Ella Walter
Gorton's fish fillets are a popular choice for those seeking a convenient, tasty, and mess-free seafood option. The product is marketed as a prep-free meal that can be cooked in a conventional oven or an air fryer. But what about pan-frying? Is it possible to achieve that crispy, golden texture without using an oven or air fryer? The answer is yes! Gorton's fish fillets can be successfully pan-fried, and this cooking method is a quick and convenient alternative when your oven isn't working or when you're short on time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Gorton's Seafood |
| Product | Crispy Battered Fish Fillets |
| Ingredients | High-quality, wild-caught Pollock |
| Preparation | Easy to cook, prep-free, mess-free, and stress-free |
| Cooking Methods | Pan-frying, air fryer, oven |
| Taste | Fresh, flaky, crispy, not fishy |
| Nutritional Value | Natural source of Omega-3s and protein |
| Fillers and Additives | None |
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What You'll Learn
Pan-frying Gorton's fish fillets from frozen
Gorton's fish fillets can be pan-fried directly from frozen, providing a quick way to get a tasty meal on the table.
Preparation
Firstly, gather your materials and ingredients: your fillet(s), skillet, tea towel or paper towels, parchment paper, high-heat cooking oil, salt and pepper, and a fish spatula.
Rinse the fillets quickly and dry them thoroughly to avoid waterlogged fish. Cut a piece of parchment paper slightly larger than the size of the fish fillet.
Cooking
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the parchment paper into the skillet and put the fish (skin side up) on the paper. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the fish to par-cook until no longer frozen in the centre.
Remove the fillet and parchment paper from the skillet, then increase the heat to medium-high. Add enough oil to just cover the bottom of the skillet. While the oil heats, pat the fillet dry again and season with salt and pepper.
Once the oil is shimmering hot, carefully return the fillet to the pan (skin side down). Cover and allow the fish to pan-fry undisturbed until it easily releases from the pan with the help of a fish spatula.
Serving
Uncover the fish and allow it to rest for a minute or two before serving.
Tips
For a crispier result, choose thinner fillets. For a moister result, go for thicker fillets of fish, such as Pacific cod or Pacific halibut.
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How to get a crispy skin
Gorton's fish fillets can be pan-fried to achieve a crispy skin. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get that perfect crispy texture:
Thaw the Fillets
Before pan-frying, it is important to thaw the frozen fillets. You can do this by microwaving them for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stopping when they are just thawed. This will ensure that the fillets cook evenly in the pan.
Prepare the Pan
Use a skillet or a deep pan for pan-frying. Add enough oil to the pan so that it comes about halfway up the fillets. Heat the oil to around 350°F (177°C). Grapeseed oil is a good option, as it has a high smoke point and a light flavor, perfect for frying.
Season the Fillets
Gorton's fish fillets come pre-seasoned, but you can add a little extra seasoning to enhance the flavor. Try adding a pinch of salt, pepper, or garlic powder to the oil before frying.
Fry the Fillets
Gently place the fillets into the hot oil. Cook them for approximately 3-5 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets and the temperature of the oil. Look for a deep golden-brown color and a firm, flaky texture.
Drain Excess Oil
Once the fillets are cooked, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon or spider. Allow the excess oil to drain off by placing the fillets on a wire rack lined with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy, non-greasy finish.
Serve Immediately
To enjoy the fillets at their crispiest, serve them immediately while they are still hot. Pair them with classic sides like tartar sauce, coleslaw, and French fries, or get creative with different dipping sauces and sides.
By following these steps, you can enjoy Gorton's fish fillets with a delicious crispy skin, creating a quick and satisfying meal.
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The best oil to use
Gorton's fish fillets can be pan-fried in oil. When selecting an oil to fry fish, it is essential to consider the oil's smoke point and whether it will impart any flavour to the fish. If the oil doesn't have a high enough smoke point, it could burn and smoke, leaving the fish soggy and greasy, and tasting burnt and acrid.
If you want a crisp and light-tasting piece of fish, it is best to choose an oil with a high smoke point. Oils with high smoke points include avocado oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, clarified butter (ghee), canola oil, corn oil, vegetable oil, and olive oil (specifically light or refined olive oil, not extra virgin).
On the other hand, if you are cooking at low heat, you can use an oil with a lower smoke point. Oils such as extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and ghee will impart some flavour to the fish.
It is also important to consider the type of fish you are frying. Some types of fish are naturally oily, such as salmon, trout, and tuna, so you only need to use enough oil to keep the fish moist and prevent it from sticking to the pan. Additionally, when cooking delicate fillets, use the oil sparingly to prevent the fish from falling apart.
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$5.48
How to defrost frozen fish fillets
Gorton's fish fillets can be pan-fried, but they should be thawed first. Here are some ways to defrost frozen fish fillets:
The Bowl Method
This is a common method for defrosting fish. Place the frozen fish in a bowl of cold tap water if it is vacuum-sealed. Do not use hot, warm, or room-temperature water as this could negatively impact the texture and promote bacterial growth. Refresh the water every 20 minutes, or let your faucet drip slowly into the bowl to keep it cool. If the fish isn't vacuum-sealed, place it in a plastic bag before submerging it in the water. Depending on the thickness of the fillets, this method can take as little as 20 minutes to an hour.
Refrigerator Thawing
This slow thawing method will allow you to control the temperature, which is key for quality. First, place a wire rack or drip pan on top of a sheet pan. Then, remove the fish from its packaging and place it on the rack. Lightly cover the fish with a single layer of plastic wrap, ensuring there's enough material to be folded around the ends of the pan to seal it. Place the pan in the refrigerator to thaw for between 10 and 36 hours, depending on the size and thickness of the fish.
Low Heat Pan Fry
Place crumpled-up foil in the bottom of a skillet. Put the frozen fish fillets on the foil and cover the skillet with a lid. Use low heat to slowly thaw the fish. This method mimics a dutch oven and allows you to "bake" the fish on the stovetop. Keep an eye on the fish as it cooks, as the foil diffuses the direct heat and prevents drastic browning.
Once the fish is thawed, it's best to prepare it immediately. However, if you're unable to cook it straight away, store the thawed fish in the fridge in a plastic bag or airtight container to maintain its temperature and integrity.
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Other ways to cook Gorton's fish fillets
Gorton's fish fillets are a convenient and tasty option for a quick meal. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, including pan-frying and baking in a conventional oven. Here are some alternative methods to cook Gorton's fish fillets:
Air Fryer
Air frying is a popular and healthy way to cook Gorton's fish fillets. It results in a crispy and delicious texture without the use of oil. To cook in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the frozen fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through. This method is also gluten-free if gluten-free breading or coatings are used.
Microwave and Pan Fry
If you don't have an air fryer, another option is to partially cook the frozen fillets in the microwave for 30 seconds to one minute and then pan-fry them in oil until well browned. This method is useful if you don't have access to an oven or air fryer.
Stovetop "Baking"
If you want to avoid microwaving or frying, you can try "baking" the fillets on a stovetop. Place crumpled foil in a skillet, place the fillets on the foil, and put a lid on. Use low heat to cook, and remember to keep an eye on it as the foil diffuses direct heat and prevents drastic browning.
Conventional Oven
Of course, you can always use a conventional oven to cook Gorton's fish fillets. Simply heat the fillets in the oven until fully cooked, which is usually around 20-22 minutes, flipping them after 12 minutes.
So, there you have it! Gorton's fish fillets can be cooked in a variety of ways to suit your preferences and equipment availability. Enjoy your delicious and convenient meal!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Gorton's fish fillets can be pan-fried.
To pan-fry Gorton's fish fillets, first, cut a piece of parchment paper slightly larger than the fillet. Heat a skillet with oil and place the fillet on the parchment paper. Cover and cook until the fillet is no longer frozen in the centre. Remove the fillet and paper from the skillet, pat the fillet dry, and season with salt and pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high, add more oil, and carefully return the fillet to the pan. Cover and cook until the fillet releases easily from the pan.
A high-heat cooking oil should be used.
Pan-fry the fillets for 4-5 minutes on each side or until browned.
