Fried Perch
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
135 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Fried Perch
Description
Fresh perch fillets are well-dried and then coated in a flour mixture seasoned with lemon pepper, celery seed, and salt. This seasoning imparts bright, slightly peppery and herbal flavors. Pan-frying the fish in butter in a cast iron skillet creates a crisp exterior while cooking the fillets quickly on each side. The fish is fried for 2-3 minutes per side to avoid toughness and maintain a tender texture inside.
The dish is traditionally paired with lemon wedges and condiments such as tartar sauce or cocktail sauce, enhancing the flavors and adding moisture. The recipe suggests the fish can be eaten immediately after frying, with reheating possible but not preferred, to preserve texture.
Additional notes advise soaking the fillets briefly in cold salted water to reduce risk from small bones, recommend freezing leftovers up to six months with added water for protection, and suggest adding cayenne pepper to the flour for heat. Various fresh fish can be substituted using this method.
Ingredients
- 1 pound perch fresh
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Mix spices with flour.
- Dry perch fillets well with paper towel.
- Dredge in flour mixture.
- Dredge second side and shake off excess.
- Melt butter in cast iron pan. Add filets. Don't crowd the pan.
- Once browned, carefully flip perch to second side.
- Flip and brown that side. Sprinkle with lemon juice and a freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Dry the fillets thoroughly before dredging in the flour to ensure crispiness.
- Soak fillets in very cold salted water for about 5 minutes after fileting to reduce the chance of choking on bones.
- Fresh perch freezes well; add a bit of water to the freezer bag with small fish to prevent freezer burn, and freeze up to six months.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 2-3 days; reheating briefly in the microwave is possible but may reduce texture quality.
- Use a very hot pan and cook fillets for only 2-3 minutes per side to keep them tender and avoid overcooking.
- Serve with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or hot sauce to complement the fish.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture if a spicier flavor is desired.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 135 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 135kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 102mg | 34% |
| Sodium | 362mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 327mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 37IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 103mg | 10% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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