Golden-Crunch Cornmeal Fried Fish Recipe for Family Meals

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement over cornmeal fried fish that promises golden, crunchy perfection with every bite.

This delectable recipe brings southern coastal traditions straight to your dinner table.

Crisp, light batter encases tender fish fillets in a delightful cornmeal coating that crackles with each mouthwatering crunch.

Generations of home cooks have mastered this simple yet incredible technique for creating restaurant-worthy seafood.

The secret lies in selecting fresh fish and seasoning the cornmeal mixture with just the right blend of spices.

Salt, pepper, and a hint of paprika transform ordinary fish into an extraordinary meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serve hot and watch as your family devours this classic southern comfort dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 470 kcal

Servings: 4

Cornmeal Fish Ingredient Lineup

• Cornmeal: Provides crispy, golden texture with a delightful crunch that adds rustic Southern charm to the fish.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a smooth base for coating, ensuring even and light breading.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps draw out natural fish sweetness.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and aromatic depth to the coating.
• Garlic Powder: Brings savory undertones and classic seasoning complexity.
• Onion Powder: Contributes sweet and pungent background notes.
• Paprika: Introduces warm color and mild smoky flavor.
• Cayenne Pepper: Delivers gentle spicy kick for adventurous palates.

• Egg, Buttermilk: Magical binding agents that help coating adhere perfectly and create tangy, tender interior.

• Vegetable Oil: Ensures high-heat cooking for crispy, golden exterior without absorbing excess grease.
• Lemon: Bright citrus wedges that cut through richness and refresh the palate.
• Hot Sauce: Optional zesty companion for those craving extra heat.
• Tartar Sauce: Creamy, tangy condiment that complements the crispy fish beautifully.

Frying Tools That Help Keep Fish Crispy

• Large skillet: Essential for frying fish evenly and achieving golden crispy coating.
• Shallow dishes (2): Perfect for coating fish with wet buttermilk mixture and dry cornmeal breading.
• Whisk: Great for blending egg and buttermilk smoothly.
• Paper towels: Helps drain excess oil after frying, keeping fish crisp.
• Tongs: Ideal for safely turning and removing fish from hot oil.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for perfect seasoning.
• Sharp knife: Useful for cutting lemon wedges and preparing fish if needed.
• Thermometer (optional): Helps monitor oil temperature for precise frying.

How to Fry Cornmeal Fish That’s Golden and Light

• Whip Up the Crispy Coating

Mix a blend of cornmeal, flour, and spices in a wide bowl, creating a zesty seasoning that’ll make your fish sing with flavor.

• Create the Wet Dip

Whisk egg and buttermilk together in a separate container, creating a silky bath for your fish to get deliciously coated.

• Dress the Fish

Dive each fish fillet into the buttermilk mixture, then roll it generously in the spiced cornmeal blend, pressing gently to ensure a perfect crunchy jacket.

• Fire Up the Skillet

Heat oil in a large pan until it shimmers and reaches the perfect sizzling temperature, ready to transform your fish into a crispy delight.

• Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully slide each fillet into the hot oil, cooking until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and becomes irresistibly crunchy, about 3-4 minutes per side.

• Serve and Enjoy

Transfer your crispy fish to a paper towel to drain excess oil, then plate with a squeeze of fresh lemon and your favorite sauce for a mouthwatering meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Spice Ideas for Southern-Style Flavor

• Press cornmeal coating firmly onto fish to ensure maximum crispy texture and even coverage.
• Instead of frying, bake fish at 425F for 15-20 minutes on a wire rack, spraying lightly with cooking spray to maintain crispiness.
• Replace wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, keeping cornmeal coating for extra crunch.
• Reduce salt in coating and use salt-free seasoning blends like herbs de Provence or lemon pepper for flavor without sodium.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on heat preference – reduce for mild flavor or increase for bold, spicy kick.

Serve Fried Fish With Slaw or Hushpuppies

• Seaside Platter Paradise: Create a vibrant coastal-style platter with crispy fish fillets arranged on fresh green lettuce leaves, surrounded by lemon wedges and colorful dipping sauces.
• Southern Comfort Combo: Pair the fried fish with classic Southern sides like creamy coleslaw, hush puppies, and buttery corn on the cob for a hearty family-style meal that celebrates comfort food.
• Fresh and Zesty Accompaniment: Serve alongside a bright citrus slaw or quick pickled vegetables to cut through the richness of the crispy fish, adding a refreshing crunch and tangy flavor profile to the dish.
• Sandwich Transformation: Transform the fried fish into a delicious po' boy sandwich by nestling the crispy fillets in soft French bread with creamy remoulade sauce and crisp lettuce for a portable meal option.

Reheat Fried Fish While Keeping It Crunchy

• Keep leftover fried fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Crispy texture might soften slightly when stored.
• Restore crunchiness by warming fish in a preheated oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwave to maintain original texture and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual fish fillets tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen fish maintains best quality for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Prepare coating mixture ahead of time and store in sealed container at room temperature for up to a week. This allows faster cooking when unexpected hunger strikes or guests arrive unexpectedly.

Crispy Cornmeal Fried Fish Recipe

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• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Southern cornmeal fried fish brings crispy coastal comfort to dinner tables with golden-brown perfection. Crunchy coating and tender white fish create a simple yet irresistible meal you’ll savor down to the last delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1 large egg
• 1 lb white fish fillets (catfish, tilapia, cod, or haddock)
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)
• Hot sauce or tartar sauce (for dipping)

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Fusion: Blend cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne in a shallow dish, creating a robust, multi-layered coating mixture.
2. Liquid Binding: Whisk egg and buttermilk together in a separate container, forming a creamy adhesive base for the fish’s crispy exterior.
3. Culinary Transformation: Immerse each fish fillet into the buttermilk mixture, then generously coat with the seasoned cornmeal blend, gently pressing to ensure complete coverage.
4. Thermal Preparation: Ignite a large skillet with medium-high heat, bringing oil to a precise 350F (175C), creating the perfect frying environment for a golden, crisp finish.
5. Sizzling Perfection: Carefully submerge fillets into the hot oil, allowing each side to cook for 3-4 minutes until achieving a rich, amber-brown crust and flaky interior.
6. Presentation Finale: Transfer crisp fillets to paper towels for excess oil absorption, then elegantly garnish with zesty lemon wedges, accompanied by hot sauce or tangy tartar sauce for a complete gastronomic experience.

Notes

• Choose firm white fish like cod, haddock, or catfish that can withstand high-heat frying without falling apart during cooking.
• Keep oil consistently at 350F to ensure crispy, golden exterior without greasy or soggy results; use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
• Press cornmeal mixture gently but firmly onto fish to create a thick, even layer that adheres well and provides maximum crunchiness.
• Place fried fish on wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent bottom from becoming soggy, allowing excess oil to drip off and maintaining crisp texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg