Red Fried 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.

PAUL PRUDHOMME'S BLACKENED REDFISH

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, thyme and oregano. Mix well. Set aside.
• Place a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot, about 10 minutes. It will get smoky, so turn on the exhaust fan and turn off the smoke detector.
• Meanwhile, pour 2 tablespoons of melted butter in each of 6 small ramekins; set aside and keep warm. Pour the remaining butter into a shallow bowl. Dip each fillet in the butter so that both sides are well coated. Sprinkle the spice mix generously and evenly on both sides of the fish, patting it on by hand.
• When the skillet is heated, place the fillets inside without crowding and top each with 1 teaspoon of melted butter. Cook, uncovered, until the underside looks charred, about 2 minutes. Turn the fillets over and again pour 1 teaspoon of butter on top; cook until done, about 2 minutes more. Transfer to warmed plates and repeat with the remaining fish. Serve immediately, with a ramekin of butter on each plate.

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.