Fried fish facts for kids
Fried fish is simply fish or shellfish cooked by frying. Before frying, the fish is often covered in a tasty coating. This coating can be batter, a mix of egg and breadcrumbs, flour, or even herbs and spices. It's usually served with a slice of lemon to add a fresh, zesty flavor!
People all over the world enjoy fried fish. It's a very important food in many different cultures. For example, the famous fish and chips from England might have been inspired by an old Spanish dish called pescado frito. Fish and chips is still a popular take-out meal in the UK and many other countries. You can also find fried fishcakes in grocery stores, often made from fish like cod or haddock. Even fast food places like McDonald's serve fried fish in sandwiches, like their Filet-O-Fish.
Fun Facts About Fried Fish
Fried fish is a big part of many food traditions. It's not just a meal; it's often a reason for people to gather and celebrate!
Community Fish Fries
In the southern U.S., community "fish fries" are very popular. These are fun social events where people get together to eat fried fish. They are often held by churches, clubs, or volunteer fire departments to raise money. In other parts of the U.S., especially during Lent (a special time before Easter), churches might host fish fries in their basements or parking lots. These gatherings are usually very relaxed and friendly.
A "shore lunch" is another cool tradition in the northern U.S. and Canada. Imagine catching a fish and then cooking it right there on the shore of a lake or ocean! It's a fresh and exciting way to enjoy fried fish outdoors.
Different Kinds of Fried Fish Dishes
There are many delicious ways to fry fish around the world. Here are some popular examples:
| Name | Image | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pescado frito |  |
This dish comes from Andalusia, Spain. Fish is coated in flour and deep-fried in olive oil. It's simply seasoned with salt. Spanish Jews brought this recipe to England, which helped create Fish and chips. |
| Fish and chips |  |
This is a very famous dish! It's battered fish that is deep-fried and served with chips (which are like thick French fries). It's a favorite take-away food in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and other countries. |
| Fishcake |  |
A fishcake is made from filleted fish and potato. It's sometimes covered in breadcrumbs or batter and then fried. They are a bit like croquettes and are often sold in British fish and chip shops. |
| Satsuma age |  |
This is a deep-fried fishcake from Kagoshima, Japan. It's made by mixing Surimi (a paste made from fish) and flour, then frying it until it's solid. It's a special food from the Satsuma area. |
| Fish fry | |
This dish usually has battered or breaded fried fish. It often comes with french fries, coleslaw, hushpuppies, lemon slices, tartar sauce, and sometimes malt vinegar. |
| Fish finger |  |
These are processed food items made from whitefish like cod or haddock. They are covered in batter or breadcrumbs. In North America, they are called fish sticks. |
| Fried prawn |  |
This is a popular dish in Japan. Fried prawns are often included in bento boxes, which are packed lunches. |
| Fried shrimp |  |
These are batter-coated and deep-fried shrimp. They are usually cooked in vegetable oil. |
| Tempura |  |
Tempura is a famous Japanese dish. It involves seafood or vegetables that are dipped in a light batter and then deep-fried. |
| Whitebait fritter |  |
Whitebait is a name for very small fish. These tiny fish are tender and can be a special treat. The whole fish is eaten, including the head and fins! In New Zealand, whitebait fritters are popular. The whitebait are mixed with eggs and cooked like an omelette. |
| Machh bhaja |  |
Machh bhaja is fish fried in mustard oil. It's a traditional dish from Bengal and Odisha in India. People often eat it with rice. "Machh" means "fish" and "bhaja" means "fry" in these languages. |
| Fried rui |  |
This is fried rui fish, often served in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Rohu is a type of carp fish. |
| Fried Stuffed Fish (Pomfret) |  |
This dish features fried, stuffed Pomfret fish from Goa, India. The fish is filled with a spicy paste called "masala." This paste can be green (made with cilantro and green chilies) or red (made with dried red chilies). It's traditionally fried in coconut oil and is also popular in Portugal. |
