We love fish every which way: steamed, sautéed, grilled, broiled or baked. But the truth is, almost everything tastes better when it's fried!

In fact, the fish fry recipe is a popular American tradition. In the Northeast, particularly upstate New York and Pennsylvania, they favor haddock and cod. In the Midwest, they like local catches, including perch, walleye and smelt. Then there’s the South, where you’ll find catfish and flounder. 

And no matter where you travel, you’re likely to encounter Friday fish fries on or around Lent, considering it’s a common religious practice to abstain from meat products, in observance of Jesus’s crucifixion.

Firm, flaky, mild-tasting white fillets are ideal, like those mentioned above. Opt for these over steak-like, strong-flavored tuna, salmon and swordfish. Fillets go especially well with fish fry batter, from a simple dredge of white flour and breadcrumbs, to a coating of egg and crunchy cornmeal. 

We’re especially fans of beer battered fish, where the fish batter is made from fizzy beer and baking powder, which produces a fluffy, golden, shatteringly crisp crust. But whatever combination you select, here’s a no-fail method for how to fry fish!

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Best Fish for Fish Fry Recipe

• Haddock
• Tilapia
• Alaskan Cod
• Catfish
• Halibut
• Trout
• Perch
• Shrimp
• Snook
• Redfish
• Flounder ( very thin best batter fried)
• Halibut
• Salmon
• Bass & Striped Bass

Must Read: Gravy Goes With Ham and Mashed Potatoes

Fish Fry Recipe Ingredients

• Oil (for deep frying)
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Optional: lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or homemade rémoulade sauce (for serving)
• Slap ya Mama - Cajun Fish Fry

Optional Ingredients for Slap Ya Mama Fish Fry Recipe

lemon wedges, for garnish fresh sliced Vidalia onions, for garnish Louisiana Fish Fry Products Remoulade Sauce, Cocktail Sauce or Cravin' Cajun Hot Sauce to taste

How to Make Fish Batter

1. Start by soaking your fillets in milk or beaten eggs for 2-3 minutes.

2. Before gently rolling them in seasoned flour, breadcrumbs or cornmeal, and tap off the excess.

Using beer batter? Skip these steps completely and do this instead: Simply take those fillets for a brief swim in the bowl, and let the extra drip off, so your coating doesn’t get too thick.

Read More: Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning Recipe: A Perfect Blend of Zesty, Savory, & Spicy Flavors

How to Fry Fish

1. Fill a large, nonstick pan (we like cast iron!) with enough oil to come halfway up the sides of your fish. Choose oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, sunflower, safflower or grapeseed. Heat it over medium heat, until the oil begins to shimmer but not smoke.
2. You can test that it’s ready by dropping a tiny pinch of breadcrumbs or batter into the pan — if it sizzles and browns immediately, you know that you’re good to go.
3. Carefully add your fish, making sure not to crowd the pan. Cook for three to four minutes on one side, then gently flip the fish over, and cook for three to four minutes on the other side.
4. Remove your fish to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
5. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of salt, some lemon, and some tartar sauce or malt vinegar if desired.

This tasty fried fish recipe is made with a basic combination of flour and seasonings, but don't be fooled by the simplicity of this dish—the fillets fry up crispy and delicious. Be careful not to overcook the or burn the crispy coating.

For frying, you will want to use high heat oil, such as canola oil, corn oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, or grapeseed oil. Healthier oils like avocado oil will also work as long as the smoke point is 400 F or higher. Avoid using olive oil or butter, since they will burn at the high temperatures required for frying. 

Don't skip the flour coating, since it provides a delicious crispy texture and protects the fish from soaking up too much oil. It also keeps the fillet in one piece and adds flavor.

If you want to change up the spices, try a few dashes of Old Bay, Cajun, or Creole seasoning. Mrs. Dash is a good option if you're watching your salt intake. Serve the fried fish with a classic tartar sauce or a tasty Louisiana rémoulade.

Slap Ya Mama Fish Fry Nutrition Facts: 

Calories 11.1, Total Fat 11.2g, Saturated Fat 2.6 g, Polyunsaturated Fat 5.7 g, Monounsaturated Fat 2.3 g, Cholesterol 30.9 mg, Sodium 484.1 mg, Potassium 291.2 mg, Total Carbohydrate 15.4 g, Dietary Fiber 0.5 g, Sugars 0.0 g,Protein13.3 g