MOST OF THE TIME, I PAN ROAST FISH, BUT WITH THE LAST OF THE LING COD OF THE SEASON, I HAD A HANKERING FOR FRIED FISH; JUST A LIGHT CRUST ON THE OUTSIDE TO SEAL IN THE FLAVOR AND THE ENTICING CRUNCH THAT YOU ONLY GET WITH FRYING. THIS IS AN ALARMINGLY SIMPLE RECIPE, HARDLY ANY PREP, SO I URGE YOU TO GO TO THE TROUBLE OF USING HOMEMADE BREADCRUMBS WHICH ADD A DIMENSION OF FLAVOR MISSING FROM THE STORE-BOUGHT VERSION. I SERVED THE FRIED COD WITH BABY JAPANESE TURNIPS POACHED IN WATER AND BUTTER. RICE OR STEAMED NEW POTATOES BOTH MAKE GOOD SUBSTITUTES, BUT THESE SPRING TURNIPS ARE IRRESISTABLY SWEET.
COOKING NOTE: IF YOU'RE MAKING RICE, POTATOES OR TURNIPS, DO SO BEFORE FRYING THE FISH, WHICH ONLY TAKES FEW MINUTES.
CUT THE FISH INTO FAIRLY LARGE PIECES (3" TO 4"). SALT AND PEPPER LIGHTLY.
MIX TOGETHER THE BREADCRUMBS AND FLOUR ON A DINNER PLATE.
HEAT ABOUT 1/2 CUP OF PEANUT OIL IN A CAST IRON PAN.
WHEN THE OIL IS VERY HOT BUT NOT SMOKING, DREDGE THE FILLETS IN THE FLOUR/BREADCRUMB MIXTURE. GENTLY SHAKE OFF EXCESS BEFORE LAYING THEM IN THE PAN.
FRY FOR ABOUT 2 MINUTES PER SIDE. MAKE SURE EACH PIECE IS NICELY BROWNED.
REMOVE FROM THE PAN AND DRAIN ON PAPER TOWELS SET ON A WIRE RACK.
ARRANGE ON A WARM PLATE, SCATTERED WITH FRESH HERBS WITH LEMON WEDGES ON THE SIDE.
SERVES 2
Ingredients
Directions
COOKING NOTE: IF YOU'RE MAKING RICE, POTATOES OR TURNIPS, DO SO BEFORE FRYING THE FISH, WHICH ONLY TAKES FEW MINUTES.
CUT THE FISH INTO FAIRLY LARGE PIECES (3" TO 4"). SALT AND PEPPER LIGHTLY.
MIX TOGETHER THE BREADCRUMBS AND FLOUR ON A DINNER PLATE.
HEAT ABOUT 1/2 CUP OF PEANUT OIL IN A CAST IRON PAN.
WHEN THE OIL IS VERY HOT BUT NOT SMOKING, DREDGE THE FILLETS IN THE FLOUR/BREADCRUMB MIXTURE. GENTLY SHAKE OFF EXCESS BEFORE LAYING THEM IN THE PAN.
FRY FOR ABOUT 2 MINUTES PER SIDE. MAKE SURE EACH PIECE IS NICELY BROWNED.
REMOVE FROM THE PAN AND DRAIN ON PAPER TOWELS SET ON A WIRE RACK.
ARRANGE ON A WARM PLATE, SCATTERED WITH FRESH HERBS WITH LEMON WEDGES ON THE SIDE.
SERVES 2