Description
A straightforward Southern-style fish fry recipe using Zatarain’s Fish Fry Mix as the main coating. The recipe offers a simple dredging method with an optional egg wash for extra thickness, resulting in a crispy, zesty crust around tender fish fillets. The pre-seasoned mix eliminates the need for additional spices.
Ingredients
To make the perfect Zatarain’s fish fry recipe at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Zatarain’s Fish Fry Mix: This is the star of the show. You can choose between Regular Fish-Fri or Seasoned Fish Fri, depending on your flavor preference.
- Fish filets: Any type of fish works well, such as tilapia, catfish, or cod.
- Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil.
- Lemon wedges: For serving and adding a fresh citrus flavor.
- Optional seasonings: While Zatarain’s mix is flavorful on its own, you can add extra spices if desired.
The Zatarain’s Fish Fry Mix itself contains:
- Enriched yellow corn meal (fortified with iron, niacin, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid)
- Salt
- Spices (including red pepper)
- Natural flavor
- Monosodium glutamate (as a flavor enhancer)
- Garlic and onion
- Lemon juice concentrate
This blend of ingredients gives you the authentic Southern-style crispy texture and zesty flavor that Zatarain’s is known for. The combination of cornmeal, spices, and real lemon creates a delicious coating for your fish.
Instructions
- Pour Zatarain’s Fish Fry mix onto a plate or into a plastic bag. Use about 1/2 cup of mix per pound of fish.
- Rinse your fish filets in cold water and drain them well.
- Roll or shake the fish in the Zatarain’s mix until it’s evenly coated. Discard any leftover mixture.
- For a thicker coating, dip the fish in 1/2 cup of milk mixed with one lightly beaten egg before coating with the mix.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F. For pan frying, pour about 1 inch of oil into the skillet.
- Carefully place the coated fish into the hot oil, frying a few pieces at a time to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry until the fish turns light golden brown and crispy. This usually takes 3-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
- Remove the fried fish and let it drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve your crispy, homemade Zatarain’s fish fry with lemon wedges and your favorite sides.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Fried