Frying fish in a pan can be a great way to prepare your seafood meal. You can cook fish quickly in a pan on the stove.
In this article, we will discuss the best methods for pan frying fish. We will also provide some tips on how to make sure your fish come out moist, golden brown, and delicious every time!
Guide to Pan Frying Fish Fillets
Step 1: Choose your fish
The first step when you pan fry fish is to choose the right type of fish. If you are looking for a milder flavor, try whitefish such as halibut, cod, or tilapia. For a heartier flavor, go for salmon, tuna, or trout.
In general, we recommend a white fish fillet for pan-frying. In terms of size, aim for a fillet that is about four ounces per person. You can cook as many fillets at a time as you need, so long as you don't crowd the pan too much.
Step 2: Season your fish
Once you have chosen your fish, it is time to season it. First, pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning to stick to the fish, and you'll get more crispy pan fried fish as a result.
Next, you can either season your fish with a rub or by brushing it with oil and then sprinkling on some herbs or spices. If you are using a rub, make sure to massage it into the flesh of the fillets so that they're evenly coated.
If you are using oil and herbs, we recommend using light oil and then sprinkling on some salt and pepper and lemon juice. Apart from salt and pepper, some herbs that go well with fish include dill and parsley.
You can also try using breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs for a crispy coating on your fish.
NOTE: If you're cooking frozen fish fillets, defrost them before putting them in a pan. Otherwise, the inside will stay raw while the outside cooks. Most frozen fish needs 12 hours in the fridge to defrost. If the fish is in an airtight package, you may be able to thaw them in cold water for 45 minutes to an hour.
Step 3: Pick your pan
Now that your fish is seasoned and ready to go, it is time to choose the right pan. You have a few choices, here:
First, you can use a nonstick pan. This is the one we generally recommend, especially if you're a novice cook. A nonstick pan will help to prevent your fried fish from sticking to the pan and make flipping much easier.
Second, you can use a cast-iron skillet will give your fish a nice sear, and lead to a crispy pan fried fish. If you decide to use a cast iron skillet, make sure it's properly seasoned first.
Third, you can use a stainless steel pan. Stainless steel is a great option if you are looking for an even cook on your fish, but be careful! You'll have to use a decent amount of oil to prevent sticking, breaking apart, and burning.
Whichever pan you choose, make sure it is large enough to fit all of your fillets without crowding.
Step 4: Preheat your pan
Now that you've chosen your pan, it's time to heat it up. You'll want to heat your pan over medium heat. If you cook above medium heat, you risk burning your fish or having it stick.
If you're using a nonstick pan, you can add your olive oil once the pan is heated. If you're using a cast-iron or stainless steel pan, you'll want to add your oil to the pan first and then heat it until it is hot.
We recommend using olive oil. Canola oil and vegetable oil works as well, but aren't as healthy.
Step 5: Cook your fish
Once your pan is heated and your fish is seasoned, it's time to add your fish! Gently place the fish fillets in the pan skin-side down.
If you're pan-frying, you'll want to fry fish for two to three minutes per side. If you're grilling, you'll want to cook your fish for four to six minutes per side.
Once one side is done (the underside should look golden brown and/or crispy), you can use a fish spatula to flip it over and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
You'll know your fish is done when it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Once your fish is cooked, remove it from the pan and place it on a plate.
Step 6: Serve your pan fried fish!
After your fish is cooked, it's time to serve the dish! We recommend serving it with some steamed vegetables and a simple salad, and garnishing with some chopped parsley and some lemon wedges. You can also try serving it over a bed of rice or pasta.
For extra flavor, you can coat the grilled fish fillets in a glaze or serve them with breadcrumbs or a sauce.
No matter how you choose to serve it, we hope you enjoy your crispy pan-fried fish! And don't forget, the best part of cooking at home is that you can always experiment until you find a dish that you love.
So have fun and get creative in the kitchen! Pan-cooking fish is a great way to make a delicious and easy weeknight meal. And with these simple tips, you'll be an expert in no time
Until next time, happy cooking!