A Healthy Fried Fish the Southern Way Version That You’ll Serve Once a Week

Fishing season has started here in our area, and we’ve already started getting tons of fish coming into the house. This means we have tons of fish coming in. Thankfully, we love fish, and my favorite way of preparing most of our fish is with the best fried fish the Southern way recipe. 

There is something about the way Southerners prepare fish that just tastes better, and this easy fried fish the Southern way for beginners recipe is perfect for anyone who loves bringing home a few every season. 

I started using this recipe many years ago, and it has stood the test of time in my home. In fact, we’ve tried tons of great homemade fried fish the Southern way ideas over the years, and just about all of them are good. 

I believe this is the easiest and most tasty way of breading fish. It’s tender, soft, and goes well with just about any side.

In fact, we’ve found that this breading is perfect for all the fish we bring home, and even some that I end up buying. Even fish-wary kids tend to love it!

Best of all, this quick fried fish the Southern way recipe has just a few simple seasonings.

These include basic ones that are likely in your cupboard already, making this a simple fried fish the Southern way meal that you can make just about any time.

We think this is a family friendly fried fish the Southern way dish that you’ll truly enjoy.

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• There are only a few ingredients needed for the breading – nothing too fancy
• The breading does not overwhelm the taste of the fish – it’s surprisingly light and fluffy 
• It is easy to make and even easier to eat – your kids might even want to join
• The fish tastes delicious – the breading helps take the edge off the fishy texture
• Amazingly healthy – it’s a covert way of getting your kids to eat better

Variations:

Depending on your family, you could add in Cayenne Pepper to give it a bite of spice. I have found this recipe tastes great on all types of fish.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

• Whitefish: Inexpensive but tasty, whitefish is also less “fishy” and easier to eat. Cod, haddock, or tilapia also work well for this dish, depending your taste and preferences.
• Paprika: Gives your fish the kick that this recipe needs. If you want an alternative, try Chipotle chili powder to get that unique flavoring. Cayenne pepper also works well.
• Yellow Cornmeal: Use cornmeal to help the flavoring and seasonings stick well to your fish. Allergic to or dislike it? Try polenta, which easily sits in and serves the same purposes.
• Oil for Frying: Vegetable, olive oil, and other frying oils help this fish cook well. Not into that greasy taste? You can also airfry your fish, though that is a little trickier.
• Salt and Pepper: Seasoning your fish gives it a little extra flavor. Don’t want to overwhelm the fish’s taste? Here’s a bold idea: just skip the salt and pepper completely!

How to Make It

Start the best fried fish the Southern way recipe by dampening your fish with some water. This not only helps clean any oil off the fish but makes it easier to apply the cornmeal later.

Any easy fried fish the Southern way for beginners recipe lives and dies by its seasoning. Tip: mix all your garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl first to blend it smoothly before dipping your fish in it.

Adding the garlic powder.

Adding the onion powder.

Adding the paprika.

A simple fried fish the Southern way meal shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes to prep. Here’s a tip: store your cornmeal in a bag with the fish after coating it with seasoning to help it absorb the flavors even more.

Don’t just sit there with your fish while it absorbs flavors! Shake the bag to make a quick fried fish the Southern way recipe that will melt in your mouth.

Here are a few homemade fried fish the Southern way ideas and tips: don’t add your fish until the oil hits 350 degrees! Waiting helps it get truly crispy. You can also airfry in the same temperature for about 3-4 minutes to get consistent results.

Sick of oily textures with your fried fish? Drain them on paper towels (give them a snug but not too tough squeeze) and youc an get a drier, healthy fried fish the Southern way version.

Tips for Success

• Pick only the freshest fish (a day old or less) to get the tastiest cuts possible 
• Use a high-smoke point oil, like peanut or canola, to get a truly crispy fish 
• Keep the temperature at around 350-365 degrees Fahrenheit to produce consistently great fish 
• Cook only 1-2 fish at a time in the pan; overcrowding can produce mushy, uneven results 
• Sprinkle some paprika on type while it fries to give it an even richer flavor profile

Storage & Reheating

When storing your family friendly fried fish the Southern way dish, put it in an airtight container and then into the refrigerator. You can store the fish in the fridge for three days before tossing it. 

Freezing your fish is easy, thankfully. Place the cooled fish into an airtight container or wrap it tightly and place it in the freezer. You can store it in the freezer for three months.

If you want to reheat it, place the fish on a baking tray in a preheated 350-degree Fahrenheit oven. Heat for five minutes or until heated through. Serve with your favorite side for the best results.

Serving Suggestions

• Try serving these with delicious hush puppies for an authentic fish meal 
• Keep lemon wedges and tartar sauce nearby for a great dish 
• Want to go truly southern? Add a sweet tea to your meal!
• Serve this dish some nicely steamed rice to add a little healthier addition to it
• Debone your fish before cooking to avoid those annoying “crunches” at dinner time

Notes

My grandpa was a big fisher, and he cooked fish better than any man I’ve ever met. He had a tender touch with the filets and a simple taste that helped make this recipe a huge favorite. In fact, every year, dad, mom, my sister, and I went fishing with gramps, and he’d make us dozens of fish using this recipe here. I hope that you and your family can build the same kind of beautiful memories with this or other meals we suggest here!

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More fish recipes?

Lemon Pepper Fried Fish – Crispy coating and perfectly cooked fish

Crawfish Bread – A real crowd-pleaser!

British Beer Battered Fish & Chips – It is a great dish for anyone who is looking for a classic British meal that will be sure to satisfy.