Lemony Fish Fillets

Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Crispy lemon-seasoned fish fillets coated in crunchy cornflakes, perfect for a quick, flavorful, family-friendly meal with bright citrus notes and a satisfying crunch.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups crushed cornflakes
  • 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 pound fish fillets, 1/2 inch thick, cut into serving size pieces
  • Crisco oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Mix cornflake crumbs, lemon pepper seasoning, dill weed, and garlic powder in a shallow dish or on a sheet of waxed paper.
  2. Set aside.
  3. Blend buttermilk and egg in a medium bowl.
  4. Dip fish fillets into the buttermilk mixture, then into the cornflake mixture to coat.
  5. Heat 1/8 inch Crisco oil in a large skillet.
  6. Add coated fish fillets and fry for 5 to 8 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  7. Drain on paper towels.

Tips & Substitutions

For a crunchier coating, use panko breadcrumbs instead of crushed cornflakes. You can also substitute the buttermilk with plain yogurt or a mixture of milk and vinegar for a similar tang. To enhance flavor, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the cornflake mixture. If you prefer a lighter option, try baking the fillets instead of frying them.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the lemony fish fillets with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a light meal. They pair beautifully with homemade tartar sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Consider serving alongside rice or potatoes, and browse more seafood recipes for complete meal ideas.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fish fillets on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This helps retain their crispiness better than microwaving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lemony Fish Fillets contains roughly 208 calories, with 14g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1208mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).

208 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.1g 28% DV
Total Fat 8.4g 11% DV
Carbs 19.8g 7% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 4g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1208.3mg 53% DV
Potassium 486.4mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 50mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 47.6mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 1.3mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 1.5mcg 7% DV
Calcium 184.6mg 14% DV
Iron 2.5mg 14% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Egg

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 fillets for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen fish fillets, but make sure to thaw them completely before coating and frying. This ensures even cooking and helps the coating adhere better to the fish.

What type of fish works best for this dish?

Mild white fish like cod, tilapia, or haddock are excellent choices for this recipe. They flake easily and absorb flavors well, making them perfect for frying.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply replace the crushed cornflakes with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal. Ensure all other ingredients, like the seasoning, are also gluten-free for a safe dish.

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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