Southern Pan fried whiting fish seasoned then fried until crispy and golden. Tender, flaky whiting fish is so delicious! Perfect with hushpuppies or a side of coleslaw.
If you love this fish recipe you’ll really enjoy my crispy tuna patties with lemon garlic, herbs and parmesan. Amazing!
Southern Fried Fish
Fried fish sandwich
I love to eat my fried fish with tartar sauce. Make your own quick tartar sauce or buy a quality one and let’s not forget about wheat bread. Slather the tartar sauce over each slice of wheat bread (or your choice of bread).
I always add tartar sauce onto both sides, a bit more on one side and minimal tartar sauce on the other slice of bread. Add the fried crispy fish on top of the tartar sauce with bread then drizzle on the hot sauce.
I’m telling you if you haven’t tried frying whiting fish, nows your chance. This recipe uses frozen whiting fish but if you can get your hands on fresh whiting..Omg it’ even better!
How to make Pan fried fish
This recipe is too easy. Whiting only takes 3-4 minutes on each side to fully cook.
Tips to make this fried whiting fish
- Use a heavy bottom pan or cast iron skillet to fry the fish
- Use your choice of fish. Tilapia, whiting, cod or catfish. I used whiting fish.
- If necessary, remove the bones from the fish
- To make this gluten-free, don’t use flour.
- Pat the fish dry before you dredge them.
- Season the fish lightly with salt. Add pepper
- Gently press the breading onto the fish and shake off excess flour before you add it to the oil.
- Coat the fish then leave it alone for 10-15 minutes. the longer the better. This will help keep the coating from falling off.
- Use a cast iron skillet or a heavy duty frying pan
- Do not fill the skillet more than halfway with oil.
- Once the temperature reaches 350F it’s time to fry the fish.
Have you ever tried whiting fish? If so, I’d love to know. Leave a comment below.
Classic delicious southern fried fish is lightly seasoned and fried in a pan until golden and crisp. Crispy whiting fish is the best!
- 2 lb Fish Fillet whiting, cod, catfish
- salt and pepper for taste
- vegetable oil for frying
- 3/4 cup cornmeal
- 1 tbsp all purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- salt and pepper for taste
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Lightly season the fish with salt and pepper. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine the flours and all of the seasonings.
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Dredge the fillets in the breading mixture one at a time. Place the coated fillets on a parchment lined baking sheet. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fill the pan with the vegetable oil halfway.*See notes. Fry the fillets in batches but do not crowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side. Drain on a paper towel. Serve immediately since the crispiness won't last very long!
COOK TIPS:
- Use your choice of fish, whiting, cod, catfish.
- Make sure all the bones are removed from the fish.
- To make this gluten free, eliminate the flour.
- Pat the fish dry.
- Season the fish lightly with salt and pepper.
- Gently press the breading into the fish and shake off excess flour before you add it to the oil.
- Coat the fish then leave it alone for 10 minutes. This will help keep the coating from falling off.
- Use a good quality non-stick pan or cast iron skillet to fry your fish.
- Do not fill the skillet more than halfway with oil.
- Make sure the hot oil is @ the correct temperature (350 degrees F) before the fish is added to the skillet.
Recipe updated on 4/12/2019
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I love fried fish but I didn’t know that they use cornmeal in the recipe. That looks crispy and yummy.
I’m drooling just looking at these photos! I think cornmeal batter goes so well with fried seafood. There’s a restaurant here that’s only open seasonally which is exactly like the ones you talked about. They have four things on the menu: fried catfish, fried chicken, hushpuppies, and fries. Too bad the river flooding will prevent them from opening this year.
Oh wow that’s not good. I bet they had the best fried fish. I love fish takeouts! Thank you!
I’ve made my own battered fish before, but never tried southern-fried fish! I bet the seasoning is absolutely scrumptious.
Definitely give it a try. It’s super good! Thank you!
I am unfamiliar with whiting, but I love a good fish fry! This coating looks splendid and I love that you added a bit of cayenne because I personally don’t make a fish batter without it. It just needs a little pinch to give it the right kick. This recipe looks tasty and I am super craving fried fish now!
A lot of people haven’t tried it’s very good. Thank you!
I am such a huge fan of southern fried fish. my mom wasn’t much of a fish fryer, but as an adult I have grown to love it very much. I’ll have to try this recipe!
I love a good fried fish…so easy but delicious! Thanks Danielle!
My cousin lived with us for a couple of years when we were both young adults, and we NEVER had leftovers when he was there! He ate EVERYTHING LOL! I love a good white fish…not sure if I’ve ever had whiting before, but I’m going to have to give it a try because I love fried fish
Haha we all have that one cousin that will finish off everything lol. You should give whiting fish a try. It’s one of my favorites!
I really loved your tips as to how to make the fish! Makes this a fool proof recipe. And all the seasonings in the breading sounds delicious!
It’s simple but very good. Thank you!
Growing up in Houston, we used to eat a lot of fried catfish, and this recipe totally takes me back! The seasoning in the cornmeal is perfect. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much Amanda!
Fried fish reminds me of my childhood as well. My parents would make fried catfish quite frequently and I would always eat more than my share. Thanks for sharing a special recipe.
Kelly Anthony
This southern fried fish looks so delicious. I have a weakness for fried fish. Here in Italy we eat a lot of whitebait or fresh sardines fried but they’re small and not coated in flour! I want to try your Southern version!
Jacqueline Debono
This is my go to recipe for fried fish. I’ve tried the recipe with both fresh whiting and frozen whiting. Although both recipes are excellent using fresh whiting makes the recipe even more better. This is the only way I make my fried fish..
Winning! I’m excited that it’s your go to recipe! Fresh is always better! Thank you so much 🙂
Exactly! That’s why I love it! Thank you Tiffany!
You have to give it a try someday. You will be surprised! Thank you Lathiya! By the way, I love your name.
I was just thinking that I need to put a new fish recipe into rotation at my house, I’ve been getting bored! I’m so happy to have found this recipe! Fried fish?! Yes please!
Thank you Jennifer! I hope you enjoy it!
You made my mouth water and now I’m craving a fish sandwich! I’m terrified of frying things but I’ll get my boyfriend to do it for me 😉
Omg this recipe looks AMAZING!! In Wisconsin, going to a Friday Fish Fry is basically a weekly tradition. This recipe would make it so much easier to just make the fish at home!! Can’t wait to try it!!
Oh wow, I never knew that. A Friday fish fry sounds exciting and fun! Thank you Sarah!