Get ready to transform your ordinary fish dinner into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! This Fried Fish with Whole Garlic recipe is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that combines the delicate texture of perfectly crispy fish with the rich, mellow flavor of golden roasted garlic. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and bring a touch of gourmet magic to your dinner table in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 fish fillets
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 6 whole garlic cloves
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 4 fish fillets, 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 6 whole garlic cloves.
- Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps remove excess moisture and ensures a crispy coating.
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Coat each fish fillet in the seasoned flour, making sure to cover both sides thoroughly. Shake off any excess flour before placing the fillets aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small pinch of flour into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated fish fillets to the skillet. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
- Fry the fish fillets for about 3-4 minutes on one side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to gently flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side.
- While the fish is frying, add the whole garlic cloves to the skillet. They will infuse the oil with flavor and become beautifully golden and tender as they cook.
- Once the fish is cooked through and has a nice crispy exterior, carefully remove the fillets and garlic from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Let the fried fish and garlic rest for a minute before serving. This will allow the flavors to settle and the garlic to cool slightly.
- Serve the fried fish with the crispy whole garlic cloves on the side. This dish pairs well with a fresh salad, tartar sauce, or a squeeze of lemon for added brightness.
Tips
- Pat the fish fillets completely dry before coating to ensure a crisp, golden exterior that doesn't become soggy.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and perfect browning.
- Don't overcrowd the pan - cook in batches if necessary to maintain oil temperature and achieve maximum crispiness.
- Check oil temperature by dropping a pinch of flour - it should sizzle immediately when ready.
- Let the fish rest for a minute after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and the coating to set.
- Choose fresh, high-quality fish fillets for the best flavor and texture.
- The whole garlic cloves are not just a garnish - they're a delicious, mellow accompaniment that adds depth to the dish.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest results, paired with a fresh lemon wedge or your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg