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–+ servings
Benjamin

Best Pan Fried Fish Recipe - Quick & Flavorful

This Pan Fried Fish Recipe is the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor! With a golden, crispy crust on the outside and tender, flaky fish on the inside, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests, pan-frying fish is a foolproof way to create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. Serve it with fresh lemon juice and your favorite sides for a delicious, healthy meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fish fillets such as cod, tilapia, haddock, or salmon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour optional, for a light coating
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Lemon wedges for serving
  • Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)

Method
 

Prepare the Fish:
  1. Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
  2. Lightly season both sides of the fish with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Optional Flour Coating:
  1. If you want a light crust, dredge the fish fillets in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
Heat the Skillet:
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and butter, allowing the butter to melt and sizzle. Be careful not to let the butter burn.
Cook the Fish:
  1. Place the fish fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if applicable. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid flipping too early—let the fish form a crust before turning.
Serve:
  1. Transfer the cooked fish to a plate. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Choose the Right Fish: Use fresh, firm fish fillets for the best results. If using frozen fish, thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the fish in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
  • Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to add other spices like cayenne pepper, cumin, or Italian seasoning for a flavor twist.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or skip the coating altogether.
  • Reheating: Reheat leftover fish in a skillet over low heat to maintain its crispiness.

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