Gordon Food Service®

FISH FRY GUIDE

The popularity of fried fish remains strong, so don’t underestimate the value of featuring it on your menu. Unique fried fish items on your menu can bring you recognition and loyalty. After all, consumers desire dishes that they can’t or don’t want to make at home. Try your hand at the techniques in this guide and satisfy customers searching for delicious fried fish dinners.

With the tips, procedures, and products in this guide, Gordon Food Service® is here to equip you with everything you need to make you well-known for fish!

A Fish Fry Destination

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Batter FryingBattered coatings yield a more consistent appearance and can be more forgiving than breading during rush periods. The batter itself causes fillets to rise to the surface almost immediately when placed in the fryer, an eventuality that is not a reliable indicator of doneness. Use small portions of four ounces or less to ensure that fish is cooked thoroughly without overcooking the batter. Slice children’s menu portions into strips.

Crunchy, battered whitefish is great served with condiments of malt vinegar or tartar sauce and crisp french fries. The standard approach is outlined below:

Fry fish for a total of six to seven minutes, depending on portion sizes. Check for doneness and remove cooked fish from oil and transfer to a pan with a drain grate. Plate as desired and serve immediately.

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Plunge fish into wet batter, taking care to thoroughly coat it. Lift fillet out to allow excess batter to drip off. Batter is made from one part standard commercial batter mix to one part water, or if desired, beer.

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With baskets removed from the preheated fryer to prevent sticking, gently lay battered fillets down into the oil.

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After two to three minutes, use tongs to gently turn fillets over for even cooking on both sides.

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Dust moist fish with flour or dry batter mix and tap gently to remove excess.

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HELPFUL HINTS

the crispier the finished fish. Blend batters with an electric mixer for best results.

IQF fillets before battering, breading, or dusting.

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Successful BreadingBreading options abound and can be a significant point that distinguishes your fish fry from all others while drawing appreciative crowds. Breaded fish fillets pair well with cole slaw and signature dipping sauces or double as terrific sandwich fillers. Some popular breading choices include seasoned flour, bread crumbs, cornmeal, cornflake crumbs, sesame seeds, and pecans.

Here is the basic method and tricks to avoid pitfalls:

After two to three minutes, gently agitate the basket, then use tongs to turn the fillets over for even cooking on both sides.

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Fry fish for a total of 6 to 7 minutes, depending on portion size. Check for doneness. Lift basket and transfer cooked fillets to a pan with a drain grate. Plate as desired and serve immediately.

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Plunge the dusted fillets into egg wash (whipped whole eggs and milk), lift, and allow the excess egg wash to drop off into the pan.

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Place the fillets into your breading and coat completely and evenly. Gently shake excess crumbs loose. Periodically sift the breading through a medium wire strainer and into a clean pan to remove clumps.

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With the basket lowered into a preheated fryer, gently place fish completely in oil.

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Start with properly thawed, thinner portions, such as natural fillets, or cut a cello horizontally to limit the frying time. Dust the moist fish portions with flour or seasoned flour, taking care to knock off the excess.

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HELPFUL HINTS

Fry fish for a total of six to seven minutes, depending on portion sizes. Check for doneness and remove cooked fish from oil and transfer to a pan with a drain grate. Plate as desired and serve immediately.

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With baskets removed from the preheated fryer to prevent sticking, gently lay dusted fish down into the oil. Fry fish in small batches.

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After two to three minutes, use tongs to gently turn fillets over for even cooking on both sides.

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Dust moist fish portion in a dry batter mix. Coat completely, then gently tap to remove excess batter.

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One five-pound box of breading or batter mix will coat approximately 50 pounds of fish.

Signature seasonings created with your secret blend of herbs and spices should be added to the dusting flour, not the breading or batter mix, for better flavor and longer shortening life.

fish with dry batter and a dry dusting with a wet batter. Never coat a wet fillet with a wet batter.

Lightly DustingLightly dusted fish is excellent for your entrées and is often preferred when gearing your fish towards a more upscale presentation. The higher fish-to-coating ratio allows the mild fish flavor to come through, making this the fish lover’s choice of preparation methods. Larger portions, from 6–12 ounces are more desirable. The larger portion also creates added value in the eyes of your customers, so price your meal accordingly.

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Frying 101Flavor, texture, and appearance are the significant attributes of fried foods. Whether frying breaded, battered, fresh, or frozen, fish may be one of the most demanding foods to fry. The high moisture content of fish combined with the breading or batter requires a premium shortening that can handle this demanding fried food.

The best fried fish will have the great flavor of the fish itself, have a crisp and light texture (not greasy or heavy), be golden brown in color while being thoroughly cooked, moist, and flaky.

Flavor—The foods you fry need to taste great and should never taste like the oil they were fried in. Choosing a premium shortening, combined with proper oil care techniques will ensure great-tasting foods throughout your busiest frying schedule.

Texture—The foods you fry need to be crisp and dry. Choosing a premium shortening, combined with the proper oil care techniques will reduce oil absorption into the foods—providing a crisper, drier, and more appealing texture to the fried foods you serve.

Appearance—The fried foods you serve need to have a golden brown color while being thoroughly cooked. Using a premium shortening, combined with proper oil care techniques, cooking time, and temperature will ensure ideal appearance.

Many changes in the shortening category have taken place in the past five years, most significantly the elimination of trans fats from many types of shortenings. Your Gordon Food Service Customer Development Specialist can assist you in the decision of choosing a shortening to best support the flavor, texture, and appearance of your fried foods.

Keep frozen seafood at a constant temperature until you’re ready to thaw it, which means moving deliveries expeditiously into your freezer. Stack cartons away from walls and off of floors to promote circulation. Date each carton and use on a first-in, first-out basis.

Thaw frozen fish fillets and steaks slowly to preserve overall quality. Overnight and under refrigeration are preferable conditions. Place fish in a sheet or steam table pan, cover it with plastic wrap, and put it on a shelf in the cooler. This allows the moisture to be reabsorbed into the cell structure of the fish and minimizes drip loss.

Under ideal inventory rotation conditions, thaw only what is needed for the next day’s demand. However, properly thawed fish keeps for four to five days under refrigeration. Refreezing thawed product significantly diminishes its quality.

To store thawed fillets, place them into a deep pan, layering one deep so the edges touch. Do the same with fish thawed in cryovac pouches, which help retain moisture and freshness. Fill plastic zippered pouches with ice, layer on top of the fillets, and pat them down gently. Label and date the pan and place it in the cooler until needed.

Thawing Seafood

Keep It CleanPrior to adding fresh shortening, it’s a good idea to thoroughly clean your deep fryer. Start with the basics:

Rinse the fryer out with hot water until all the crumbs are flushed out.

with a cleaner designed for commercial deep-fat fryers and follow package instructions closely. Polymerized material that has formed on the equipment surfaces will loosen.

pad—avoid using metal ones that could scratch the finish and leave metal shavings in the fryer.

to neutralize any cleaner residues that remain.

allow fryer to air-dry overnight. Water left in a fryer is a prime cause of shortening breakdown.

contact with copper fittings, which can promote oxidation and impart an “off” flavor to your fried food.

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Three key factors can extend the life of your deep fryer oil as well as save money, reduce waste, and improve the flavor of fried foods. The following are methods for monitoring oil temperature, proper deep fryer operation, and filtering your oil for optimum performance. Performing regular maintenance to the deep fryer and cleaning it thoroughly can also extend fryer shortening life significantly.

is a simple way to increase the life of your oil. The proper frying temperature for most fried foods

the temperature setting dial on your deep fryer and then check the actual temperature of the oil, using a metal, dial-type thermometer. A discrepancy in temperature suggests that fryer maintenance may be required.

To conserve your fryer shortening, the deep fryer thermostat should be

or shut off when it is not in use for an extended period of time.

should be followed to extend fryer oil life and deliver the highest quality fried product. Frozen food should

to the fryer without thawing. Do not refreeze food. For optimum fryer performance, never fill a fryer basket more than half full. Skim the oil surface frequently to remove food particles; fryer shortening levels should be kept at the fill line marked on the inside of the deep fryer.

under high volume frying conditions, will also extend the life of your fryer oil. Before filtering the oil, turn off the fryer and allow the oil to cool to

Fryer FilteringFryer shortening should be filtered at least twice daily. This removes fine carbonized particles and crumbs that accumulate in the fryer, giving shortening a bitter taste and causing it to darken faster. As you establish filtering practices, consider the following:

at removing fine particles from the shortening. Use all filtering aids as directed for best results.

oxidation and decreases the shortening’s fry life. Limit the distance between the drain and the filter and avoid splashing or blowing air directly at the shortening.

from the fryer between cleanings and maintain proper shortening levels at all times.

Extend the Life of Fryer Oil

Fryer Oil 431961 2/17.5 lb. GFS® Heavy-Duty Creamy Canola Liquid Fry Shortening 431951 35 lb. GFS Heavy-Duty Creamy Canola Liquid Fry Shortening*107778 35 lb. GFS Heavy-Duty Creamy Liquid Fry Shortening431971 35 lb. GFS NT Clear Liquid Canola Fry Shortening 690780 35 lb. GFS NT Heavy-Duty Clear Liquid Soy Fry Shortening690740 35 lb. GFS NT Heavy-Duty Creamy Liquid Soy Fry Shortening

7 Signifies items available at GFS Marketplace® stores. * Not available in all areas. Check with your Customer Development Specialist for availability.

Cod LoinsSingle Frozen, no STP

651980* 10 lb. Gordon Signature® IQF North Atlantic Cod Loins, 3 oz.612537* 10 lb. Gordon Signature IQF North Atlantic Cod Loins, 4 oz.769487* 10 lb. Gordon Signature IQF North Atlantic Cod Loins, 5 oz.580848* 10 lb. Gordon Signature IQF North Atlantic Cod Loins, 6 oz.

Twice Frozen, no STP 874167* 10 lb. GFS IQF North Atlantic Cod Loins, 2 oz.461318* 10 lb. GFS IQF North Atlantic Cod Loins, 3 oz.

A 461512* 10 lb. GFS IQF North Atlantic Cod Loins, 4 oz.502910* 2/10 lb. GFS IQF North Atlantic Cod Loins, 4 oz. 453935* 10 lb. GFS IQF North Atlantic Cod Loins, 5 oz.458201* 10 lb. GFS IQF North Atlantic Cod Loins, 6 oz.

Twice Frozen, with STP 253375* 10 lb. Kitchen Essentials® IQF Pacific Cod Loins, 3 oz.168378 10 lb. Kitchen Essentials IQF Pacific Cod Loins, 4 oz.168408 10 lb. Kitchen Essentials IQF Pacific Cod Loins, 5 oz.842184 10 lb. Kitchen Essentials IQF Pacific Cod Loins, 6 oz.212148 10 lb. Kitchen Essentials IQF Pacific Cod Loins, 8 oz.590980* 10 lb. Seaside IQF Cod Loins, 8 oz.

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Cod Cellos Single Frozen, no STP, Loin-in (Whole Fillet) B 709492* 6/5 lb. GFS North Atlantic Cod Fillets, 1–2/cello

826251* 15/2 lb. Samband Cod Fillets, Super Cello752738* 10/5 lb. Icelandic Cod Fillets, 1–2/cello

Twice Frozen, with STP 499889* 10/5 lb. Cod Fillets, 1–3/cello

Cod Fillets Single Frozen, no STP

752142* 3/15 lb. Alaskan Cod Fillets, 16–32 oz., Shatterpack750484* 3/15 lb. Alaskan Cod Fillets, 8–16 oz., Shatterpack549835* 3/20 lb. Cod Fillets, 16–32 oz., Shatterpack791385* 3/20 lb. Cod Fillets, 8–16 oz., Shatterpack590490 3/15 lb. IPM North Atlantic Cod Fillets,

16–32 oz., Shatterpack590460* 3/15 lb. IPM North Atlantic Cod Fillets,

8–16 oz., Shatterpack120316* 3/15 lb. Trident Seafood Alaskan Cod Fillets,

16–32 oz., Shatterpack

Twice Frozen, with STP 472351* 4/10 lb. North Atlantic Cod Fillets, 8–12 oz.752050* 3/15 lb. North Atlantic Cod Fillets, 12–16 oz.774590* 10 lb. North Atlantic Cod Fillets, 8–12 oz.

Cod Tails Best—Single Frozen, no STP

752041* 10 lb. Icelandic North Atlantic Cod Tails, 4 oz.

Twice Frozen, no STP 145170* 10 lb. Icelandic Cod Tail Loins, 5 oz.

Twice Frozen, with STP 253774* 10 lb. IQF Cod Tails, 4–5 oz.448421* 10 lb. IQF Split Center-Cut Cod Tails, 3 oz.613398* 10 lb. Seaside Cod Tails, 3 oz.

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Pollock Loins Twice Frozen, w/ STP C 624230* 10 lb. Pollock Loins, 2 oz. 494390* 10 lb. Pollock Loins, 3 oz. 494400* 10 lb. Pollock Loins, 4 oz.

Pollock Fillets Single Frozen, no STP 737430* 6/3 lb. GFS IQF Alaskan Pollock Fillets 447951* 25 lb. IQF Alaskan Pollock Fillets, 2–4 oz. 523488* 3/15 lb. Pollock Fillets, 2–4 oz., Shatterpack 476919 25 lb. IQF Alaskan Pollock Fillets, 4–6 oz. 487252* 3/15 lb. Pollock Fillets, 4–6 oz., Shatterpack 760021* 3/13 lb. Pollock Fillets, 6–8 oz., Shatterpack

Twice Frozen, with STP 537896 4/10 lb. IPM IQF Pollock Fillets, 2–4 oz. 862193 4/10 lb. IPM IQF Pollock Fillets, 4–6 oz. 502900* 4/10 lb. Kitchen Essentials IQF Pollock Fillets, 2–4 oz.

Haddock Loins Twice Frozen, with STP 763110* 10 lb. Frostmark IQF Haddock Portions, 2 oz. 763061* 10 lb. Frostmark IQF Haddock Loins, 3 oz. 763100* 10 lb. Frostmark IQF Haddock Loins, 4 oz.

Haddock Cellos Single Frozen, no STP, Loin-in (Whole Fillet) 291684* 10/5 lb. Samband Haddock Fillets, 1–3/cello

Haddock Fillets Twice Frozen, with STP 160600* 10 lb. IQF Haddock Fillets, 6–8 oz. 691430* 10 lb. Frostmark IQF Haddock Fillets, 8–10 oz. 691450* 10 lb. Frostmark IQF Haddock Fillets, 10–12 oz.

Hoki Loins Twice Frozen, with STP 144991* 10 lb. IPM IQF Hoki Loins, 4 oz. 145041 10 lb. IPM IQF Hoki Loins, 6 oz.

Cape Capensis Fillets Single Frozen, no STP 124082* 10 lb. Cape Capensis Fillets, 6 oz. 124090* 10 lb. Cape Capensis Fillets, 8 oz.

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Farm-Raised Catfish Fillets 551872* 10 lb. GFS IQF Cornmeal-Breaded Catfish Fillets, 3 oz.333212 10 lb. GFS IQF Cornmeal-Breaded Catfish Fillets, 4 oz.

D 333182 15 lb. GFS Boneless Skinless Catfish Fillets, 3–5 oz.477141 15 lb. GFS Boneless Skinless Catfish Fillets, 5–7 oz.528315 15 lb. GFS Boneless Skinless Catfish Fillets, 7–9 oz.416541* 10 lb. GFS Cajun-Seasoned Catfish Fillets, 5 oz.611344 10 lb. GFS Random Breaded Catfish Nuggets

9 Signifies items available at GFS Marketplace stores. * Not available in all areas. Check with your Customer Development Specialist for availability.

Beer-Battered Cod 610220* 2/5 lb. GFS Beer-Battered Cod, 2–3 oz. 595985 10 lb. GFS Diamond Cut Beer-Battered Cod, 3 oz.610200* 2/5 lb. GFS Home-Style Battered Cod, 2–3 oz.

A 176780 10 lb. Big Bob’s Pub-Style Battered Cod, 8 oz.842613 2/5 lb. Icelandic Beer-Battered Cod Wedges, 2 oz.754536 2/5 lb. Icelandic Beer-Battered Cod, 3 oz.284947* 2/5 lb. Icelandic Diamond Cut Battered Cod, 3 oz. 103306* 10 lb. Trident Beer-Battered Cod, 1–2 oz.755200* 2/5 lb. Trident Crunchy Beer-Battered Cod, 2.5 oz.

Breaded Cod 596019 10 lb. GFS Breaded Crunchy Cod Fillets, 3 oz.

610210* 2/5 lb. GFS Crumb-Battered Cod, 2–3 oz. 316598* 10 lb. Fishery Products Breaded Cod Sea Nuggets, 1 oz. 584614 10 lb. Fishery Products Breaded Crunchy Cod Fillets, 4 oz. 307726* 10 lb. Fishery Products Breaded Crunchy Cod Tails, 5 oz. 584606* 10 lb. Fishery Products Crunchy Breaded Cod Fillets, 1.8 oz. 471313* 10 lb. Icelandic Country-Breaded Cod Fillets, 3.25 oz. 567833* 10 lb. Icelandic Country-Breaded Cod Fillets, 3.75 oz. 454508* 10 lb. Icelandic Country Fry Breaded Cod Nuggets, .75 oz. 523798* 10 lb. Samband Breaded Crunchy Cod Fillets, 3.5 oz. 205486* 2/5 lb. Samband Milwaukee-Style Breaded Cod Strips, 2 oz.

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Battered Pollock 610180* 2/5 lb. GFS Beer-Battered Pollock, 2–3 oz. 610190* 2/5 lb. GFS Home-Style Battered Pollock, 2–3 oz. 246180 2/10 lb. Big Bob’s Beer-Battered Pollock, 8 oz.

B 130010* 10 lb. Big Bob’s Pub Battered Pollock, 8 oz.754447* 10 lb. Piccadilly Pub Beer-Battered Pollock, 2 oz.865427* 14 lb. Trident Monster Pollock Portions, 4.3 oz.537071* 2/6 oz. Viking Breaded Pollock Fillets, 8 oz.

Battered Haddock C 127961* 10 lb. Big Bob’s Pub Battered Haddock, 10 oz.

698598* 10 lb. Piccadilly Pub Beer-Battered Haddock, 4 oz.

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Breaded Tilapia D 690510* 2/5 lb. GFS Salt & Pepper Breaded Tilapia, 2–3 oz.

690520* 2/5 lb. GFS Salt & Pepper Breaded Tilapia Loins, 3–4 oz.

Battered Tilapia 494371 10 lb. Icelandic Beer-Battered Tilapia, 4 oz.

Misc. Breaded Fish 786590* 40 ct. Fishery Products Southern-Style Breaded Pangasius, 4 oz.494232* 10 lb. Fishery Products Breaded Blazin’ Redfish Fillets, 2 oz.236373* 10 lb. Fishery Products Delta-Style Fish Fillets, 3 oz.715263* 10 lb. Fishery Products Raw Breaded Ocean Perch Fillets, 3 oz.

E 421820 6/2 lb. Tampa Maid Tender Breaded Grouper, 9–12 ct./lb.655562* 2/5 lb. Viking Breaded Ocean Perch Fillets, Random Size

Misc. Battered Fish 237566* 10 lb. Icelandic Beer-Battered Hoki Fillets, 2–4 oz.624360* 2/5 lb. Icelandic Beer-Battered Whiting, 2–4 oz.365930* 10 lb. Trident Pub House Battered Wahoo Fillet, 2 oz.

Batters & Breading Mixes 789581 4/5 lb. GFS Seasoned Bread Crumbs785760* 25 lb. GFS Fine Cracker Meal157929 8/5 lb. Aunt Jemima Yellow Corn Meal 516368 10/5 lb. Drake’s Batter Mix

Batters & Breading Mixes, continued 109517 4/12.5 lb. Drake’s Batter Mix 181005 6/5 lb. Golden Dipt All-Purpose Batter Mix 180866 6/5 lb. Golden Dipt All-Purpose Seasoned Breading 257192* 6/4 lb. Golden Dipt Bakeable Breading Mix180831* 6/5 lb. Golden Dipt English Style Fish & Chip Breading292656 6/5 lb. Golden Dipt Fish Batter Mix507563 25 lb. Golden Dipt Japanese-Style Bread Crumbs180823* 6/5 lb. Golden Dipt Old South Fish Fry Meal 101860 6/5 lb. Golden Dipt Tempura Batter Mix 763969* 12/21 oz. Kellogg’s Corn Flakes Crumbs

French Fries GFS Coated FriesGFS Coated Fries utilize a natural potato coating to lock in heat and flavor, extending the serving lifetime and reducing waste.

411991 6/4.5 lb. 1/4" Shoestring412050 6/5 lb. 5/16" Regular Cut 412043 6/5 lb. 3/8" Regular Cut 728520 6/5 lb. Beer-Battered Platter Fries, 1/4" x 1/2"

728530 6/5 lb. Beer-Battered Thin Cut Fries, 5/16"

GFS Extra-Long FriesGFS Extra-Long Fries are selected for their length, high potato solids, consistent color, and superior quality. 412170* 6/4.5 lb. 1/4" Shoestring 412130 6/5 lb. 5/16" Regular Cut 412070 6/5 lb. 5/16" Regular Cut with Skin 412140 6/5 lb. 3/8" Regular Cut 412106 6/5 lb. 3/8" Regular Cut with Skin 412150 6/5 lb. 1/2" Crinkle Cut

GFS Long FriesGFS Long Fries feature a golden, appetizing appearance, fluffy texture, and full potato flavor. 412180 6/4.5 lb. 1/4" Shoestring 412200 6/5 lb. 5/16" Regular Cut 164127* 6/5 lb. 5/16" Crinkle Cut 221708 6/5 lb. 3/8" Regular Cut 119644 6/5 lb. 1/2" Crinkle Cut

Onions 571451 9/2.5 lb. GFS Breaded Onion Petals 267100 6/2.5 lb. GFS Battered Onion Rings

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11 Signifies items available at GFS Marketplace stores. * Not available in all areas. Check with your Customer Development Specialist for availability.

P.O. Box 1787 • Grand Rapids, MI 49501 • (800) 968-6474 ©2009 Gordon Food Service® • www.gfs.com

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