I am familiar with most store bought brands. Years ago I had a recipient that included some baby food flakes, anyone have it? I use differing amounts of corn meal, corn flake crumbs, flour, bisquick, wonders Ext.
Wisconsin Fishing Discussion
“ homemade” fish breading
I use 1 part panko, 1 part seasoned bread crumbs, 1 part potato flakes, 1/2 part cornmeal. Start by dredging filet in flour, then dip in buttermilk/egg wash, shake off and drop into your breading. Fry in ~ 1/2" oil and don't go too long, as soon as you see it turning gold, flip. I season after they are out, usually with a cajun mix I make and some white pepper. I do this same sort of thing w/ grouse and pheasant breast strips, serve w/ asian sweet hot chili sauce and honey mustard. And get yourself a nice 12" cast iron pan, it makes a difference.
I mix 2 parts Louisiana fish fry mix (blue bag), 1 part Italian bread crumbs, some lemon pepper, and some Tony Chachere's or cayenne pepper to taste. I like very crispy and spicy fish. I do all of my fish this way. Louisiana fish fry has less sodium than some other brands, so I stick with it. To mix things up a bit, I sometimes go with Panko instead. I haven't had a beer batter yet that isn't too greasy for me. Love the flavor, hate the messy greasiness.
I have used equal parts of corn starch and flour, dipped in egg wash re-floured and fried til done, seasoned with garlic salt after.
Sounds too simple right. ,,,,,, It is by far my favorite. I have had them all, this is what I have done for over 40 yrs. of bluegill, crappies, and walleye... also is the bomb with breaded pork chops.
As always don't fry the crap out of it and it will be delicious.
Mac
Learned this from many years of canadian shore lunches. CRACKER MEAL. Not easy to find but can get at some grocery stores. Season to your liking. So: dried fillets go into seasoned white flour and then shake all that off, dunk in beaten egg, then into cracker meal. Pan or deep fry. Or pan fry on one side then flip onto baking sheet to finish in oven.
Most store bought mixes contain cornmeal which only works on deep fried catfish, in other applications it is too gritty.
BTW, I am a 54 year old professional chef. And I weigh 250 lbs., so you can trust this.
My go to I picked up working in a restaurant back in the day is 1/2 breadcrumbs and 1/2 cheap grated Parmesan cheese from the green plastic shaker can as the base. Then season accordingly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, Cajun, whatever suits your fancy. Pat dry, dredge in flour, bathe in egg wash, and into the breading. Baked or fried, works both ways.