There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a piece of perfectly crispy, golden-brown fried fish. Whether you’re making a quick meal for yourself or serving a crowd, this recipe will ensure a crunchy exterior with tender, flaky fish inside. The secret? A well-balanced batter using cold sparkling water or beer to achieve that airy, light texture. If you love fish and chips, this recipe is for you! Plus, you can customize the flavors by adding different seasonings to the batter. Serve with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, and your favorite sides for a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Ingredients
- Fish fillets (tilapia, haddock, or cod work well)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cold sparkling water (or cold beer for a beer-batter twist)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Slowly pour in the cold sparkling water or beer, whisking gently until you get a smooth, slightly thick batter. Avoid overmixing to maintain lightness.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Ensure there’s enough oil to submerge the fish for even cooking.
Step 4: Coat the Fish
- Lightly dredge each fish fillet in flour, shaking off the excess.
- Dip the floured fish into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. Let any extra batter drip off.
Step 5: Fry the Fish
- Carefully place the coated fish into the hot oil. Fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding.
- Cook for about 3–5 minutes per side, until the batter is golden brown and crispy. The fish should flake easily with a fork.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fish and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve hot with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and your favorite sides like coleslaw or fries. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations
This crispy fish recipe provides a great source of protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health. The batter adds some carbohydrates, but if you’re looking to lower the carb content, you can experiment with alternative flours like almond flour or a keto-friendly mix. For those following a gluten-free diet, substitute cornstarch for the flour or use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Frying adds fat, so if you’re aiming for a lower-fat version, consider air-frying instead of deep-frying.
Sharing and Commenting is Caring
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