Fried Perch
Crispy, golden-brown perch fillets with a perfectly seasoned crust. This classic Midwest fish fry favorite is incredibly easy to make at home and brings back memories of lakeside dinners. Ready in under 30 minutes!
For 4 servings
6 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Set up the breading station
- a.You will need three shallow dishes. In the first dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. In the second dish, beat the two large eggs with a tablespoon of water until smooth. In the third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
- 2
Prepare the perch fillets
- a.Using paper towels, pat each fillet completely dry on both sides. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy crust that adheres well to the fish.
- 3
Bread the fish
- a.Working with one fillet at a time, first dredge it in the seasoned flour, making sure to coat it evenly and then shaking off any excess. Next, dip the floured fillet into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip back into the dish. Finally, press the fillet firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring a thick, even coating on all sides. Set the breaded fillet on a clean plate or wire rack and repeat with the remaining fillets.
- 4
Heat the oil
- a.Pour about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is ideal). Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don't have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a pinch of breadcrumbs; they should sizzle immediately and turn golden in about 30 seconds.
- 5
Fry the perch
- a.Carefully place 2-3 fillets into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for approximately 2-3 minutes per side. The crust should be a deep golden brown, and the fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Use a fish spatula to gently flip the fillets once.
- 6
Drain and serve
- a.Once cooked, remove the perch from the skillet and transfer to a wire rack to drain. This allows air to circulate and keeps the bottom crispy. Repeat the frying process with the remaining fillets. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and your favorite tartar sauce.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the fish is completely dry before breading. Moisture is the enemy of a crispy crust.
- 2Don't overcrowd the skillet. Frying in batches maintains the oil temperature, ensuring the fish fries rather than steams.
- 3Use a wire rack for draining instead of paper towels. This allows air to circulate, keeping the bottom of the fish just as crispy as the top.
- 4Maintain a consistent oil temperature around 350°F (175°C). If it's too low, the fish will be greasy; if too high, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked.
- 5For an even crispier crust, double-dredge the fillets: flour, egg, flour, egg, then breadcrumbs.
Adapt it for your goals.
Seasoning
Replace paprika and garlic powder with 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning or Old Bay seasoning for a zesty, regional kick.
FishFish
This recipe works wonderfully with other firm white fish fillets like walleye, cod, or haddock.
Cooking MethodCooking Method
For a lighter version, spray the breaded fillets with cooking oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
CoatingCoating
Substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed saltine crackers or cornmeal for a different texture and flavor profile, traditional in many fish fries.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Perch is a fantastic source of high-quality, lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and overall body function.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Like many fish, perch contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health by reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels.
Provides Essential Minerals
Perch offers important minerals like phosphorus, which is vital for bone and tooth health, and selenium, a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system.
Frequently asked questions
Each serving of this Fried Perch contains approximately 610-630 calories, depending on the size of the fillets and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.