Fried Red Fish Recipes

CRISPY FRIED RED FISH AND SPICY REMOULADE

Steps:

• For the spicy remoulade: Add the mayonnaise, mustard, paprika, parsley, chives, garlic, cayenne, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, sweet pickle juice, hot sauce and black pepper to taste to a medium mixing bowl. Whisk gently until the ingredients are evenly combined. Put the sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
• For the crispy red fish: Add the salt, paprika, cayenne, white pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, oregano and flour to a medium mixing bowl and mix together. Add the egg and milk to a separate medium mixing bowl and whisk together.
• Dredge the fish in the seasoned flour, then the egg mixture, then again in the flour, shaking off any excess. Let the floured fish rest for 10 minutes.
• Heat the oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat until the oil reaches 350 degrees F.
• Pan-fry the fish in the skillet for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the oil and season with salt. Drain excess oil from the fillets over a lined roasting rack or paper towels. Serve immediately.

FRIED RED FISH

Steps:

• In a medium Dutch oven add enough canola oil that fish is submerged by 1-inch of oil, and heat oil to 350 degrees F.
• Cut 3 slices into the flesh of the fish, approximately 2-inches apart, or equal spacing between head and tail.
• Hold fish by the tail and open cuts fully and season with the salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. Repeat with the other side of the fish.
• Mix flours and cornstarch, liberally dredge fish, except tail. Using tongs, place fish, head first into oil, insuring that fish stays upright.
• Cook for 10 minutes or until fish is done.

RED-FRIED FISH

Steps:

• Put at least 1/2 inch oil in cast-iron skillet. Over medium-high heat, bring oil to 350 degrees. (A drop of batter will sizzle energetically but not violently at this temperature.)
• Meanwhile combine ginger, cayenne, paprika, salt, pepper and flour in a bowl. Beat egg with lime juice and about 1/4 cup cold water; stir into mixture, and stir in as much water as necessary to achieve consistency of pancake batter. Stir in fish.
• When oil is heated, gently slide a few pieces of fish into it; do not crowd. Fry, turning once, until fish is crisp and golden brown all over, about 5 minutes. Repeat with rest of fish as necessary. Drain on paper towels, and serve immediately with lime wedges.

PESCADO FRITO (FRIED RED SNAPPER)

Steps:

• Prepare the adobo: Combine all the adobo ingredients and grind them together in a large pilón or mortar and pestle, or simply mix them together in a small bowl.
• Prepare the fish: Make three shallow crosswise cuts on both sides of the surface of the fish skin, then place it in a deep container with a lid or a large resealable bag. Pour adobo over, rubbing it into the skin, head and cavity. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or 2 to 3 hours in the fridge. If marinating longer, let the fish come to room temperature 30 minutes before frying.
• In a wide, heavy-bottomed pot large enough to submerge your fish, pour in enough oil to reach a depth of at least 2 inches. Heat over high until oil is simmering and reaches 350 degrees on a candy thermometer.
• Line a baking sheet with paper towels and set aside.
• Once the oil comes to temperature, pick the marinated fish up by the tail, shake off excess marinade, and lower it head-first into simmering oil. Use a pair of tongs to gently nudge the fish to prevent it from sticking to the pot. It'll be very active at first, so have a splatter shield handy, if you've got one.
• Using a heat-safe ladle, baste any unsubmerged fish with hot oil repeatedly, ensuring fish cooks evenly. Fry until it turns golden brown, 5 to 10 minutes, watching carefully and removing immediately if it starts to get dark.
• Using an extra-long fish spatula, or a set of heatproof tongs and a heatproof spatula, carefully lift the fish out of the oil and transfer it to the lined baking sheet.
• Let rest for 2 to 3 minutes. Garnish with lime wedges, hot sauce and cilantro.