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    Seafood Recipes » Pan Fried Whiting Fish

    Pan Fried Whiting Fish

    Posted On December 2, 2019 By Mirlene Last updated January 6, 2022 42 Comments

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    Pinterest Pin for Pan Fried Whiting Fish Recipe on white plate

    This recipe for fried whiting fish is a basic Southern fried fish recipe. Beautifully panned fried with a super golden crust, moist and tender on the inside, and serves well for dinner or potluck.

    Southern Fried Whiting Fish on a white plate.

    Fried chicken and fried fish are probably the first two dishes that’s on top of Southern cuisine.  This pan fried fish is coated with a delicious seasoned flour and is pan fried within 10 minutes or less.

    Hot or cold, this crispy fried whiting fish is always a crowd-pleaser.

    With this pan-fried fish recipe, there’s no reason to bring out the deep fryer. Plus, it will take less time to cook the fish than the amount of time it will take you to wash and put away the deep fryer. No one really has time for that.

    Why does this fry fish work?

    What I like about whiting fish is that it’s really inexpensive. I often pick up a couple bags from Aldi for less than $7.00. It also pairs well macaroni and cheese.

    Serves well with a side of fries and steamed cabbage for a meal everyone will love!

    Aside from being extremely easy to prepare, this recipe is gluten-free.

    The fish is incredibly delicious and fries well in minutes. Not to mention, it compliments most food dishes and is easy to thaw if frozen.

    What kind of fish is whiting?

    Whiting is a Gadiformes (cod-like) fish. This slender, low in mercury fish occupies the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, including the North Sea on the East Coast of Britain.

     
    Fried whiting fish recipe on white plate

    How do you make Southern fried whiting fish?

    The ingredients I used to make the fried whiting fish are – cornmeal, cayenne pepper, 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour, salt and pepper to taste, dried basil, and vegetable oil for frying.

    As you may notice from the ingredients list, I used a combination of flour and a cornmeal. However, if you do not have cornmeal, breadcrumbs will work as well.

    You can alter the recipe in any way with the ingredients you have on hand.  Make it your own – natural or dry herbs will also work. Feel free to also omit the cayenne pepper, or add more for an extra kick!

    • In a medium bowl, combine the cornmeal, cayenne pepper, all-purpose flour, salt and pepper to taste, and basil. Mix well and set aside (pic 1). Wash and lightly season the fish with salt and pepper.
    • Coat each fish one by one and set aside on a plate. Then fry the fish in small batches for 5 minutes per side. Repeat the steps with the remaining fish. Serve warm and enjoy!
    Crispy fried fish

    This Southern pan-fried whiting fish doesn’t get any easier than this. It pairs well with cauliflower and rice and beans. But, if you loved this Fried Whiting Fish Recipe, try this fish and chips recipe.

    I would love to know if you made this Southern Fried Whiting Fish Recipe, please let me know how it turns out for you in the comments!

    Also, tag me on Instagram or Facebook so I can see your beautiful dish. I hope you love it.

    Fried whiting fish recipe on white plate

    Pan Fried Whiting Fish

    Savory Thoughts
    This pan fried whiting fish is a southern classic that is never a disappointment. This recipe works for many reasons: it is extremely easy to prepare. It is gluten-free. It is incredibly delicious. And fries well in minutes.
    5 from 27 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Main Dish
    Cuisine American, Haitian
    Servings 6 People
    Calories 161 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup Cornmeal
    • cayenne pepper
    • 1 tsp. dried basil
    • salt and pepper to taste
    • 1 pk. Whiting fish
    • vegetable oil for frying Peanut will also work as well

    Instructions
     

    • In a medium bowl, combine the cornmeal, cayenne pepper, all-purpose flour, salt and pepper to taste, and basil. Mix well and set aside.
      Wash and lightly season the fish with salt and pepper. Set aside.
      Coat each fish one by one and set aside on a plate. Then fry the fish in small batches for 5 minutes per side. Repeat the steps with the remaining fish.
      How to make southern fried fish? step by step guide
    • Serve warm and enjoy! 
      Fried whiting fish recipe on white plate

    Video

    Notes

    This recipe was first published on November 6, 2018. It is now being republished with new pictures and the garlic powder is not included in this version. 

    Pan-Fried Whiting Fish Recipe Notes: 

    • Although the garlic powder is not included in this republished version, please feel free to include it to fit suit your taste. 
    • This recipe works well for tilapia as well. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 6PeopleCalories: 161kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 6gFat: 1gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 62mgPotassium: 28mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 0.8mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.4mg
    Making this recipe?Mention @MSavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
    Tried this recipe?Mention @SavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
    Pan Fried Whiting Fish
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Shirley

      February 10, 2023 at 1:10 pm

      I have Pacific whiting frozen. How do you prepare frozen fish for frying? When defrosted it’s soggy and I dry it with paper towel but when finished frying it tastes bland. I don’t like it that way.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        April 05, 2023 at 5:48 pm

        Hi Shirley,
        Please stay tuned as I have a video explaining how to solve this issue soon on our Youtube channel.

        Reply
      • William Licklider

        August 23, 2023 at 7:53 am

        Be sure to defrost your fish in cold water. Allow to drain and then pat dry. Let sit at room temperature while preparing other ingredients. If you try to defrost whiting or any other white fish fast using warm water it will be soggy and mushy.

        Reply
    2. Marissa Vega

      March 16, 2022 at 12:06 pm

      Can I stick these in the air fryer?

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        March 16, 2022 at 12:31 pm

        Yes. However, the texture may change slightly. Cook it at a minimum (air fryer) temperature of 325 degrees and a maximum of 375 degrees (depending on your air fryer).

        Reply
        • Erica Mcfadgon

          December 21, 2022 at 7:41 pm

          5 stars
          Great recipe!!!! this fish was an all time favorite. Deliciously good.

          Reply
          • Mirlene

            December 22, 2022 at 1:16 pm

            Thank you, Erica!

            Reply
        • Yenni

          February 02, 2023 at 11:39 pm

          5 stars
          I bought whiting with the skin on am I supposed to remove or leave on?

          Reply
          • Mirlene

            February 20, 2023 at 8:47 am

            It depends on your preference. The skin will be crispy when fried.

            Reply
    3. blue 517 blue

      March 16, 2022 at 2:10 am

      i just bought some whiting at the store, i am going to use your receipe.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        March 16, 2022 at 11:40 am

        Thank you very much.Hope you enjoy it.

        Reply
    4. Rebekah

      June 23, 2020 at 4:15 pm

      Can I use regular flour?

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        June 24, 2020 at 1:49 am

        Yes, you can use regular flour.

        Reply
      • Claretha

        November 02, 2021 at 8:28 pm

        Can I use fish seasoning??

        Reply
        • Mirlene

          November 03, 2021 at 3:55 am

          Hi Claretha,
          You can use fish seasoning. However, it may alter the taste.

          Reply
    5. Lana Kaufman

      March 24, 2020 at 10:04 pm

      How hot should the oil be?

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        March 26, 2020 at 2:47 am

        Keep the temperature between 350-360 degrees.

        Reply
    6. Prairiedogg

      January 25, 2020 at 12:15 am

      Never mind parts of my questions.

      How much oil do you use? How deep is it in the pan?

      Can you use a mixture of oil and butter?

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        January 25, 2020 at 4:13 pm

        Hello. I used a 6-quart Dutch oven to fry the finish. If you are pan-frying it, I recommend using no more than half of cup (1/2) oil and at that quantity, you may use butter as well; although it is not necessary. If you would like to deep fry the fish, I recommend using up to 3 cups of oil but no butter.

        Reply
      • Carolyn

        November 16, 2020 at 5:40 pm

        5 stars
        I feel like I’ve been living under a rock, this recipe is so delicious and quick! I love fried whiting and before Covid, I found a place that makes the most amazing fried whiting. But, I don’t eat out anymore and the restaurant is too far away from my home. So imagine my excitement when I saw your simple yet delicious recipe, which I’ve tried numerous times and OMG, it’s fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing!

        Reply
        • Mirlene

          November 19, 2020 at 4:32 pm

          Thank you so much Carolyn.
          I am very happy to read your comment. Please stay safe and be well.

          Reply
    7. Prairiedogg

      January 25, 2020 at 12:13 am

      What kind and how much oil do you put in the pan?

      How long do you cook?

      Reply
    8. Carl Schultz

      April 23, 2019 at 6:49 am

      5 stars
      Whiting is similar to Pollack ( a mild or flavorless fish found in the Bering Sea and other oceans)

      Reply
    9. Pam

      December 12, 2018 at 4:10 pm

      My kids love this type of meal, I can’t wait to try your recipe. Looks great!

      Reply
      • MDesir

        December 14, 2018 at 11:46 am

        Thank you!

        Reply
    10. Leslie

      November 10, 2018 at 10:03 pm

      5 stars
      My mouth is watering! I love southern fried as opposed to battered. Your side selections are spot on. I could get into a good southern meal!

      Reply
      • MDesir

        November 11, 2018 at 1:37 pm

        Thank you very much, Leslie!

        Reply
    11. Elaina

      November 10, 2018 at 7:25 pm

      I’ve never had whiting before, but this is similar to how my family fries fresh caught catfish. Super yummy!

      Reply
      • MDesir

        November 11, 2018 at 1:38 pm

        You will like it. It is a flakier fish. It does not work well in stews as it will crumble apart. The technique is similar to when frying catfish.

        Reply
    12. Hope

      November 10, 2018 at 5:53 am

      5 stars
      I love how quick and easy this is to cook! It looks very tasty!

      Reply
    13. ChihYu Smith

      November 09, 2018 at 4:04 am

      5 stars
      I love pan fried fish! They are the best !

      Reply
    14. Tina

      November 08, 2018 at 11:49 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so good. I lived in Texas and love Southern food. I have to try this soon! Any tips on how to fry on the skillet?

      Reply
    15. STACEY CRAWFORD

      November 08, 2018 at 5:10 pm

      5 stars
      What a great, healthier alternative to fried fish! delicious!

      Reply
    16. Cathy

      November 08, 2018 at 12:32 pm

      5 stars
      Not being from the South, I’ve never tried whiting, but this looks like the recipe to use when I’m down there!

      Reply
    17. Anya

      November 07, 2018 at 7:32 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my! Those flakes are the best and that crust is amazing!

      Reply
      • MDesir

        November 14, 2018 at 10:40 am

        Thank you, Anya!

        Reply
    18. Raia Todd

      November 07, 2018 at 7:21 pm

      5 stars
      I love pan-fried fish! This looks so delicious!

      Reply
      • MDesir

        November 14, 2018 at 10:40 am

        Thank you, Raia!

        Reply
    19. Cheese Curd In Paradise

      November 07, 2018 at 4:53 pm

      5 stars
      I have never heard the term whiting fish before. I am from the midwest and we say white fish, and I wonder if it is the same thing. Either way, the fish looks great and I love when I find regional variations in ingredients!

      Reply
      • MDesir

        November 14, 2018 at 10:41 am

        Hmm! You just gave me some research to do. I wonder if it is called the same thing as well. I will have to look this up. Thank you!

        Reply
    20. Renee D Kohley

      November 07, 2018 at 4:28 pm

      5 stars
      My kiddos adore crispy fish – i love your simple breading/seasoning – they will love that!

      Reply
      • MDesir

        November 14, 2018 at 10:43 am

        My kiddos love it too when I make it. I think it is because they can easily have it with their favorite dish. Thank you!

        Reply

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