Nashville Hot Fish from Captain D's features tender white fish fillets coated in a spicy, flavorful Nashville hot seasoning, fried to a golden crisp, and served hot with a zesty kick that perfectly balances heat and savory crunch.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry baskets
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Sheet pan or tray
- Cooling rack
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Thermometer
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Serving plates or baskets
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) white fish fillets (cod, pollock, or catfish)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Pickle chips (for serving)
Your choice of white fish fillets like cod, pollock, or catfish will significantly impact the texture and flavor of Nashville Hot Fish. Using a blend of all-purpose flour and cornmeal ensures a crispy coating that holds the spicy Nashville hot seasoning well. Measuring spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika accurately enhances the balance between heat and savory flavors. Combining buttermilk, eggs, and hot sauce creates a marinade that tenderizes the fish while adding a zesty kick. Nashville Hot Fish from Captain D's copycat menu delivers a perfect golden crisp with a bold, spicy profile just like the original.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut white fish fillets into serving portions using chef’s knife and cutting board.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and hot sauce.
- In another mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge fish fillets in the flour mixture.
- Dip dredged fillets in the buttermilk/egg mixture.
- Coat fillets again in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Place coated fish on a sheet pan or tray.
- Carefully place fish fillets in preheated fryer baskets.
- Fry fillets in hot oil for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove fish using tongs and transfer to cooling rack.
- In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, chili powder, cayenne, red pepper flakes, and hot fried oil.
- Brush or drizzle spicy oil mix over fried fish fillets.
- Arrange fish on serving plates or baskets.
- Garnish with pickle chips.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
Nashville Hot Fish from Captain D's copycat menu offers a crispy and spicy twist on classic fried fish, featuring a robust Nashville hot seasoning blend that delivers a perfect balance of heat and savory flavor. You can easily substitute cod with other firm white fish like pollock or catfish, depending on availability and preference. If buttermilk is not on hand, mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar creates a quick acidic substitute that tenderizes the fish. When frying, ensure the vegetable oil reaches a consistent temperature of 350degF (175degC) using a thermometer to achieve a golden, crispy coating without absorbing excess oil. Serving with pickle chips adds a tangy contrast, but feel free to swap for pickled jalapenos or cucumbers to match your taste.
Tips
Ensure your deep fryer oil maintains a steady temperature of 350degF (175degC) to achieve a perfectly crispy exterior without undercooking the fish. When dredging, press the coating firmly but gently onto each fillet to create a thick, even crust that holds during frying. Use a thermometer to check that the internal fish temperature reaches 145degF (63degC) for safe consumption. Letting your fried fish rest on a cooling rack prevents sogginess by allowing excess oil to drain away before drizzling the spicy Nashville hot oil mixture.
Nutritions
Nashville Hot Fish provides a rich source of protein from white fish fillets like cod or catfish, essential for muscle repair and growth. The dish contains significant calories due to deep frying in vegetable oil and a coating of flour and cornmeal, which contribute carbohydrates and fats. Spices such as cayenne pepper and smoked paprika add antioxidants and may aid metabolism, while the buttermilk and eggs in the batter contribute calcium and vitamins. When enjoying this flavorful meal, you should balance it with vegetables or a light side to maintain a well-rounded, nutrient-dense diet.
Storage
Store your Nashville Hot Fish in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture and maintain crispiness. Place the container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best flavor and texture. When reheating, use an oven or air fryer to restore the crispy coating without sogginess.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap white fish fillets for catfish or tilapia to vary flavor and texture while maintaining tenderness. Replace buttermilk with Greek yogurt mixed with a splash of milk for a thicker, tangier marinade that enhances the seasoning's adherence. Experiment with air frying the coated fillets at 400degF (200degC) for 10-12 minutes to achieve a crispy texture with less oil. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished dish for a bright contrast to the spicy Nashville seasoning.
Allergies
Nashville Hot Fish from Captain D's may pose allergy risks due to key ingredients like white fish fillets (cod, pollock, or catfish), eggs, and buttermilk, which are common allergens. The seasoning blend includes spices such as paprika and chili powder that can sometimes trigger sensitivity in certain individuals. If you have allergies to seafood, dairy, or eggs, it's important to verify ingredient sources carefully before enjoying this dish.
Why this recipe?
Nashville Hot Fish from Captain D's offers a unique blend of bold spices and crispy texture that create a flavorful, satisfying meal. The perfectly seasoned hot fish delivers a spicy kick balanced with a tender, flaky interior, appealing to those craving a savory, spicy seafood experience. Making a copycat version at home allows you to customize the heat level and freshness, providing a delicious and cost-effective alternative. Your taste buds will appreciate the deep Southern flavors that make this dish a standout choice among seafood lovers.