Dive into a culinary delight with our mouthwatering Pan Fried Lake Fish recipe! This dish is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of American cuisine. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up two servings of this crispy, golden-brown fish, perfectly seasoned and served with a zesty squeeze of lemon. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this simple yet impressive recipe is bound to become a favorite in your household. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lake fish fillets
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter for frying
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the lake fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture and ensures a nice crust when frying.
- In a shallow dish, combine the cornmeal, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the cornmeal.
- Coat each fish fillet in the cornmeal mixture. Press down gently to ensure the cornmeal adheres well to the fish. Shake off any excess cornmeal and set the coated fillets aside on a plate.
- Heat a generous amount of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. You want enough butter to coat the bottom of the pan and help achieve a golden crust on the fish.
- Once the butter is melted and bubbling, carefully place the coated fish fillets in the skillet. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook in batches.
- Fry the fish for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the fillets are golden brown and cooked through. The fish should flake easily with a fork when done.
- Once cooked, remove the fish from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess butter.
- Serve the pan-fried lake fish immediately with lemon wedges on the side. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish for added flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious pan-fried lake fish with your choice of sides, such as a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Fish: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh lake fish fillets. If possible, buy them from a reputable fish market or local source.
- Pat Dry: Ensure your fish fillets are patted dry before coating them in cornmeal. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy crust.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the seasoning! The cornmeal mixture should be well-seasoned to enhance the flavor of the fish.
- Butter Temperature: Make sure the butter is hot but not smoking before adding the fish. This helps create a perfect golden crust without burning the butter.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the fish in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan can lower the temperature and lead to soggy fillets.
- Check for Doneness: The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has a golden-brown crust. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
- Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the fish right after cooking. Pair it with fresh lemon wedges for a burst of flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 70mg
