Easy Southern Fried Fish Fry

How to cook fried fish in a skillet at home with cod or your favorite fillets is here. Next to our Oven Fried Fish this is the best fish fry made on the stove so it is fresh and flaky with every bite. Crispy breading seasoned to your liking, spicy or mild just for your family.

Louisiana Fish Fry

If you wanted to make a traditional Louisiana Fish Fry recipe, this typically refers to a seasoned breading or coating mix to prepare fried fish with a distinctive Southern or Cajun flavor. It is a popular style that is a bit spicy but can be adjusted to your tastebuds. You can also buy a packaged breading mix at the store like this.

For this you really want either fresh filets or defrosted at least. We do show you how to cook frozen fish here but the breading won’t stick at the beginning. You’d have to par-bake it essentially, halfway thru before dredging and going thru this whole coating process. In the end you wouldn’t get the ideal outcome.

Sides for Fried Fish

I serve pretty much the same side dishes with this and our Beer Battered Halibut too. I like a vegetable if I have it on hand as well as some type of feel good carb. Depending on what’s on sale or in my fridge I will mix and match the two for dinner. A few of our favorites would be;

1. Crispy, golden-brown French fries are necessary if you want to make and serve fish and chips. You can make them from scratch or use frozen fries for convenience.
2. Creamy coleslaw with its cool and tangy flavor complements the crispy and savory nature of fried fish perfectly. It adds a refreshing contrast to the meal.
3. Jiffy Hush Puppies are essentially deep-fried cornmeal balls made with cornbread mix, garlic powder and seasonings. A beloved Southern side dish. Their slightly sweet and savory flavor pairs wonderfully with this for a meal.
4. Fluffy and buttery biscuits, either plain or with a touch of honey, are a comforting side that goes well with fried fish.
5. Creamy mashed potatoes provide a hearty side that contrasts the crispy fish. You can also make them with garlic or herbs for extra flavor.
6. Creamy mac and cheese is a comforting and indulgent side dish that many people love with fried fish.
7. Slow Cooker Collard Greens or other leafy greens seasoned with bacon or ham provide a healthy and flavorful side option.
8. Fried okra, often breaded and deep-fried, is a Southern favorite and a crunchy side that pairs nicely with this dish.
9. If you remove the skins before breading I highly suggest you making fried Fish Skin to enjoy!

I do tend to make something in the same oil that is left after our deep fried fish are done. Wasting is definitely a pet peeve of mine so there’s that. Hot Water Cornbread is one that works well in the same oil. Homemade and fried it’s like a cake. Sweet and buttery taste complements the fried fish’s flavors.

Calories Fish Fry

The number of calories can vary depending on several factors, including the type and size of the piece(s), the breading or coating used, and the cooking method and ingredients in your Fish Fry Seasoning + whether you are deep-frying, pan-frying, or baking. Here are some approximate calorie ranges for a standard serving of fried fish:

1. Keep in mind that a significant portion of the calories comes from the coating or breading. This can vary widely depending on the thickness of the coating and the absorption of oil during frying.
2. A typical 3-ounce piece of white fish battered and deep-fried contains approximately 150 to 200 calories.
3. 3-ounces of battered and deep-fried catfish contains roughly 175 to 225 calories.
4. If you’re frying salmon, 3-ounces or 85 grams, breaded can have about 200 to 250 calories.

Submerging pieces into hot oil typically adds more calories than other methods. Pan-frying with less oil, baking or Air Fryer Beer Battered Fried Fish with a minimal amount of oil will result in fewer calories.

Skillet Fish Fry

If you wanted to buy a packaged dry mix like this one you could as well. A bit faster prep for sure but the seasonings are what they are and it is hard to tweak them beyond what it tastes like as is. We use less for Fried Swai Fish and more for other varieties.

1. Coat the Fish – to make a Fish Fry with packaged mix, you would start by preparing the coating according to the instructions on the packaging. This often involves combining the mix with water or milk to create a batter or coating dry with Cornmeal for Fish Fry.
2. Dredge the Fish – typically pieces of catfish, tilapia, or another type of white fish is cut into manageable pieces, then dredged through the coating mixture.
3. Fry the Fish when the coated fish fillets are prepped, then you would deep-fry or pan-fry (once you heat oil to 360 – 375 degrees F) until your fried fish recipe becomes crispy and golden brown.
4. Usually served hot, you’ll want to set all pieces of fish on paper towels to absorb the excess oil.

Delicious as is, some like a dip of sorts. Malt vinegar or tartar sauce are the most common choices but kids may opt for ketchup.

How to Host a Fish Fry

Choose a date and time that works for you and your guests. Determine the location, whether it’s in your backyard, at a park, or indoors if you have the space. Then, decide how many people you want to invite and create a guest list. Consider any dietary restrictions or preferences your guests may have.

• Decide what type of fish you’ll be frying.
• Plan the side dishes you want to offer.
• Consider offering a variety of sauces and condiments like tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, hot sauce, and lemon wedges.
• Purchase all the necessary ingredients for your menu, including fish, breading mix, and sides.
• Gather cooking equipment, such as a deep fryer or large cast-iron skillet, as well as utensils and serving platters.
• Stock up on disposable plates, utensils, napkins, and cups, or use reusable dinnerware if preferred.
• Prepare the Fish
  • Clean and prepare the fish by removing scales, skin, and bones.
  • Cut into manageable pieces or fillets.
  • Season with your choice of seasonings or marinades.
• Set Up the Cooking Area
  • If using a deep fryer, you’ll need to be near an outlet. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation.
  • Have a designated person or team in charge of frying to ensure consistency.
• Arrange tables and chairs for your guests to dine comfortably.
• Consider providing shaded areas or umbrellas for outdoor events.

If you have some left, save when cooled in freezer bags in the fridge. Reheat Fried Fish in Air Fryer the next day.