Delicious Fried Baltic Cod: A Simple Recipe for Every Home Cook
Home cooks looking for a delicious and easy recipe to whip up for dinner should look no further than fried Baltic cod. This simple yet flavorful dish is sure to impress any family or guests, and requires minimal ingredients and effort. Not only is cod a healthy and nutritious fish, but it can be cooked in a variety of ways to suit individual tastes. The fried Baltic cod recipe provided here is easy to follow and results in a succulent, golden-brown fillet with a slight crunch. The combination of the crunchy outside and juicy inside is a perfect fusion of textures that will have everyone's mouth watering. With this recipe, you can enjoy a restaurant quality meal in the comfort of your own home.
What is Baltic Cod?
Baltic cod, also known by its scientific name Gadus chalcogrammus, is a species of marine fish found in the Baltic Sea, North Atlantic Ocean and North Pacific Ocean. It is a member of the cod family and has a rich and delicate flavor. Cod is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It can be fried, baked, grilled, in casseroles, as pie fillings, and in soups and stews. Cod is widely available in supermarkets and can be purchased fresh or frozen. Fresh cod has a white and firm texture and should smell slightly like the ocean. It should be refrigerated in an uncovered container and used within two days. Frozen cod should be thawed in the refrigerator, never at room temperature. Cod can also be purchased salted, pickled, smoked or dried, and these varieties will last much longer.
The Fried Baltic Cod Recipe
This recipe is for a very classic version of fried Baltic cod, which is extremely easy to prepare. It is a great option for beginners or those looking for a simple and straightforward meal. Ingredients:
- 2 pieces of cod fillet (200 g each)
- 2 slices crusty white bread
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 eggs
- Flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch of pepper
- Vegetable oil
- Lemon wedges
Instructions: Start by making the breadcrumb mixture. Soak the bread in the milk until it has softened, then squeeze out the excess liquid. Add the bread to a bowl and mix together with the eggs, salt and pepper until well combined. Season the cod with salt and pepper and place in the bowl with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to turn the cod over so it is evenly coated, and then set aside for 5 minutes. Place the oil in a large frying pan on a medium heat. Once hot, fry the cod for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden-brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the fish for extra zest. To make the mashed potatoes, boil the potatoes for 20 minutes or until soft. Drain, then return to the pan. Mash them with a potato masher, then mix in the butter and milk until smooth.
Preparing the Fish
Fresh cod must be well-cleaned before cooking in order to remove any excess blood or fish bones. There are two ways to do this, with either a fish scaler or a sharp knife. An easy way to scale the fish is to place it on a board and scrape it with the scaler. If you don't have a scaler, you can use a sharp knife to lift the scales off. Next, cut off the fins and gills, and then remove the head and tail. If the fish is frozen, don't thaw it first. Cut the fish into equal-sized portions, removing the bones as you go.
Frying the Fish
When it comes to frying, the quality of the oil is crucial to producing a delicious dish. Good-quality vegetable oil is what gives fried foods their distinctive flavor. Oils with a high smoke point, such as groundnut, peanut and sunflower oil, are ideal for frying. When frying, use a large frying pan with enough oil to cover the base of the pan. If the oil isn't hot enough, the fish will absorb a lot of the oil, which leads to a greasy, soggy dish. To check if the oil is hot enough, place a small piece of fish in the oil and if it bubbles vigorously, it is ready to use. Also, make sure the fish is dry before frying. If there is moisture on the fish, it will cause the oil to spit, which can be dangerous.
Variations of the Recipe
There are so many different ways to prepare fried Baltic cod, and they can all be made with the same recipe as the fried fish above. If you like your fish with a bit more of a kick, try coating the fish in the breadcrumb mixture with a dash of chili powder. Another variation is to use Panko breadcrumbs. This type of breadcrumb has a coarser texture, which creates a thicker, crunchier crust on the fish. To finish, you can serve your fried Baltic cod with a side of mashed potatoes or creamy Parmesan-roasted potatoes. And don't forget the lemon wedges for squeezing! Another popular dish is fish and chips. To make this dish, coat the fish with flour and fry in vegetable oil until golden-brown and crispy, then serve with wedges of French fries. Alternatively, you can bake the fish in an oven. This is a healthier option, but the fish won't have that crunchy coating.
by mich275