Golden Pan-Seared Croaker
Easy Pan-Fried Yellow Croaker (Butte Croaker) Recipe
Enjoy this delicious pan-fried Yellow Croaker, also known as Butte Croaker. Its thick, succulent flesh is wonderfully flavorful. This recipe is perfect for a simple yet impressive fish dish, ideal as a side for rice or a tasty appetizer. Cooking it in a frying pan makes it incredibly easy, suitable for beginners. Elevate your everyday meals with this delightful homemade grilled fish!
Main Ingredients- 2-3 Butte Croaker (Yellow Croaker)
- All-purpose flour or pancake mix, for coating
- Olive oil, generous amount
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
If using frozen croaker, rinse it under cold water and then soak it in fresh water for about 10 minutes to thaw. Soaking in rice water can help further reduce any fishy odor.
Step 2
Using kitchen scissors, carefully trim off the dorsal fins along the back of the croaker. Removing the fins prevents them from burning during cooking and results in a cleaner presentation.
Step 3
Next, trim off the ventral fins located on the belly of the fish. Ensure all these fins are neatly removed.
Step 4
Also, snip off the pectoral fins near the gills on both sides. These fins can be sharp, so careful trimming makes the fish safer to handle and eat.
Step 5
Make a shallow incision along the belly and carefully remove the internal organs and blood. Rinse the cavity thoroughly under running water to ensure it’s clean and free of any residual gaminess.
Step 6
With the fish prepped, use the back of a knife or a scaler to scrape off the scales from tail to head, moving against the direction of the scales. Be thorough to remove all scales. Repeat this scaling process for all 2-3 fish.
Step 7
Place a generous amount of all-purpose flour (or pancake mix) into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the cleaned croaker and gently shake the bag until the fish is evenly coated with a thin layer of flour. This light coating will help achieve a crispier texture.
Step 8
Gently tap the floured croaker to remove any excess flour. Heat a frying pan over medium-low heat and add a generous amount of olive oil or cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, place the croaker into the pan.
Step 9
Cook on medium-low heat until the first side is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the fish to the other side and continue to cook until it’s also golden brown and cooked through. Add more oil if necessary to prevent sticking.
Step 10
Once both sides are beautifully golden, cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it steam gently for a few minutes to ensure the fish is cooked through to the center, resulting in moist and tender flesh.
Step 11
Remove the lid and increase the heat back to medium-low. Pan-fry for another minute or two on each side, allowing any excess moisture to evaporate. This final crisping step will give the fish a wonderfully crunchy exterior.
Step 12
Transfer the perfectly cooked croaker to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh lemon slices for a bright, citrusy finish. Serve immediately while hot and crispy!
