Crispy Porgy Fish Recipe

What Are Porgies?

Porgies, also known as scup, inhabit shallow waters near reefs, grass flats, and sandy bottoms. Common in the Florida Keys, these small fish are abundant and easy to catch, making them a local favorite.

Common Florida porgy species include sheepshead, whitebone, and maiden.

You won't often see porgies in grocery stores or restaurant menus, but you might find them at small Florida fish markets. 

Fry the whole porgy (they're about 10" long) or the fillets-their flaky white meat and sweet taste will be a hit for sure!

Ingredients

For the fish, red snapper, yellowtail, hogfish, mutton snapper, or grunts can be used in place of porgy fillets.

• Porgy fillets, skin on or off (about 6 oz each)
• Panko breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs
• Flour: All-purpose or rice flour for gluten free
• Old Bay seasoning
• kosher salt
• black pepper
• Egg (sub mayonnaise if don't have an egg)
• Oil for frying: light olive oil or vegetable oil
• Lemon

Porgy Recipe

• Rinse the fish under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
• Mix the flour, Old Bay, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish. In another dish, whisk the eggs.
• Dip each fillet into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and then coat it in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the coating sticks.
• Heat 1 inch of oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Fry the fillets (skin side down)in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until the fish is golden brown and crispy.
• Transfer the fish to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with lemon slices or wedges, cocktail sauce, or tartar sauce.

What Goes with Porgy Fillets?

Porgy is a mild white fish. Try any of the following sides to go with your crispy fish dinner.

The best sides for fried porgy are: Roasted Baby Broccoli, Lemon Asparagus Rice, The Best Mango Pico de Gallo, Spanish Rice with Peas, Deli Macaroni Salad, Chickpea Cucumber Salad, Sweet Coleslaw, and Twice Fried Plantains with Mayo Ketchup.

For more great sides, visit Florida Keys Side Dishes.

More Fish Recipes

Cooking in The Keys is located in Key Largo, Florida. The fish are swimming outside and we are happy to bring you recipes that you can make with local seafood.

Try some of our popular recipes:

• Florida Keys Stone Crabs with Mustard Sauce
• Oven Roasted Mahi Mahi
• Seared and Blackened Yellowfin Tuna
• Florida Blackened Swordfish
• Crispy Pan Fried Mahi Mahi Recipe
• Key West Shrimp Tacos
• Sheet Pan Fish and Vegetables
• Spiny Lobster Rolls

Visit our recipe index for more seafood recipes.

Final Thoughts

This porgy recipe is a simple and delicious way to cook porgies, small fish caught in Key West, Florida.

Porgies are relatively small fish commonly found in local seafood markets, prized for their mild flavor and big, flaky texture, making them ideal for frying or grilling.

For more than 2 servings, simply double the recipe.

The crispy panko coating and quick frying in hot oil create a dish that's irresistibly flavorful and satisfying.

Serve with lemon wedges, seafood sauce, tartar sauce, or a simple wedge of lemon. This is a meal perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or special occasion.