Battered hake with lemon

Breaded hake with lemon - a simple and delicious recipe

If you're looking for a quick and tasty recipe, breaded hake with lemon is the perfect choice. This dish, with its crispy texture and fresh taste, will bring a piece of the ocean to your table, even when using frozen fish. Although many are not fans of frozen fish, our dish will turn that preconceived notion into a pleasant memory.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 600 g hake fillet (preferably thawed)
- 2 large eggs
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of milk
- 3 tablespoons of flour (plus extra for coating)
- oil for frying (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- fresh lemon, for serving

The history of breaded hake

Hake is a fish appreciated in many cuisines around the world, due to its white and tender flesh. The breaded preparation is popular for its crispy texture, and the combination with lemon adds a touch of freshness. This recipe has been adapted over time, with each region adding its own touch.

Step by step for perfect breaded hake

1. Thawing and preparing the fish: Start by letting the hake fillets thaw completely. After thawing, place them on a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Then, sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the fish to enhance its natural flavor.

2. Preparing the egg mixture: In a bowl, whisk the two eggs well. Add salt, pepper, and milk, mixing until you obtain a homogeneous composition. It's important that the eggs are well beaten to ensure an even coating of the fish.

3. Adding the flour: In the same bowl, add the 3 tablespoons of flour. Mix slowly to avoid lumps. You can use a whisk or a fork to achieve a smooth mixture.

4. Coating the fish in flour: Take each hake fillet, coat it in flour (making sure it is well covered), and then dip it in the egg mixture. This will create a delicious and crispy crust during frying.

5. Frying the fish: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the fish. You can check if it's ready by adding a drop of batter; if it sizzles, it's time to start. Fry the hake fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.

6. Serving: Once the hake is fried, remove it to a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Serve immediately with fresh lemon slices to squeeze on top, enhancing the flavors.

Helpful tips for a top-notch breaded hake

- Choosing the fish: If you have access to fresh fish, don't hesitate to use fresh hake, as it will provide a more pleasant taste and texture.
- Varying the recipe: You can add additional spices to the flour mixture, such as sweet paprika or fish spices, to give a personal touch to the dish.
- Sides: Although the recipe suggests boiled potatoes, breaded hake pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or sautéed vegetable sides. You can also try mashed potatoes or potato salad with mayonnaise.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of fish? Yes, you can replace hake with other types of white fish, such as cod or pangasius. Make sure the fillets are of similar sizes for even cooking.

2. How can I make the crust crispier? You can add a bit of breadcrumbs to the flour mixture or fry the fish in hotter oil for an extra crispy crust.

3. Is this recipe healthy? Hake is a good source of protein and contains Omega-3 fatty acids, benefiting heart health. However, frying adds extra calories, so consume in moderation.

4. What drinks pair well with it? This dish pairs perfectly with a dry white wine or a light beer. Additionally, a cold herbal tea can complement the fish's flavors.

Calories and nutritional benefits

A serving of breaded hake contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the amount of oil used. It is an excellent source of protein, with about 25 g of protein per serving. Hake is also rich in B vitamins, which are essential for energy metabolism and skin health.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! Breaded hake with lemon is a recipe that will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring joy to your meals with your loved ones. Enjoy!