Crispy Corn-Coated Sand Dabs

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

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)

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