Fried fish can be great entree or sandwich item if made properly. A light, crispy batter adhered to moist, flaky fish fillets can be mouthwatering. However, a heavy batter combined with frying oil at too low of a temperature can lead to soggy, almost inedible fish. Deep frying is also not the most health conscious way to cook fish. However, a healthy alternative is to "oven fry" the fish. Proper preparation and the right ingredients can make oven-fried fish a weekly meal tradition in your house.
Things You'll Need
- 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
- Saucepan
- 2 large bowls
- Whisk
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp. buttermilk
- 1/3 cup corn meal
- 1/3 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/3 cup corn starch
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. dill weed
- 2 lbs. fish fillets (such as cod or flounder)
- Paper towel
- Instant-read thermometer
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Melt 2 tbsp. butter in a saucepan. Pour melted butter into a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Coat well.
Break open two eggs and mix well in a large bowl using a whisk. Add 2 tbsp. buttermilk to the bowl and mix.
Add 1/3 cup corn meal, 1/3 cup whole wheat flour, 1/3 cup corn starch, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. black pepper, 1/2 tsp. garlic powder and 1/4 tsp. dill weed in another bowl and mix well.
Rinse fish fillets in water and pat dry with a paper towel. Place fish fillets in the milk mixture and leave in the bowl for about a minute. Dredge fish fillets in flour mixture and coat completely.
Place fillets in the baking dish. "Oven fry" the fish for about 20 minutes. Check internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer -- fish should reach a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from oven and allow to rest for five minutes before serving.
