix the dry ingredients in advance. Just add the club soda right before dipping the fish to keep it light and airy.
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).