Ingredients
Method
- Pat fish fillets completely dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt and the black pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add panko breadcrumbs and shredded coconut, stirring frequently for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Transfer to a shallow dish and let cool completely.
- Set up your breading station: In one shallow dish, combine flour, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and paprika. In a second dish, place beaten eggs. In the third dish, add the toasted panko-coconut mixture.
- Dredge each fish fillet first in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten eggs, letting excess drip off. Finally, press firmly into the coconut-panko mixture, coating both sides completely.
- Heat vegetable oil in the same large skillet over medium-high heat. When oil shimmers, carefully add fish fillets, leaving space between each piece.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving, until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully and cook another 3-4 minutes until second side is golden and fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain briefly, then serve immediately while the crust is at its crispiest.
Notes
For best results, use fish fillets that are similar in thickness so they cook evenly. If your fillets are very thick, you can pound them gently to an even 3/4-inch thickness. Store leftover cooked fish in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to maintain some crispiness.
