deep fried tilapia recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best deep fried tilapia recipe

Deep-fried tilapia is a dish that has been a staple in many coastal communities for centuries. The fish is marinated in a mixture of spices and herbs, then coated in a light batter and fried to perfection.

I first tried this recipe at a family gathering, and it was love at first bite. Since then, I’ve made it countless times for my family and friends, and it never fails to impress.

The key to making this dish is to use a light batter that doesn’t overpower the delicate flavor of the fish. I like to serve it with a side of tartar sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

My kids love helping me prepare the fish by coating it in the batter, and they’re always eager to try the finished product. It’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen and teach them about different flavors and textures.

I’ve also found that this recipe works well for special occasions like holidays or birthdays, as well as for everyday meals. The health benefits of deep-fried tilapia are numerous, including its high protein content and low fat levels.

It’s also relatively quick and easy to make, which is always a plus when you’re short on time. Overall, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try if you haven’t already.

Deep Fried Tilapia

4.8 from 708 votes

Crispy golden tilapia fillets seasoned with a blend of spices and fried to perfection. This quick and easy recipe delivers a crunchy exterior with tender, flaky fish inside.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time20 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Tilapia

4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
Vegetable oil for deep frying

👨‍🍳Directions

1Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels.
2Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3Let them rest for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
4In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour and cornmeal.
5In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs with the milk until smooth.
6Set up a breading station with the flour mixture and egg wash.
7Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
8Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature for even frying.
9Dredge each seasoned tilapia fillet first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
10Then dip into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off, and coat again with the flour mixture.
11Press gently so the coating adheres.
12Carefully place 2 fillets into the hot oil without overcrowding.
13Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
14The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
15Transfer the fried fillets to a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil.
16Repeat with remaining fillets, allowing the oil to return to 350°F between batches.
Serve immediately.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or deep fryer
Paper towels
Shallow bowls
Tongs
Wire rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 110mg🧂Sodium: 680mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For extra crispiness, let the breaded fillets rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes before frying. Serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.

Watch Video Of How Deep Fried Tilapia Works

This deep-fried tilapia recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a special dinner or just a quick weeknight meal.

My family loves helping me prepare it and enjoys eating it with their favorite sides or dipping sauces.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s so versatile – you can serve it hot or cold, with all sorts of toppings or without any at all.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Deep Fried Tilapia

Q: What type of fish should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use a mild-flavored fish like tilapia or cod.

Q: How do I know if my fish is cooked through?

The best way to check if your fish is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. You should aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can check by cutting into one of the fillets; if it flakes easily with a fork, it’s done.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the fish and batter up to 24 hours in advance. Just be sure to store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and fry the dish.

Q: Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?

You’ll need a large skillet or deep fryer with at least 3-4 inches of depth to accommodate the oil needed for frying.

Q: Can I bake this recipe instead of frying?

While you can bake this recipe instead of frying, it won’t be quite the same in terms of texture and flavor. If you do choose to bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and cook the fish for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.

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