Crispy Battered Fried Fish

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Crispy Battered Fried Fish Recipe

This Crispy Battered Fried Fish is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that delivers golden, crunchy fish fillets with a juicy and tender interior. Perfect for a casual dinner or a special treat, this recipe ensures your fried fish is perfectly crisp every time.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • For the Fish:
    • 4 white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia work well)
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • For the Batter:
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • ½ teaspoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
    • 1 cup cold sparkling water (or cold beer for extra crispness)
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra crunch)
  • For Frying:
    • Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fish:
    • Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures the batter sticks and the fish fries up crisp.
    • Season the fillets with salt, pepper, and optional paprika or garlic powder for added flavor.
  2. Make the Batter:
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and cornstarch (if using).
    • Gradually add the cold sparkling water (or cold beer), whisking until the batter is smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable.
  3. Heat the Oil:
    • In a deep frying pan or large pot, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat. The oil should reach around 350°F (175°C). You can test the temperature by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil; if it bubbles and floats to the surface, the oil is ready.
  4. Coat the Fish:
    • Dip each fish fillet into the batter, ensuring it’s completely coated. Gently shake off any excess batter.
  5. Fry the Fish:
    • Carefully place the battered fish fillets into the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry the fillets for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. The fish should easily flake with a fork when done.
  6. Drain the Fish:
    • Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fried fish from the oil. Place the fillets on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  7. Serve:
    • Serve the crispy battered fish with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce. Pair with fries or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Classic fish and chips with crispy fries and coleslaw.
  • Serve with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a lighter option.

Tips:

  • For the crispiest texture, use cold sparkling water or beer in the batter.
  • Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. If the oil is too cool, the batter will absorb more oil and become soggy.
  • For extra crunch, lightly dust the fish fillets with flour before dipping them into the batter.

Enjoy your Crispy Battered Fried Fish, golden on the outside and tender on the inside!

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