Any Kind of Fish Katsu Recipe (Deep Fried Panko Fish) (2024)

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Fish katsu: is it a fish stick? Is it a katsu? Is it even a Japanese food? Whatever it is, it’s delicious! This recipe involves breading fish filet in panko and deep frying. How could it not be good? Also keep reading if you’d like to learn how to katsu anything in general!

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Do any other of you parents go through phases like this? Where you think, “I should really add more fish into my kids’ diet?” Or for anybody, actually, do you ever think, “I want to eat more fish, but I’m kind of tired of all the same ways of cooking it?” Well, that’s essentially how I got to this recipe. And it works! Because both the adults and the kids LOVE this fish. I mean.. it’s deep fried.. so who wouldn’t? But this begs the question…

Is Fish Katsu Actually a Glorified Fish Stick?

The short answer is yes. Fish katsu is just a boneless fish filet, dredged in a batter, breaded with panko, and deep fried. If you cut it into sticks, you essentially get panko fish sticks! But actually I like the whole fish filet better.

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I have to say, it doesn’t really FEEL like eating a fish stick, though. Something about the panko breading really elevates the dish. The crust is SO crispy and thick! I don’t think you’ll go back to fish sticks after this. Although I do love fish sticks.

What Kind of Fish for Fish Katsu?

Any kind you want! I prefer boneless filets, for ease of eating afterward. I have used salmon, cod, and tilapia, but my favorite so far has been rockfish!

Do They Katsu Fish in Japan?

Yes! There is a dish called “aji fry,” which is a breaded, deep fried horse mackerel. I’m not sure if there’s a general term for fish that has been katsu-ed (if you know, please tell me!). In general, when seafood is breaded and deep fried, it’s called (fish name) fry. So maybe I should call this sakana fry? Sakana katsu? In any case, deep fried fish is a common homemade dish in Japan. We have received a salmon katsu in bento boxes from my kids’ Japanese immersion school, which is actually the inspiration for this recipe.

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How to Katsu Anything

Are you ready to be let in on the secret of katsu-ing? (Is katsu a verb? I’m making it a verb.)

All of my katsu recipes are actually essentially the same thing. Choose your protein, dredge it in a batter, dip in panko, and fry (or air fry). And guess what? The batter and panko ratios are pretty much the same every single time. Here it is:

Protein + Batter (1/4 cup flour and two eggs mixed together) + 2 cups panko (toasted if using air fryer)

That’s it! Once you get that down you won’t even have to come back to my blog for the recipe! Although, I do hope you come back. I’ll miss you.

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What Kinds of Things Can You Katsu

Truly, this batter and panko combination works for anything. Here are some things I have katsu-ed and you can too:

  • Chicken (chicken katsu)
  • Pork (tonkatsu)
  • Shrimp (ebi fry)
  • Ground Meat (menchi katsu)
  • Fish filets (this recipe!)

How to Get the Thickest, Crispiest Katsu Crust

There are several theories floating around the internet on how to get the crispiest katsu crust. One method is the double dredge: you dip in flour and egg, then dip AGAIN in flour and egg before dipping in panko.

Another is the double fry: deep fry your katsu, then let it rest a few minutes. Then fry again.

But my preferred method is the batter dredging. Instead of dipping in eggs and flour separately, I mix the eggs and flour together to form a thick batter. Dip your protein in the batter, then the panko. Fry, and you’re done! I find it gets just as crispy as the other methods, but is actually much easier. Plus, you have one less dish to clean up afterwards.

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Making Fish Katsu in the Air Fryer

I always deep fry this one, but you certainly can make fish katsu in the air fryer. Just remember to toast your panko on the stove beforehand, if you like the deep brown color. And cook according to your air fryer’s recommendations for fish.

Is there anything else I forgot to mention? Leave me questions and comments down below, and let me know if there’s anything else you’d like me to katsu! Happy cooking!

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Any Kind of Fish Katsu (Deep Fried Panko Fish)

This fish katsu is a fish filet breaded in panko and deep fried. You can choose any kind of fish you want!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian American, Japanese

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless fish filet of choice about 4 filets
  • 1 pinch salt see notes
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups panko
  • oil for deep frying

Instructions

  • Put oil in deep frying vessel of choice (I use a wok) and begin to heat to 350 degrees F.

  • Mix flour, salt, and eggs in a shallow dish. Place panko in a separate dish.

  • Dip fish filets in flour/egg batter, then dip in panko, pressing panko firmly into the sides.

  • Place breaded filets into preheated oil (you may have to cook in two batches). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until fish is cooked through.

  • Serve fish with tonkatsu sauce, tartar sauce, or other topping of choice.

Notes

I usually don’t measure how much salt I put into the flour. I just do a pinch. If you’re unsure, you can start with 1/4 tsp. If it’s not salty enough, salt can always be sprinkled on after while fish is hot.

Tried this recipe?Click on the stars to add a rating, or add a comment below!

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Any Kind of Fish Katsu Recipe (Deep Fried Panko Fish) (2024)

FAQs

How do you get panko to stick to fish? ›

Coat fish:

Working in batches, dredge fish in flour, shaking off any excess; dip into egg. Transfer fish to panko, covering fish completely and pressing lightly to adhere.

What is fish katsu made of? ›

Fish katsu is just a boneless fish filet, dredged in a batter, breaded with panko, and deep fried. If you cut it into sticks, you essentially get panko fish sticks!

What is the best fish to deep fry? ›

When choosing a fish to deep fry, look for an option that has a neutral flavor and isn't too oily. Typically, neutral flavored, white-fleshed, and lean fish are best for frying. Freshwater fish such as bass, trout, and catfish are excellent choices. Avoid dense and oily tuna, salmon, and sea bass.

How do you get batter to stick to fish? ›

Milk: The proteins in milk help the batter adhere to the fish and promote browning. Water: Use very cold water for the crispiest results. Baking powder: Baking powder ensures a light and crispy exterior.

How do you keep fish from falling off breading? ›

Seal the plate gently with a length or two of plastic cling wrap. Don't pull it too tight, but make sure that all of the edges are sealed. Place the plate into the refrigerator and let the food sit for at least 60 minutes. This helps the coating to harden a bit, which will keep it on the food.

How do you fry fish without breading falling off? ›

Pat dry—Always pat your fish fillets dry using paper towels to ensure the flour coating sticks well and there are no soggy parts. Don't cover—Once the fish is in the pan, never cover it; you'll end up steaming it, and the coating might fall off, leaving behind a greasy fish fillet.

What is katsu breading made of? ›

Katsu, a common breaded cutlet dish in Japan, is frequently made with either chicken or pork. To make the chicken version, boneless chicken breasts are thinly pounded, dipped in flour, egg, and panko, and then deep-fried till golden brown.

What is the difference between katsu and fried? ›

Only two things distinguish it. First, katsu must be made with panko crumbs (as opposed to European-style breaded cutlets, where panko may occasionally be called for but is not a requirement). And second, it must be served with katsu sauce.

What is katsu batter made of? ›

Flour: All-purpose flour helps seal in the moisture, adds flavor, and promotes browning. Egg: An egg adds moisture and gives the Panko something to stick to. Panko: Panko bread crumbs are responsible for katsu's signature crunch. Oil: Opt for a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or vegetable oil.

Is it better to pan fry or deep fry fish? ›

Pan-fried fish uses just a thin layer of hot oil or shortening in a skillet and a light flour or cornmeal coating on the fish instead of a batter. It's simpler, less messy, and more healthful than deep-frying.

How long do you deep fry fish for? ›

Using a deep fryer or skillet, set at 375 degrees or medium high, deep fry fish in hot oil until golden brown. This takes about 5-8 minutes. Remove from oil, drain on paper towels.

What oil is best for deep frying? ›

The refined oils that are most often used for deep frying include safflower and soybean oil, the latter of which is often labeled as vegetable oil. Decker says the most stable picks are high in a fat called oleic acid, and recommends using peanut or canola oil.

What do I coat my fish with before frying? ›

Fish fillets are first coated in egg, then coated with flour, then fried on a frying pan. The resulting fried fish has a delicious crispy coating on the outside and juicy succulent fish on the inside.

Why does the batter fall off my fried fish? ›

For batter, coat the fish in flour before coating and make sure your batter is thick enough. Usually it's the thickness (or lack thereof) that causes it to fall off during cooking. When breading fish, you should always start by coating it with flour. Then beaten whole eggs, then breadcrumbs.

Should you coat fish in flour before frying? ›

Fish fillets are first coated in egg, then coated with flour, then fried on a frying pan. The resulting fried fish has a delicious crispy coating on the outside and juicy succulent fish on the inside. This fish is more tender and juicy than regular pan-fried fish because the coating seals in the fish juices.

Will panko stick without egg? ›

You could also try milk or yogurt. For heavier coatings (like panko or breadcrumbs), you might dust the fish with flour first. Once the floured fish is dipped in the butter or milk, it will get a little gummy and help the coating adhere better.

How do you keep panko on? ›

Panko won't stick to chicken (too dry), but will stick to egg. Egg won't stick to chicken (too smooth and non-absorbant), but will stick to flour. Flour will stick to chicken. Dredge first through flour, then through (well beaten) egg, then through panko.

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