Fishing is a fun way to bond with your family and friends, especially if you catch plenty of fish. The smell of fried fish may even beg you to dig in for another bite before you even know what happened!
But one thing you need to keep in mind is how much oil to use when frying fish. Some people prefer their fish crispy and golden brown, while others like their fish softer. Different fishes have different textures and thicknesses so you’ll have to find out what works best for you.
Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind when pan frying fish.
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Less Oil Means Tastier Fish
There are a few ways in which frying in less oil enhances the flavor of your fish. First, less oil means less calories, so you’ll enjoy your meal more. Second, the less oil, the less risk of your fish being greasy. Some people are concerned about their fish being greasy, especially when cooking on an open fire, but using less oil prevents that issue. Third, less oil means less mess! When you wash down a greasy stovetop and your dining table, it’s more than likely that you’ll have to clean up the mess. Fourth, if you have kids around, less oil means less of a risk of them getting sick from poisonings. While not all oil is bad for children’s health, some of it can be very dangerous. Finally, less oil means less likely that the fish will end up dry, which often leads to unhealthy eating habits.
Deep Frying For Better Crispy Fish
If you’re new to frying, start with shallots or another small, mild onion because they are the thinnest of the onion family and don’t require as much oil to cook. They also have a mild yet distinctive flavor that blends well with other spices. Next, go for thinner fish such as trout or salmon because they will turn out more consistently. If you’re using frozen fish, take them out of the freezer a few minutes before you start cooking so that they defrost and become easier to eat.
Use Better-Quality Fish
Fish that is frozen and thawed has a higher water content than fresh fish, which makes it heavier. This means it takes more oil to cook the same amount. Always buy the highest quality fish you can because it will taste better and you’ll enjoy the meal more. If possible, choose a local fish store or market that you can trust, and buy only what you need. Buying too much will only lead to regret later when you realize you could have bought cheaper but still good-quality fish if you’d known exactly how much you needed.
Use More Spices
A lot of fish dishes call for nothing more than some spices, but many people forget about the versatility of spices and how much they can improve the flavor of their dishes. When cooking, always add more spices than what’s called for in the recipe. If a recipe doesn’t specify, you can always add more heat than cold. For example, if you think the recipe might be getting a bit bland, add some chili powder or cayenne pepper for more spice.
Marinades & Brines For Tender Fish
When it comes to delicate fishes such as salmon or trout, marinating and brining can be very helpful. With these techniques, you soak your fish in a seasoned liquid—usually a combination of soy sauce, lemon juice, and sake—for a few hours or overnight. During this time, the fish is tenderized and its flavor is enhanced.
If you are marinating, make sure that the ingredients are mixed well before you start cooking so that their effects are uniform throughout the fish. This way, you won’t end up with some pieces that are more cooked than others.
Fresh Fish Is Best
With fresh fish, you’ll want to cook it as soon as you get it because it quickly goes bad if you don’t. This means you’ll have to plan out your shopping list a few days in advance, so there’s no wasting any time once you get there. You should also cook what you’re going to serve within a few hours of purchasing it or eating it, so there are no food-safety issues to speak of. To make sure your fish stays moist, always cook it with the head partially removed so that the fish can breathe. This way, you can be sure that your fish cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out too much.
Above all, have fun! Enjoy the process of finding the right recipe, experimenting with different ingredients, and preparing a delicious meal with your loved ones. The sky is the limit, as long as you keep these tips in mind, so you can keep on giving your family and friends happy holidays and special moments together.