Crispy fried swai fish is a delicious seafood dinner with a light cornmeal breading. Deep fried or fry in a skillet at home for a family friendly meal. If you enjoyed How to Cook Walleye, this one is going to be a real hit too.
This Swai fish recipe is great. Really easy to prepare and ready to serve in just about 20 minutes. You can season the outside as you wish with Old Bay, make spicy with red pepper flakes, or choose your own mixture. Flaky and moist with every bite. (affiliate links present)
How to Cook Swai Fish
Swai is a type of freshwater fish that is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in local river basins. It is often farmed in aquaculture systems and has gained popularity in many parts of the world, including the United States, due to its affordability and mild flavor. It has a white, flaky flesh that is similar in taste and texture to other mild white fish varieties like tilapia or our Air Fryer Catfish No Cornmeal recipe.
Filets can be prepared in various ways, including boiled fish, baking, broiling, grilling, frying, or poaching. It can take on the flavors of different seasonings and sauces. More affordable compared to other types of seafood, making it an accessible option for budget-conscious consumers.
Swai Fried Fish
When frying fish on the stove, or for a Fish Fry, it’s essential to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to prevent food-borne illnesses. The mild flavor allows it to pair well with various seasonings, herbs, and sauces. You don’t need much either as a bit of salt and pepper will certainly do with a lemon squeeze at the end.
Other names for Swai are; basa fish, tra fish, and striped pangasius. These names are often used interchangeably and mean the same thing. Seasonings are up to you but typically we will just use a pinch of salt and Old bay.
The choice of oil for frying fish can significantly impact the flavor and texture of the finished dish. Vegetable Oil is versatile and neutral-flavored for frying fish, a good choice for deep-frying. Peanut Oil imparts a nutty taste commonly used in Southern cuisine for frying. Olive Oil is typically not recommended for deep-frying but great for shallow frying or pan-frying fish.
When choosing an oil for frying fish, consider the following tips: Use an oil with a high smoke point above 350°F to prevent the oil from breaking down and producing off-flavors. Ensure that the oil is fresh and hasn’t been used for multiple frying sessions. Maintain the oil at the correct temperature to achieve crispy, evenly cooked fish.
Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and adjust the heat as needed. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences and the type you’re frying. Experiment with different ones to discover which one complements your preferred seasoning and flavor profile.
Frying Swai Fish
Always make sure that the oil is hot before adding any food. We talk all about How Hot Should Oil be for Fried Chicken which is the same for seafood. If food just sits in there without immediately frying it will absorb in, taste awful, be heavy and not give you a good result.
- In a skillet with high sides pour in about 1 cup of vegetable oil over medium high heat until it reaches 360 degrees F.
- Mix together Fish Fry Seasoning.
- Blot fish with a paper towel to remove water from outside.
- if you remove the skin, make Fried Fish Skin
- Sprinkle seasonings on both sides.
- Put corn flour into a shallow bowl, lay seasoned fillet inside and gently press. Flip over so it is coated.
- When oil is hot add fish fillets without overlapping.
- Fry for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown on both sides and middle is flaky white.
The “breading” is really up to you and so are the seasonings. Our suggestion is below with a Cornmeal for Fish Fry that is lightly sprinkled on.
Swai Fish Recipe
Cook time will depend on how thick and large your pieces are of course. Set on paper towels to absorb excess oil for the ideal crispy results. If you have leftovers, cool, store in freezer bags and keep in fridge overnight. Reheat Fried Fish in Air Fryer the next day for lunch!
Fried Swai Fish
Equipment
- 1 skillet
- 1 shallow bowl
Ingredients
- 2 fillets swai fish
- 2/3 c corn flour
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay
- 1 pinch salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a skillet with high sides pour in about 1 cup of vegetable oil over medium high heat until it reaches 360 degrees F.
- Mix together seasonings. Blot fish with a paper towel to remove water from outside. Sprinkle seasonings on both sides.
- Put corn flour into a shallow bowl, lay seasoned fillet inside and gently press. Flip over so it is coated.
- When oil is hot add fillet(s) without overlapping. Fry for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown on both sides and middle is flaky white.
- Set on paper towels to absorb excess oil and serve.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
