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Breaded cod - a crispy and flavorful delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Imagine the taste of a fresh fish, perfectly fried, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This is the essence of the breaded cod recipe, a simple yet extremely satisfying dish that will turn any meal into an unforgettable culinary experience. This recipe combines tradition with simplicity, offering you a delicious meal that can be enjoyed with family or friends.

Ingredients:

- 4 pieces of cod fillet (approximately 150-200 g each)
- 2 lemons (one for marinating and one for serving)
- 2 eggs
- 100 g flour (for a perfect crispy layer)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- 100 ml oil (for frying)
- A head of garlic (for garlic sauce)

Ingredient tips:

To achieve the best result, choose fresh or properly thawed frozen fish. Cod is ideal due to its firm texture and delicate flavor. Make sure the lemons are juicy; it is advisable to roll them slightly on a flat surface before cutting to extract more juice. The frying oil should be hot enough to ensure a crispy crust, but not so hot that it burns the fish.

Preparation:

1. Preparing the fish: Rinse the cod fillets under cold running water and dry them well with a paper towel. This step is essential to avoid water accumulation that could hinder crust formation.

2. Marinating: Place the fillets in a bowl and drizzle them with the juice of one lemon (about 2-3 tablespoons). Let them marinate for 10 minutes. This step helps to intensify the flavors and improve the texture of the fish.

3. Preparing the eggs: In another bowl, beat the two eggs with a tablespoon of oil, salt, and pepper. This mixture will help form a crispy and delicious layer.

4. Dredging in flour: Place the flour on a flat plate. Take each piece of marinated fish and first dredge it in flour, then dip it in the egg mixture. Make sure each piece is well coated.

5. Frying: In a deep skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Carefully add the cod fillets, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each piece for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. Use a spatula to turn them easily.

6. Draining excess oil: Once the fillets are fried, remove them to a plate lined with paper towels to eliminate excess oil.

Preparing the garlic sauce:

1. Peel a head of garlic and crush the cloves in a mortar or with a knife. Add a pinch of salt to help crush the garlic.

2. Once the garlic is well mashed, add water (about 50 ml) and mix well. This sauce will add extra flavor to the fish.

Serving:

To complete this delicacy, I recommend serving the breaded cod alongside a portion of soft polenta, which will absorb the delicious flavors. Add a few slices of lemon for a touch of freshness and, of course, the garlic sauce for extra flavor.

Possible variations:

If you want to experiment, you can add spices like paprika or dried herbs to the flour or egg mixture to give a distinctive note to the dish. You can also substitute cod with another type of white fish, such as hake or tilapia, which behaves similarly when fried.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

This recipe has approximately 300-350 calories per serving, depending on the oil used. Fish is an excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins, while polenta provides complex carbohydrates that will keep you energized.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, it is recommended to properly thaw the fish before cooking it by letting it defrost in the refrigerator overnight.

2. What other side dishes pair well with breaded cod?
You can serve breaded cod with a fresh vegetable salad, mashed potatoes, or even a portion of rice with vegetables.

3. How can I store leftover fish?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for 1-2 days. Gently reheat them in a skillet to maintain the crispy texture.

So, gather your ingredients and let your creativity soar! This breaded cod recipe is not only easy to prepare but also extremely tasty. Share it with your loved ones and turn an ordinary meal into a culinary celebration!