Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) cod fillets
  • 1 tsp (6g) salt
  • ½ tsp (1g) black pepper
  • ½ tsp (1g) paprika
  • ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large (100g) eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ tsp (1g) garlic powder
  • ½ cup (120ml) neutral oil

Instructions:

  1. Use paper towels to press firmly on all sides of the cod fillets to remove surface moisture.
  2. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika evenly over both sides of the fish.
  3. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko mixed with garlic powder.
  4. Dredge each fillet in flour (shaking off excess), dip completely into the egg wash, and press firmly into the panko until fully encapsulated.
  5. Heat neutral oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers.
  6. Carefully lay fillets in the pan and cook for 3–5 minutes per side until the crust is mahogany-gold and the fish feels firm.
  7. Remove fillets from the pan and let them rest on a wire cooling rack to maintain crispness.