Ranch dressing or mayonnaise, for dipping (optional)
Extra hot sauce, for dipping (optional)
Scallions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Pour buttermilk into a medium-sized bowl. Add hot sauce to the buttermilk and stir well to combine.
Mix cornmeal and flour together in a bowl or plate.
Season cod fish pieces with a generous amount of salt and pepper.
Take out a large empty plate and place it near the other bowls and plates. This will be the plate that you put your coated pieces of fish on.
Take one piece of fish and dip it into the buttermilk/hot sauce mixture. Let excess drip off and then place into cornmeal/flour mixture. Coat entire piece of fish in cornmeal/flour. Shake off excess then place onto the new plate.
Repeat step 4 with remaining pieces of fish until they are all coated.
Add one inch of oil (enough to completely cover each piece of fish) into a large, deep pan.
Heat oil on medium-high heat until very hot and starting to sizzle.
Carefully drop fish pieces into the hot oil in an even layer. Fry for 3-5 minutes until fish is crispy on the outside and cooked through.
Line a clean, large plate with paper towels. Carefully remove fish from the pan with a strainer and place on paper towels to drain.
Serve hot with ranch/mayo and extra hot sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with scallions, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Be sure to use a refined oil that works well for high heat cooking, such as safflower oil.
Pro tip: my dad likes to mix the ranch dressing and hot sauce TOGETHER to dip his fish in. This is an ingenious idea, if you ask me. Feel free to steal it!
Recipe by A Bite of Inspiration at https://abiteofinspiration.com/2017/02/28/crispy-faux-alligator-fish-bites/