Fried Whitefish(Modern)

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Fried whitefish is a delightful dish featuring crispy, golden-brown fish with a satisfying crunch. The combination of flour, cornmeal, and breadcrumbs creates a flavorful coating, while the lard adds richness. Perfect for seafood lovers and great for a casual dinner or a special occasion.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. whitefish
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 c. flour
  • 1/4 c. cornmeal
  • 1/4 c. bread crumbs
  • lard

Instructions

  1. Beat eggs.
  2. Salt fish and dip into eggs.
  3. Mix flour, cornmeal, and bread crumbs for breading.
  4. Dip fish in breading.
  5. Fry in hot lard for 4 to 5 minutes on each side.

Tips & Substitutions

For the best results, use fresh whitefish and ensure your lard is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture. If you don't have lard, vegetable oil can be a suitable substitute, though the flavor will differ slightly. You can also add spices to the breading mix, such as paprika or garlic powder, for added flavor. Serve with a squeeze of lemon to enhance the fish's taste.

Serving Suggestions

Fried whitefish pairs beautifully with a side of coleslaw or a fresh garden salad for a light meal. Consider serving it with tartar sauce or a homemade remoulade for dipping. It also complements dishes like Baked Fish Fillets or Quick Salmon Casserole for a seafood-themed dinner.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover fried whitefish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the fish on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help retain its crispiness compared to microwaving, which can make it soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Fried Whitefish(Modern) contains roughly 1386 calories, with 23g protein, 233g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value), calcium (42% of the Daily Value), and iron (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1234mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).

1386 kcal 69% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 22.6g 45% DV
Total Fat 41.5g 53% DV
Carbs 233g 85% DV
Fiber 2.8g 10% DV
Sugar 1.3g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1234.1mg 54% DV
Potassium 1350.4mg 29% DV
Cholesterol 600mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 143.4mcg 16% DV
Vitamin C 0.9mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.6mcg 3% DV
Calcium 550.5mg 42% DV
Iron 6.9mg 39% DV
Diet fit High-protein Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 whitefish for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen whitefish, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning and frying. This will help achieve a crispy coating. The texture may vary slightly from fresh fish, but it should still work well.

What can I use instead of cornmeal?

If you don't have cornmeal, you can substitute it with additional flour or use crushed crackers for a similar texture. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still provide a nice crunch to the breading.

How do I know when the fish is done frying?

The fish is done when it is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking for 4 to 5 minutes on each side usually suffices, but you can also check the internal temperature; it should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.

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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