If you love seafood, you've got to try these five best fried cod recipes! They range from classic beer-battered goodness to spicy Cajun surprises that'll tickle your taste buds. Each recipe has its own unique twist, like the zesty lemon garlic or the comforting Southern-style cornmeal crust. Trust me, once you taste that airy crunch from the panko-crusted version, you won't want to stop. So, which one are you craving first? Let's find out!
Classic Beer-Battered Fried Cod
Classic Beer-Battered Fried Cod is a mouthwatering dish that combines the delicate flavor of cod with a light, crispy beer batter. This recipe is perfect for a casual dinner or a gathering with friends, and it will surely impress with its crunchy exterior and flaky interior. The use of beer in the batter adds a unique flavor and helps achieve that perfect crunch that everyone loves in fried fish.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cod fillets, skinless and boneless
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cold beer
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Tartar sauce (for serving)
Instructions:
Begin by heating about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
While the oil is heating, prepare the batter by whisking together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Gradually add the cold beer to the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth; the batter should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and dip each piece into the batter, ensuring they're well coated.
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the battered cod fillets, cooking them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove the fish from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.
Extra Tips:
For an even crispier texture, you can double-dip the cod fillets by first coating them in flour before dipping them in the beer batter.
Additionally, make sure the beer is very cold, as this helps to create a lighter batter.
Experiment with different types of beer for varied flavors; a pale ale or lager works best.
Finally, consider seasoning your tartar sauce with a dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon for an extra kick.
Enjoy your classic beer-battered fried cod!
Spicy Cajun Fried Cod
Spicy Cajun Fried Cod is a delectable dish that combines the flaky tenderness of cod with a bold and zesty Cajun seasoning, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals and want to impress family and friends with a delicious seafood dish.
Whether served with a side of coleslaw or on a fresh bun as a sandwich, Spicy Cajun Fried Cod is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cod fillets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by marinating the cod fillets in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to guarantee they remain moist and flavorful.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, Cajun seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer over medium-high heat.
Remove the cod from the buttermilk and allow any excess to drip off before dredging the fillets in the seasoned flour mixture, coating them evenly.
Carefully place the coated fillets into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
Remove the fried cod and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil before serving.
Extra Tips:
To elevate the flavor of your Spicy Cajun Fried Cod, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving.
For an extra crispy texture, double-dip the cod fillets by re-dipping them in buttermilk and then back into the flour mixture before frying.
If you prefer a milder version, adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning to suit your taste.
Additionally, serving the fried cod with a creamy remoulade or tartar sauce can complement the spicy flavors beautifully.
Enjoy your cooking!
Lemon Garlic Fried Cod
Lemon Garlic Fried Cod is a delightful dish that combines the flaky, mild flavor of cod with the zesty brightness of lemon and the aromatic warmth of garlic. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion, as it's simple to prepare yet impressive in flavor. The crispy exterior pairs perfectly with a tender, juicy inside, making it a crowd-pleaser for fish lovers and skeptics alike.
Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by preparing the cod fillets; pat them dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
In three separate bowls, place the flour mixed with paprika, the beaten eggs, and the breadcrumbs. Dip each fillet first in the flour, shaking off the excess, then in the egg, and finally coat it with the breadcrumbs.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated cod fillets and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
In the last minute of cooking, add the minced garlic and lemon zest to the skillet, allowing the flavors to meld. Drizzle the fillets with fresh lemon juice before serving and garnish with chopped parsley.
Extra Tips:
For a perfectly crispy coating, make certain the oil is hot enough before adding the fillets; a temperature of around 350°F is ideal.
If you're concerned about excess oil, place the cooked cod on paper towels to absorb any grease after frying.
Feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste—adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give it a nice kick! Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
Southern-Style Fried Cod
Southern-style fried cod is a delicious dish that combines the flaky texture of cod with a crispy, seasoned coating, making it a favorite in many Southern households. The fish is typically seasoned with a blend of spices, dipped in a buttermilk mixture, and coated in a cornmeal batter before being fried to a golden brown.
This dish is perfect for serving with a side of coleslaw, cornbread, or a tangy tartar sauce for dipping. Get ready to enjoy a taste of the South right in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of cod fillets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by marinating the cod fillets in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to help tenderize the fish and add flavor.
In a separate bowl, mix together the cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
Once the cod has marinated, remove it from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off, and then dredge each fillet in the cornmeal mixture, ensuring they're well-coated.
In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
Carefully place the coated fillets in the hot oil, frying for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the fish from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Extra Tips:
For an even crispier coating, you can double-dip the cod by re-dipping it in buttermilk after the first coat of cornmeal and then coating it again before frying.
Additionally, make sure your oil is hot enough to prevent the fish from absorbing too much oil, which can make it soggy.
If you're looking for added flavor, consider seasoning the flour mixture or adding some fresh herbs to the batter.
Serve the fried cod immediately for the best texture, and enjoy your Southern-style delicacy!
Panko-Crusted Fried Cod
Panko-crusted fried cod is a delightful and crispy take on this popular fish dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. The light and airy texture of panko breadcrumbs adds a wonderful crunch, while the tender and flaky cod provides a satisfying contrast.
This recipe is simple to follow and results in a deliciously golden-brown cod that pairs well with a variety of dips and sides. Serve it with a side of tartar sauce or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by setting up a breading station with three shallow dishes: place the flour in the first dish, whisk the eggs in the second dish, and combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the third dish.
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge each fillet in flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it in the panko mixture, pressing gently to stick.
In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry the coated cod fillets in batches, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the fillets and drain them on paper towels before serving with lemon wedges.
Extra Tips:
For an even crispier crust, consider double-coating the fillets by repeating the egg and panko steps.
Additionally, verify the oil is hot enough before adding the fish; this helps prevent the cod from absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy. If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the panko-crusted cod in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
Enjoy your delicious panko-crusted fried cod!