15 Best Fish Fry Recipes for a Southern-Style Feast
Crispy fried fish, hushpuppies, and all the fixings!
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Summer isn't complete without hosting a big fish fry for family and friends! In the South, fish fries are frequently thrown for community fundraisers, church get-togethers, and family reunions, and there's no questions why—frying up a bunch of fish with all the sides and fixings is any easy way to feed a crowd, and everybody loves it!
Whether you have a deep fryer or rely on a Dutch oven or deep-walled cast-iron skillet, you can pull off these summer potluck ideas with ease. All it takes is some good, crispy fried fish, classic sides like hushpuppies, potato salad, and baked beans, and cool summer desserts. A refreshing sipper like strawberry lemonade doesn't hurt either. So, pull out your checkered table cloths, and tartar sauce; this roundup has all that and more!
The star of any fish fry is obviously the seafood. Make the flaky beer battered fish or try South Carolina pitmaster Rodney Scott's famous cornmeal-crusted fried catfish. If you live on the coast or just happen to have a stockpile of shrimp recipes, bread and fry 'em up to pile onto po'boys! If there was ever a side synonymous with fish fries, it'd have to be hushpuppies. These puffy little morsels of goodness are basically fried cornbread, and they are impossible to resist when hot and fresh. While the oil is hot, whip up some fried okra and corn fritters, too! Balance out your fried fest with sides like pasta salads, broccoli slaw, and succotash. Time to heat up the oil and get frying!
Beer Battered Fish
This fried fish is crispy and golden brown on the outside and flaky and tender on the inside. And thick white fish will work for this recipe, like haddock, halibut, hake, or pollock.
Get the Beer Battered Fish recipe.
Southern Potato Salad
Studded with hard-boiled eggs, sweet pickle relish, and celery, this Southern-style potato salad is a welcome addition to every fish fry. Make it ahead of time so the flavors have a chance to meld.
Get the Southern Potato Salad recipe.
Hushpuppies
What's a fish fry without a plate of golden hushpuppies? Disappointing, that's what! It's basically just a fried version of cornbread, but there's some cheddar, jalapeño, and onion thrown in there too.
Get the Hushpuppies recipe.
Broccoli Slaw
Every fish fry needs something cool and crunchy, and this zingy broccoli salad always does the trick. The creamy dressing that's tangy and just a touch sweet takes it to the next level. You can even make this side the night before!
Get the Broccoli Slaw recipe.
Fried Shrimp Po'Boy
In many parts, shrimp is the star of the fish fry. This recipe piles the crispy, golden shrimp onto a bun with all the fixings for a po'boy that is to die for.
Get the Fried Shrimp Po'Boy recipe.
Corn Salad
Sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, avocado, and lots of cilantro and queso fresco give this salad some major flavor. It's a delicious side salad for summer get-togethers and is equally tasty scooped up with tortilla chips!
Get the Corn Salad recipe.
Fried Okra
Ree Drummond is a big fan of okra and this may just be the best way to enjoy it. Breaded in a simple mixture and fried until golden and crispy, it's one tasty finger food!
Get the Fried Okra recipe.
Best Baked Beans
These really are the best baked beans ever. They're sweet, tangy, and if you need any more convincing, they're baked with strips of bacon over top. Yum!
Get Ree's Best Baked Beans recipe.
Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is the most refreshing summer side of all time. It requires only a handful of ingredients and just a few minutes to throw together. Plus, because it isn't made with mayo, it can hold up to hot summer weather!
Get the Cucumber Salad recipe.
Rodney Scott's Fried Catfish
Legendary pitmaster Rodney Scott's crispy fried catfish from his book Rodney Scott’s World of BBQ will be the star of every fish fry. Breaded in flour and cornmeal, it fries up flaky on the inside and golden brown on the outside.
Succotash
Summer veggies shine in this tasty side dish. It's the best way to use up any extra produce from the farmers' market, and the best part is it's ready in under 30 minutes!
Get the Succotash recipe.
Corn Fritters
If you've already got the oil heated up, why not toss in a few corn fritters? You can make these puffy little bites with fresh, frozen, or even canned corn. They're totally addictive!
Macaroni Salad
Ree's favorite macaroni salad is creamy but light and full of additions that add tang and crunch. Think roasted red peppers, black olives, pickles, and green onion. Everyone will want the recipe!
Get Ree's Macaroni Salad recipe.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
You can't go wrong with corn on the cob for any summer occasion. This version is grilled to bring out its natural sweetness and give it those pretty char marks. The garlic-chive butter takes it to the next level!
Get the Grilled Corn on the Cob recipe.
Atlantic Beach Pie
This zingy citrus pie is a delightfully refreshing, salty-sweet treat on a hot day. It was popularized by Bill Smith, the owner of the former Crook's Corner restaurant in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He grew up enjoying this style pie at fish houses all along the Atlantic coast!
Get the Atlantic Beach Pie recipe.
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