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Buy Now →Nothing says comfort food like crispy fried fish and onion rings! This recipe for Crispy Cod with Golden Onion Rings offers a crunchy, flavorful take on a classic combination. Each cod fillet is coated in a blend of panko breadcrumbs, flour, and cornmeal, seasoned with a hint of paprika and garlic, then fried to golden perfection. Paired with homemade onion rings that are lightly seasoned and fried until crisp, this dish brings a restaurant-quality meal to your kitchen. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this meal is sure to impress.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Crispy Cod:
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Golden Onion Rings:
- 2 large onions, sliced into rings
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cod
- Season and Coat: In a shallow bowl, mix together 1 cup of flour, panko breadcrumbs, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs.
- Dredge the Cod: Pat each cod fillet dry with a paper towel, then dip into the flour mixture, coating evenly. Next, dip each fillet into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then return it to the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure even coating.
- Heat Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). You’ll need enough oil to allow the fillets to fry without touching the bottom of the pan.
Step 2: Fry the Cod
- Fry the Cod: Gently lower the coated fillets into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each fillet for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain: Transfer the fried fillets to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Set aside while you prepare the onion rings.
Step 3: Prepare the Onion Rings
- Soak the Onions: Place the onion rings in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let the onion rings soak for about 15 minutes to tenderize and enhance flavor.
- Coating for Onion Rings: In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge the Onion Rings: Remove the onion rings from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each ring in the flour mixture, coating evenly. For extra crispy onion rings, repeat the buttermilk and flour coating steps once more.
Step 4: Fry the Onion Rings
- Heat Oil: In a separate skillet or in the same pan as the cod (if desired), heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Onion Rings: Working in batches, fry the coated onion rings in the hot oil for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain and Season: Transfer the fried onion rings to a plate lined with paper towels. Lightly sprinkle with salt while still warm.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve Immediately: Serve the crispy cod fillets alongside a generous portion of onion rings. For added flavor, garnish with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition Facts (approximate per serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 780
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
- Sodium: 620mg
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 36g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I bake the cod and onion rings instead of frying?
A: Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated cod fillets and onion rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and sprayed with cooking spray. Bake the cod for 12–15 minutes and the onion rings for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re crispy.
Q: What can I substitute for cod?
A: You can substitute cod with other firm, white fish like haddock, tilapia, or halibut. Just be mindful of the thickness of the fillets, as cooking times may vary slightly.
Q: Can I use a different breading for a gluten-free version?
A: Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes.
Tips for Success
- Keep Your Oil at the Right Temperature: Maintaining oil temperature at around 350°F (175°C) ensures that the fish and onion rings fry to a golden brown without absorbing too much oil. If the oil is too cool, the coating will be greasy instead of crispy.
- Use Fresh Oil: Using fresh vegetable oil (or oil that hasn’t been reused for other recipes) gives the fish and onion rings a cleaner, more delicate flavor.
- Pat the Fish Dry: Ensure the cod fillets are dry before dredging in the flour mixture; this helps the coating adhere better and results in a crunchier texture.
- Double Dredge for Extra Crunch: For especially crispy onion rings, dip the rings in the buttermilk and flour coating twice before frying.
- Serve Immediately: Fried foods are best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serving immediately ensures the coating stays crispy.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes to re-crisp the coating.
- Freezer: You can freeze the fried cod and onion rings by letting them cool completely, then placing them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through.
Conclusion
Crispy Cod with Golden Onion Rings is a delicious, satisfying meal that combines the best of crunchy, savory flavors with the tender taste of flaky cod. With its golden, crunchy coating and the tangy sweetness of onion rings, this dish is a great option for those craving a restaurant-quality meal at home. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a versatile recipe that can easily be adjusted for baking or made gluten-free. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a weekend treat, these crispy delights will undoubtedly be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it up with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or even a spicy aioli for a little extra zing!