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.
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.
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!
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.
Pan Fried Whiting Fish
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.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Video
Notes
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
Shirley
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.
Mirlene
Hi Shirley,
Please stay tuned as I have a video explaining how to solve this issue soon on our Youtube channel.
William Licklider
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.
Marissa Vega
Can I stick these in the air fryer?
Mirlene
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).
Erica Mcfadgon
Great recipe!!!! this fish was an all time favorite. Deliciously good.
Mirlene
Thank you, Erica!
Yenni
I bought whiting with the skin on am I supposed to remove or leave on?
Mirlene
It depends on your preference. The skin will be crispy when fried.
blue 517 blue
i just bought some whiting at the store, i am going to use your receipe.
Mirlene
Thank you very much.Hope you enjoy it.
Rebekah
Can I use regular flour?
Mirlene
Yes, you can use regular flour.
Claretha
Can I use fish seasoning??
Mirlene
Hi Claretha,
You can use fish seasoning. However, it may alter the taste.
Lana Kaufman
How hot should the oil be?
Mirlene
Keep the temperature between 350-360 degrees.
Prairiedogg
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?
Mirlene
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.
Carolyn
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!
Mirlene
Thank you so much Carolyn.
I am very happy to read your comment. Please stay safe and be well.
Prairiedogg
What kind and how much oil do you put in the pan?
How long do you cook?
Carl Schultz
Whiting is similar to Pollack ( a mild or flavorless fish found in the Bering Sea and other oceans)
Pam
My kids love this type of meal, I can’t wait to try your recipe. Looks great!
MDesir
Thank you!
Leslie
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!
MDesir
Thank you very much, Leslie!
Elaina
I’ve never had whiting before, but this is similar to how my family fries fresh caught catfish. Super yummy!
MDesir
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.
Hope
I love how quick and easy this is to cook! It looks very tasty!
ChihYu Smith
I love pan fried fish! They are the best !
Tina
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?
STACEY CRAWFORD
What a great, healthier alternative to fried fish! delicious!
Cathy
Not being from the South, I’ve never tried whiting, but this looks like the recipe to use when I’m down there!
Anya
Oh my! Those flakes are the best and that crust is amazing!
MDesir
Thank you, Anya!
Raia Todd
I love pan-fried fish! This looks so delicious!
MDesir
Thank you, Raia!
Cheese Curd In Paradise
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!
MDesir
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!
Renee D Kohley
My kiddos adore crispy fish – i love your simple breading/seasoning – they will love that!
MDesir
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!