Crispy Corn-Coated Sand Dabs

Sand dabs are found only in the Pacific coastal waters from Alaska to Mexico.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 sand dabs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Instructions

1. Mix cornmeal with salt and pepper.
2. Dip fish into buttermilk, then coat with cornmeal mixture.
3. Pour oil to a depth of 1 1/2 inches in a skillet. Heat until hot, then add fish. Cook until golden, turning once.
4. Garnish with sprigs of watercress or parsley and lemon slices, if desired.