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Virginia Spots Copycat Recipe

Virginia Spots Recipe

Welcome to a culinary journey that takes you to the heart of Southern cuisine. Today, we’re going to explore a classic and beloved dish, the Virginia Spots recipe.
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Author: Lori Walker, MS, RD
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 16 minutes
Servings: 0
Calories: 174kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 cups Self-Rising Flour
  • Cooking Oil
  • 4 cup Cornmeal
  • 4 –8 lbs of Spots
  • 4 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 teaspoon Black Pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Clean And Debone The Spots

  • Begin by thoroughly cleaning and deboning the Spots.
  • Rinse them under cold water, pat dry with paper towels, and remove any visible bones or scales.

Step 2: Prepare The Batter

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour, cornmeal, salt, and black pepper.
  • Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Heat The Cooking Oil

  • Pour enough cooking oil into a large, deep skillet to reach a depth of 2-3 inches.
  • Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Set Up For Frying

  • While the oil is heating up, prepare a baking sheet lined with paper towels for draining the fried fish.

Step 5: Coat The Fillets

  • Using tongs or your hands, dip each fillet into the batter mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated on all sides.

Step 6: Fry The Fish

  • Carefully place the batter-covered fillets into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
  • Fry for approximately 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Drain The Fried Fish

  • Remove the fried fish from the skillet using a slotted spoon or tongs and place them on the prepared baking sheet to drain excess oil.

Step 8: Double Fry For Crispy Coating

  • Once all the fish has been fried, increase the heat of the oil slightly.
  • Fry the fish a second time for an additional 1-2 minutes per side. This double-frying method ensures that the coating is extra crispy while also ensuring that the fish is cooked through.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

  • Serve the fried Virginia Spots hot with your choice of sides, and savor the delicious meal you’ve prepared!

Notes

  • If you don’t have self-rising flour on hand, you can make a homemade version by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
  • For a healthier alternative, you can also bake the coated fish in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 15 minutes or until cooked through.
  • For an extra kick of flavor, you can add spices such as paprika or cayenne pepper to the batter mixture.
  • Don’t discard any leftover batter, as it can be used to make delicious hush puppies or fried pickles.
Keyword: Virginia Spots Recipe