Crispy Coastal Fried Cod
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs cod fillets
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup fine yellow cornmeal
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 2 eggs beaten
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels on both sides.
- Season both sides of the fillets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Let rest 5 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl mix flour, cornmeal, and Old Bay. In a second bowl whisk eggs and milk together.
- Dip each fillet in the egg wash letting excess drip off, then press firmly into the flour-cornmeal mixture coating both sides evenly.
- Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until a pinch of flour sizzles immediately on contact.
- Carefully place fillets in the pan with space between each one. Do not crowd the pan.
- Cook 4 to 5 minutes per side until deep golden brown and fish flakes easily when pressed with a fork. Flip only once.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain for one minute. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
Always dry your cod fillets thoroughly with paper towels before coating — this is the single most important step for achieving a crispy crust that actually stays on the fish.