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