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Easy Pan Fried Fish Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 50 reviews

This Easy Pan Fried Fish recipe features tender white fish fillets coated in a flavorful, crispy parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust. Perfectly pan-fried to a golden brown, this dish is simple to prepare and pairs beautifully with rice and fresh lemon wedges for a quick, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish and Seasoning

  • 4 white fish fillets (like cod or tilapia), skinless, boneless (approx. 5 oz. each)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Breading and Coating

  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
  • 1 egg, beaten

Cooking

  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or canola or avocado oil)

Instructions

  1. Pat the Fish Dry: Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the fish fillets dry on both sides, especially if thawed from frozen, to remove excess moisture for better breading adherence.
  2. Season the Fish: Sprinkle sea salt and ground black pepper evenly over both sides of each fish fillet to enhance flavor.
  3. Prepare the Breading Stations: Place all-purpose flour in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine garlic powder, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and shredded parmesan cheese. In a third shallow bowl, beat the egg until smooth.
  4. Coat the Fish: Dip each fish fillet first in the flour, ensuring full coverage, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture. Set aside on a plate.
  5. Heat the Pan and Cook: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and allow it to heat until shimmering. Add the breaded fish fillets carefully to the skillet. Cook the first side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then carefully flip and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes until the fish is cooked through and crispy.
  6. Drain and Serve: Transfer the cooked fish to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Serve warm, ideally with rice or your favorite side dish.

Notes

  • Make sure the fish fillets are dry before breading to ensure the coating sticks well.
  • You can substitute panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs but panko offers extra crispiness.
  • Use avocado or canola oil as a healthier alternative to vegetable oil if preferred.
  • Serve with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
  • For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.

Keywords: pan fried fish, crispy fish fillets, breaded fish, easy fish recipe, parmesan crusted fish

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/easy-pan-fried-fish-recipe/