It is a delicious orange roughy recipe that is savory and very easy to prepare.

A quick recipe that will allow you to have weeknight dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes.

breaded orange roughy

When cooked correctly, the orange roughy recipe has a very delicate, sweet, mild flavor. It will flake when cooking; thus, do not feel disconcerted if this happens.

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In this Article

What is orange roughy?

Also known as red roughy, slimehead, and deep-sea perch, it is a relatively large fish. It is found in the United States Atlantic and Indo-Pacific Oceans. Rich in texture and flavor.

It is a versatile fish as well when it comes to cooking. Fry it with this recipe—excellent baked or with a light tomato sauce in a pasta dish.

What is the Difference between Orange Roughy and Cod?

Both Orange Roughy and Cod are popular white fish choices, each offering unique attributes for various culinary applications. 

As described earlier, Orange Roughy is a relatively large fish with a rich, mild flavor. It is versatile and can be cooked in several ways. 

Conversely, cod is a cold-water fish known for its firm, white flesh and mild flavor. Cod is versatile and can be baked, broiled, seared, or used in soups and stews. When it comes to nutritional profiles, both are excellent sources of protein. 

However, Cod tends to be lower in fat, while Orange Roughy is a bit higher. Ultimately, the choice between the two often comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the recipe.

breaded orange roughy

Orange Roughy Ingredients

This is a short introduction. The ingredient list is also brief. It includes essential items that you may already have in your pantry. Please read the recipe for complete instructions.

Orange roughy fillets – ensure that they are all the same size and weight for even cooking distributions. Remove any visible fishbone.

Flour – the fist dip tray to help create a solid barrier with your orange roughy.

Eggs – Dip the orange roughy into the egg mixture and cover well. This step is important as the panko mixture will not attach well to any exposed parts if they are not egg-coated.

Parmesan cheese, Panko, and Bread crumbs – are used to create the crunchy coating. The parmesan cheese melts while cooking, and when combined with the panko, it establishes the crunchiness needed. This is the last step of coating your fish. Pack it well into the egg to adhere.

Olive oil – used to cook your orange roughy.

Equipment Needed

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3 shallow breading trays – Use your flour, panko, and egg mixture to prepare your orange roughy.

Large skillet – to fry your fish. Ensure that it has a heavy bottom so it is stable while frying.

Fish spatula – to help turn the fish when frying it.

Cooling rack – not only it help with cooling off the fish but also allowing it the air to circulate around your fish so it will not sit on the grease and become soggy.

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How to Cook Orange Roughy

  1. In one dish, place the flour with salt and black pepper. Mix the panko, pre-grated parmesan cheese, and bread crumbs in a second shallow dish. Add any fresh or dried herbs that are in hand. In a third dish, beat the eggs with a tablespoon of water.
  2. Dry the fish filets with paper towels and coat fish with the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Dip it in the egg mixture, place it in the panko-bread crumbs mixture, and cover well.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. When it’s hot, place fish in and cook the fish for 5 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for another 2 minutes. When the pan is hot, the fish will absorb less oil.
  4. Once the fish is golden brown and done, remove it from the skillet and place it on a cooling rack.
  5. Avoid overcrowding the skillet. Serve the dish piping hot.
breaded orange roughy

Orange Roughy Recipe Tips

This recipe is super easy to prepare, as you may have noticed. However, I want to share some personal tips with you.

As with all recipes, have all your ingredients ready before getting ready. When cooking with oil, I always recommend leaving all distractions away from you and the little kids away from the kitchen.

  • As with all raw food products, be careful to clean the cutting board after handling fish to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Do not overcrowd the skillet when frying food, allowing the orange roughy fillets to cook evenly. This breaded orange roughy will require all the room in the skillet to go perfectly and quickly.
  • Remove the fish from the skillet with cooking thongs. You want to keep the beautiful crust that has formed around the fish.
  • When removed from the hot oil skillet, let the breaded orange roughy rest on a wire rack over a cookie sheet. This will prevent it from sitting in the oil, which is not good for you, and will retain its crispiness.
  • The combination of the panko with the parmesan cheese, or Parmigiano Reggiano, gives you a deliciously crisp orange roughy filet recipe that everyone will enjoy. A taste of Italian that transports to the south and the sea. It is a great kid-friendly recipe.
  • Parmigiano Reggiano is the king of cheeses in Italy from the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia. Aged 12 months and older is one of my favorites.

Orange Roughy Substitution & Additions

While this recipe is versatile, you may want to experiment with other ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some possible substitutions and additions:

  • Fish Fillets: If orange roughy is unavailable, try using halibut, haddock, or flounder fillets as alternatives. 
  • Parmesan Cheese: You could substitute the parmesan with pecorino romano or asiago cheese for a different flavor. For a dairy-free option, you could use a vegan cheese substitute.
  • Panko and Bread Crumbs: For a gluten-free version of this dish, substitute the panko and bread crumb mixture with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.
  • Eggs: If you are following a vegan diet, you can replace the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with three tablespoons of water for each egg.
  • All-Purpose Flour: For a healthier option, replace the all-purpose flour with whole wheat or chickpea flour.
  • Olive Oil: If you prefer a different oil type, canola or coconut oil could be used instead of olive oil.

In terms of adding fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro into the panko mixture to add more flavor. Also, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest can brighten the whole dish.

Storage

Leftover breaded orange roughy should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, lasting 2-3 days.

It’s best to reheat in the oven or toaster oven to ensure the breading retains its crunch.

To freeze

As for freezing, yes, you can freeze breaded orange roughy. Once the fish has cooled completely, place the leftovers in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible.

The breaded orange roughy can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake the frozen fish in the oven without thawing to maintain the crispiness of the breading.

Be aware that the texture might be slightly different after freezing, but the taste should remain delicious.

Orange Roughy FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this breaded orange roughy ahead of time. Complete all the steps up until the actual cooking. Place the breaded fish on a sheet pan covered with parchment paper and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. When ready to cook, simply heat your oil and proceed as directed.

Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?

Absolutely, frozen fish can work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to fully thaw the fish in the refrigerator before beginning the breading and cooking process.

What other seasonings can I use in the breading?

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings in the breading. Some options include smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or even a little cayenne or red pepper for a kick.

What sides go well with Breaded Orange Roughy?

Many side dishes pair well with this fish recipe. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a baked potato. For a lighter option, a quinoa salad or steamed broccoli works great, too.

Can I air-fry the Breaded Orange Roughy?

Yes, you can use an air fryer for this recipe. The air fryer will cook the breaded fish evenly and give it a nice, crispy texture without using too much oil. The cooking time might vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.

What can I substitute panko with?

Several breads can be used as a substitution, such as toasted shredded bread, crackers crumbs, melba toasts, matzo balls, and crushed tortilla chips. Even dry crushed stuffing mix or crushed pretzels.

And last but not least, crushed cornflakes or potato chips.

breaded orange roughy

What to enjoy with Orange Roughy:

Butter Lettuce with Shallots Vinaigrette: Simple and super healthy is the perfect side dish for a light dinner.

Roasted Bell Pepper with Italian Farro Salad: Staying with the Italian recipe theme, this super healthy side dish is very enjoyable. A bit more of comfort food.

Tomato, Arugula Salad: My favorite and rounds up a fantastic dinner.

More like this recipe for Orange Roughy:

Panko Crusted Salmon – Tasty and Tender

Breaded Pork Chops

Orange Roughy with Tomatoes Capers Sauce

Orange Roughy with Capers, Shallots and Wine Butter Sauce

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Breaded and Fried Orange Roughy Recipe

4.91 from 22 votes
breaded orange roughy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Giangi Townsend
A delicious orange roughy recipe that is savory and very easy to prepare. A quick recipe that will allow you to have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes.
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Ingredients 

  • 4 orange roughy fillets, 6 ounces each
  • ¾ cup parmesan cheese
  • ¾ cup panko,
  • ¾ cup bread crumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup unbleached all purpose flour
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  • In one dish place the flour with salt and pepper. In a second shallow dish, mix together well the panko, pre-grated parmesan cheese, and bread crumbs. Add any fresh or dried Herbes that are in hand. In a third dish, beat the eggs with a tablespoon of water.
  • Dry the fish and place it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it in the egg mixture and then place it in the panko-bread crumbs mixture, and cover well.
  • In a large skillet heat the olive oil and when hot cook the fish, for 5 minutes. When nice and golden turn and cook the other side for another 2 minutes. When the pan is hot, the fish will absorb less oil.
  • Once the fish is golden and done, remove it from the skillet and place it on a cooling rack.
  • Do not overcrowd the skillet. Serve nice and hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 472kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 563mg | Potassium: 126mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 266IU | Calcium: 295mg | Iron: 3mg

Giangi’s Kitchen provides nutritional information, but these figures should be considered estimates, as a registered dietician does not calculate them.

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Originally published on September 2, 2010.