This Pan-Fried Fish with Grilled Green Onion, by Chef Jean-Paul, is a crispy, golden classic with a flavorful Southern twist. Freshwater fish fillets are coated in a zesty mustard and hot sauce mixture, dredged in seasoned corn flour, and fried to perfection. Served alongside buttery grilled green onions and charred lemon halves, this simple yet satisfying dish makes an easy weekend fish fry favorite. Use croaker, catfish, or your favorite flaky freshwater fish for equally delicious results.
Pan-Fried Fish with Grilled Green Onion
Makes 2 to 4 servings
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 3 cups extra-fine corn flour*
- 2 pounds freshwater fish*, cleaned
- 1 lemon, cut in half
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 bunch large green onions, trimmed
- Grilled lemon halves
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, pour oil to a depth of 4 inches, and heat over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350°. (If you don’t have a deep-fry thermometer, throw a pinch of corn flour into the oil. If it sizzles rapidly, the oil is near the right temperature.) Place a wire rack on a baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, combine mustard, hot sauce, and ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning. In a medium bowl, combine corn flour and remaining 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning.
- Coat fish in mustard mixture and then dredge in corn flour mixture, coating completely and shaking off any excess. Place on prepared wire rack up to 30 minutes before cooking.
- Gently place fish in hot oil, and fry, turning once, until golden brown and crispy, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from oil using tongs, and let drain on paper towels.
- In a 10-inch cast-iron grill skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add green onion, and cook, turning occasionally, until lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Serve fish with grilled green onion and lemon.
Notes
*Jean-Paul uses masa harina. We used croaker for this recipe, but any flaky freshwater fish will work.
For another delicious take on crispy fried fish, check out this Spicy Cajun Fried Catfish recipe here https://louisianacookin.com/spicy-cajun-fried-catfish-2/
