Panko Crusted Oven Fried Rockfish Fillets

INGREDIENTS

FISH

• 2 rockfish fillets*, 3/4 - 1 pound
• 2 TBSP of high heat olive oil or avocado oil for frying

FLOUR DREDGE

• 1/3 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

EGG WASH

• 1 egg
• 2 TBSP milk

PANKO CRUST

• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs**
• 3 TBSP grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp of Old Bay Seasoning or any flavorful seasoning that you like.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place a large oven safe skillet into the oven and preheat to 425 degrees.

SET UP THE DREDGING ASSEMBLY LINE:

1. In a large bowl combine together the the flour, salt and pepper. Stir then pour onto a large plate.
2. In the same bowl combine together the panko, seasoning blend, and parmesan cheese. Stir then pour onto a large plate.
3. Wipe out the bowl, then use it again to whisk together the egg and milk.

PREP THE FISH:

1. Check the fish fillets for any bones and remove as necessary. Slice fish in half if necessary.***
2. Dredge first first in the flour, shaking off any excess.
3. Dip fish into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
4. Coat fish in the panko mixture, shaking off any excess. Place on a clean plate and allow to rest 1 - 2 minutes so the panko can adhere. 

FRY THE FISH:

1. When the oven is preheated, add the 2 tablespoons of oil to the hot pan. Allow to heat 1 minute. Carefully add fish fillets to the hot oil.
2. Cook for 3 - 4 minutes, then carefully flip over.
3. Cook an additional 3 - 4 minutes, then check with a meat thermometer for an internal temperature of at least 140 degrees.
4. While fish cook, set up a cooling rack over a couple layers of paper towels. 
5. Remove fish from the pan and place on the cooling rack. Allow to drain 3 - 5 minutes prior to serving.

NOTES

*If your rockfish is thicker than 1" at their thickest point, you'll need to add an extra minute or two to the cook time. 

**Many of the rockfish fillets I find in the pacific northwest are too big to handle without splashing grease or having them fall apart on me. Slicing them into more manageable fillets makes this cooking method much easier. 

***If your rockfish fillets are large enough to cut into more than 2 pieces, you may want to add an extra tablespoon or two of panko to the crumb mixture.