Thread: What's the best oil to fry fish ?

Peanut oil has the best flavor to me.

Well i would say the brand isnt near as important as keeping the temperature constant. Easier said than done. if your temp is too low then the fish will come out greasy and spongy, get it too hot and your oil will burn and the fish will come out discolored with burnt batter or breading on it from the bottom of the pan. But i get whatever canola oil is on sale and monitor the oil temp closely. never had a complaint and been doing fish frys for years...some around 100 guests. might not sound like alot but when your the only one cooking it makes for a looong day.

Originally Posted by NIMROD

Like some here said Canola oil is best for the price. Peanut oil a little pricy and its too heavy even if it will take higher heat. Steve48 said keep heat low 325 to 350 and strain used Canola oil, several uses if not burned , strained after cooling and kept refridgerated. I cook lots of fish with no complaints using off brand Canola oil. My tip to help newbie cooks using outdoor fish cookers is to toss the thin aluminum pans and buy a heavy cast iron pot. THe heavier pot holds heat at right temp easier without burning oil.

I'm totally surprised that none of the smart butts on here have said HOT yet, LOL. I have used the butter crisco and OMG good. Usually I just use the oil that I have deep dried a turkey in, its a differant taste cause the oil is seasoned.

Our preference is peanut oil, but will use vegetable oil in a pinch. Like has been said, the temp is the most critical aspect. I always filter the oil when cooled and can reuse it most of a season before it gets too dark/dirty. I filter with a funnel and filters from Bass Pro. Really helps lengthen the life of the oil. If you stick with just fish and fries, that also helps to lengthen the life of the oil. The cheese sticks, poppers, or antything with a filling, will ruin your oil in a hurry!

Use a Waring Pro electric for small batches and a propane fired fryer from Bass Pro for large batches.

I use pure peanut oil. I'm definetly no expert but it seems to work. My wife gets grouchy if there is not fish in the freezer and gives me orders to go fishing. I must be doing something right!!

Peanut oil

I like Cisco for shallow fry or peanut for a deep fry for a group.