Ivar's Copycat Fried Cod is close, really close to what you get at Seattle's famous seafood restaurant. When it comes to fried fish, I don't think there's anything better than what you find at Ivar's at Pier 54, but this recipe for fried cod sure comes in handy between visits to the Seattle waterfront.
Serve with my Crockpot Clam Chowder recipe for a real copycat meal from Ivars! Enjoy with French Fry Sauce on the side with a pile of fries.
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Why Melinda Loves this Recipe
The breading on this fish is what makes it so special. It fries up crispy and crunchy thanks to crushed saltine crackers and rice flour.
You can use any brand of seafood breading mix. There are many options in the grocery store so use the one that your family enjoys the most. Here are my favorites (affiliate links): McCormick's and Seasoned Crispy Fish Fry.
Recipe FAQs
Not really. Both work beautifully. I've used both fresh and frozen, many times.
In either case (but especially with frozen cod) you need to blot as much moisture as possible from each piece of cod before you begin the breading process.
Use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. The reason? The moisture makes it hard for the breading to stick to the fish once it hits the hot oil.
Yes, you can buy cracker meal and save the step of crushing the saltine crackers. But I think there's something about having crackers crushed with a rolling pin and a few pieces here and there that are bigger than others, that makes the breading texture special.
Rice flour is wonderful to add to fried food breading because one of the "magical" qualities of rice flour is it doesn't absorb as much oil as regular flour during the frying time. The result is a piece of fried cod with a crispy crunchy breading, not greasy.
The Secret to Perfect Fried Cod Breading
So, just to be 100% crystal clear, here's the secret to my Ivar's Copycat Fried Cod breading:
Combine a sleeve of finely crushed saltine crackers and one tablespoon of rice flour with your favorite seafood breading. That's it! Nothing complicated. But the result is the most delicous, crispy, crunchy fried cod breading. The secret is out!
Pro Tip: Be sure to use regular saltine crackers. Substitutions like butter crackers or the Ritz variety won't create the same results. This recipe needs the crispy crunch only found with regular saltine crackers.
Tips for Serving Cod
I know it's tempting to think, oh I'll save a few calories and bake this in the oven. But Ivar's Copycat Fried Cod is not an oven recipe.
Fry it up and enjoy every bite!
Serve fried cod warm with plenty of sliced lemons, homemade tartar sauce and homemade Fry Sauce.
The cod can be kept covered and warm in the oven on very low heat as you make each batch. Just keep the foil loose on top so the breading doesn't get soggy.
Pro Tip: Allow the fish a few minutes to rest after breading and before frying, that little bit of extra time helps create a solid coating. I often place the tray with the breaded cod in the refrigerator while I wait for the oil in the skillet to heat up.
The Crinkled Cookbook is not in any way affiliated with Ivar's restaurants. This recipe is just my best guess at what their special recipe for fried cod might be.
The Inspiration
This is my Dad's recipe. He's been making it for years. He is a big fan of great seafood and of Ivar's Acres of Clams at Pier 54 on the Seattle waterfront. Many years ago, he came up with this method for frying cod. It's his specialty! Thanks, Dad!
More Family Recipes
There's just nothing better than family recipes. Check out these which have all been shared by or inspired by someone special to my family.
If you tried my dad's recipe for Ivar's Copycat Fried Cod or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below.
Recipe
Arianna says
Can you deep fry the fish instead of doing it in a pan with the same outcome? IF so what temperature and for how long would you suggest?
Melinda O'Malley Keckler says
Hi Arianne, I've only pan fried the cod, but deep frying would likely work just fine. The fish might even be extra crispy.
Kyle says
Crispy and delicious, lots like Ivars. Flavor was fantastic.
Melinda O'Malley Keckler says
Yay! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe Kyle! Thank you for letting me know. 🙂
Pam says
I tried this recipe exactly as written and it is nothing close to Ivar's. I was skeptical when I read the ingredients in the Louisiana Fish Fry mix and my impression was correct, I should have realized nothing so easy would come close. Not only was it nothing like Ivar's; it was just okay for our family's tastes. Thanks for trying.
Melinda O'Malley Keckler says
Shoot! I'm sorry to hear you didn't enjoy it. Thanks for trying out the recipe.
Julie B says
Thank you! This recipe was delicious and just like Ivars. I have picky eaters and they loved it.
Melinda O'Malley Keckler says
Yay! I'm so glad your family enjoyed it! It's fun to create a copycat recipe that hits the mark!! Thank you for letting me know. 🙂