When it comes to cooking seafood, many people turn to store-bought breading mixes as a convenient option for adding flavor and texture to their dishes. While these mixes may seem like a quick and easy solution, they often contain unhealthy and unnecessary ingredients that can be harmful to our health.
This homemade cornmeal seafood breader is not only easy to make, but it also elevates any seafood dish to a whole new level of flavor and texture. You can use it for frying, baking, or even grilling your seafood. And the best part? You can customize the seasoning to your liking, adding more or less of each ingredient to suit your taste buds.
Not only does this breader taste amazing, but it’s also a budget-friendly alternative to pre-made breading mixes. Plus, since you are making it at home, you know exactly what ingredients are going into your food, making it a healthier option as well.
Homemade Seafood Breader
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cornmeal
- 1/2 cup Flour
- 1/2 tsp Fine sea salt or 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Celery salt
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp Lemon Pepper optional
- 1/2 tsp Freshly ground black pepper
Optional Flavor Profiles
- 2 tsp Creole seasonings Use this to replace the lemon pepper seasoning. For a more pronounced flavor up the 2 tsp to 1 or 2Tbsp.
- 2 tsp Blackening seasoning Use this to replace the lemon pepper seasoning. For a more pronounced flavor up the 2 tsp to 1 or 2Tbsp.
- 2 tsp Jerk seasoning Use this to replace the lemon pepper seasoning. For a more pronounced flavor up the 2 tsp to 1 or 2Tbsp.
- 2 tsp Asian Use this to replace the lemon pepper seasoning. For a more pronounced flavor up the 2 tsp to 1 or 2Tbsp.
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients and store in an airtight container.
Prep the seafood and dredge
- Pat shrimp, fish fillets, or scallops dry with a paper towel.For a thicker, crispier coating, dip your seafood in a beaten egg or buttermilk wash.Dredge each piece in the breading mix, ensuring an even coating.
Cook until golden and crisp
- Pan-fry: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry seafood for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.Deep-fry: Heat oil to 350 °F and fry in small batches until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels.Oven-bake: Preheat oven to 425 °F. Place coated seafood on a parchment-lined tray and bake 12–15 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
Serve
- Serve hot with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or your favorite dipping sauces.