
Fried fish fillet is a classic, easy-to-prepare and delicious option for those who want to enjoy a light and flavorful dish. Ideal for a family lunch, a relaxed dinner or even to serve on special occasions, fried fish fillet goes perfectly with simple sides such as rice, French fries or salad.
Ingredients:
- 4 fish fillets (can be tilapia, sole, hake or another fish of your choice)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 chopped garlic cloves
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- 1 cup wheat flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal or cornmeal (for crunchiness)
- Frying oil
Directions:
1. Preparing the Fish:
Start by washing the fish fillets thoroughly and patting them dry with a paper towel to remove excess water. This will help ensure that the fish stays crispy while frying.
2. Seasoning:
In a bowl, season the fish fillets with lemon juice, minced garlic, salt and black pepper to taste. Leave the fish to marinate for at least 15 to 20 minutes, so that the seasoning penetrates the fish meat well.
3. Flour Mixture:
In a shallow dish, mix the wheat flour with the corn flour (or cornmeal). This combination will make the fish fillet crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. If you prefer, you can add a little breadcrumbs to the mixture to intensify the crunchiness even more.
4. Frying the Fish:
Heat a generous amount of oil in a large, deep frying pan. To test if the oil is at the right temperature, drop a small piece of flour into it and see if it bubbles immediately. If it does, it’s time to start frying.
Coat each fish fillet in the flour mixture, coating both sides well. Carefully place the fillets in the pan, avoiding splashing oil. Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
5. Draining Excess Oil:
Remove the fillets from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil. This will help keep the dish lighter.
6. Serving:
Serve the fried fish fillet immediately, accompanied by white rice, French fries or a fresh salad. For a special touch, you can garnish the dish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro.
Tips:
- Choosing the Fish: The ideal is to use fish fillets with firmer flesh, such as tilapia or sole, as they do not fall apart easily during frying.
- Spices: You can add other spices to the marinade, such as cumin, paprika, or even a touch of Calabrian pepper for a more striking flavor.
- Side dishes: Fried fish fillet goes very well with broccoli rice, lettuce and tomato salad or even well-seasoned farofa.