Battered Fried Fish
This Battered Fried Fish recipe is a crowd-pleasing delight that brings the taste of the seaside right to your kitchen. With its crispy exterior and tender fish inside, it’s perfect for casual dinners, family gatherings, or a special treat on a weekend. This recipe stands out with its flavorful batter that’s easy to make and delivers restaurant-quality results at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 15 minutes to prep, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices adds a unique twist to the classic battered fish taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with lemon and tartar sauce or alongside hush puppies and coleslaw for a complete meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, this dish is sure to impress friends and family alike.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or types of fish to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect battered fried fish, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or heavy bottom pan
- Wooden spoon
- Thermometer (paddle thermometer recommended)
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Clean dish towels or paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: Provides even heating and holds enough oil for frying multiple pieces at once.
- Thermometer: Ensures the oil reaches the correct temperature, which is crucial for achieving that crispy texture.
- Slotted spoon: Allows you to easily remove the fried fish from hot oil without excess grease.
Ingredients
This is the best Fish Batter Recipe for making battered fried fish! It’s quick and delicious and is the perfect fried fish recipe when making fish and chips.
For the Fish Batter
- 3-4 pounds firm white fish
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
For the Wet Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
For Frying
- 2-3 quarts oil for frying (such as canola, vegetable, or peanut)
- Lemon wedges and tartar sauce for serving (optional)
How to Make Battered Fried Fish
Step 1: Preheat the Oil
- In a large Dutch oven, cast iron fryer, or heavy bottom pan, add the oil and start preheating it over medium to medium-high heat.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium mixing bowl:
1. Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt.
2. Stir with a wooden spoon until well combined.
Step 3: Create the Batter
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- Add in the eggs and milk.
- Stir until no dry bits remain and a smooth batter forms.
Step 4: Prepare the Fish
- Pat each piece of fish dry using paper towels or a clean dish towel to ensure better batter adherence.
Step 5: Frying Time!
- When the oil reaches 375 degrees F (use your thermometer), dip a piece of fish into the batter.
- Carefully place it in the hot oil; repeat with additional pieces but avoid overcrowding.
- Cook until deep golden brown for about 3-4 minutes before flipping; then cook on that side for another 3-4 minutes.
Step 6: Drain Excess Oil
- Remove cooked battered fish using a slotted spoon or spider strainer. Place it on a plate or rimmed baking sheet lined with paper towels to absorb any extra grease.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
- Repeat until you’ve used all your fish. Serve hot with fresh lemon on top and tartar sauce if desired. Enjoy your delightful battered fried fish!
How to Serve Battered Fried Fish
Battered fried fish is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or having a casual family meal, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.
Classic Accompaniments
- Lemon Wedges: Fresh lemon adds a bright, zesty flavor that complements the fish perfectly.
- Tartar Sauce: Creamy and tangy, tartar sauce is a traditional dipping option for fried fish.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw provides a refreshing contrast to the crispy fish.
Creative Serving Ideas
- Fish Tacos: Use shredded cabbage and salsa to create tasty tacos with battered fried fish.
- Fish Sandwiches: Layer fish between toasted buns with lettuce and mayo for a hearty sandwich.
- Fried Fish Platter: Serve with assorted dipping sauces for a fun sharing experience.
Sides to Pair With
- Hush Puppies: These sweet cornmeal fritters are a classic pairing with fried fish.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges make for a satisfying side dish alongside the fish.
How to Perfect Battered Fried Fish
Achieving the perfect battered fried fish requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results each time.
- Use Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold eggs and milk helps create a light batter that fries up crispy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Keeping oil at 375°F ensures that the batter cooks thoroughly without absorbing too much oil.
- Pat Dry Fish Well: Removing excess moisture from the fish helps the batter adhere better and avoids sogginess.
- Let Batter Rest: Allowing your batter to rest for about 10 minutes can improve texture and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Battered Fried Fish
Pairing your battered fried fish with delicious sides elevates your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- French Fries: Crispy and golden, they are a classic choice served alongside fried fish.
- Garden Salad: A fresh salad balances out the richness of fried food with lightness and crunch.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans provide a healthy contrast to the fried dish.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf can complement the flavors of battered fried fish nicely.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is a summertime favorite that pairs well with seafood dishes.
- Baked Beans: Their sweetness enhances the savory notes of battered fish while adding protein.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making battered fried fish can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for perfect results.
- Using wet fish: Make sure to pat the fish dry before battering. Wet fish can cause the batter to slide off and result in soggy fried fish.
- Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season your batter. Adding spices like salt, paprika, or garlic powder enhances flavor and gives your battered fried fish a delicious twist.
- Not heating the oil properly: Ensure your oil is at the right temperature (375°F) before frying. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the batter will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Overcrowding the pan: Fry in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature. Crowding can lead to unevenly cooked fish and less crispy batter.
- Flipping too soon: Allow the batter to set before flipping your fish. Flipping prematurely can cause the batter to break apart and stick to the pan.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store battered fried fish in an airtight container.
- Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezing Battered Fried Fish
- Wrap individual pieces of cooked fish in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer bag.
- Battered fried fish can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Battered Fried Fish
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the fish on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
- Microwave: This method is quicker but may not retain crispiness. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the fish and cook until warmed through, about 5 minutes per side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making battered fried fish that might help you.
How do I achieve crispy battered fried fish?
To get crispy battered fried fish, ensure your oil is hot enough and don’t overcrowd the pan during frying.
Can I use different types of fish?
Yes! While firm white fish is ideal, you can experiment with other varieties like cod, haddock, or even salmon.
What is a good dipping sauce for battered fried fish?
Tartar sauce is a classic choice. You can also serve it with lemon wedges or homemade remoulade for added flavor.
Can I make battered fried fish ahead of time?
You can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the fridge. However, it’s best to fry the fish fresh for optimal texture.
Final Thoughts
This recipe for battered fried fish is both comforting and easy to customize. Whether you enjoy it with classic sides like coleslaw or opt for something unique, this dish is sure to satisfy cravings. Try adding different seasonings or dipping sauces for a personal touch!
Battered Fried Fish
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Battered Fried Fish is a delicious, crispy delight that brings the taste of the seaside to your kitchen. This easy-to-make recipe features tender fish enveloped in a flavorful batter, perfect for casual dinners or festive gatherings. In just 15 minutes of prep, you can create restaurant-quality battered fish that will impress friends and family alike. Serve it with classic accompaniments like tartar sauce and lemon wedges for an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
- 3–4 pounds firm white fish
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- Oil for frying (canola, vegetable, or peanut)
Instructions
- Preheat oil in a Dutch oven to 375°F.
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Create a well in the dry mix; add eggs and milk, stirring until smooth.
- Pat fish dry; dip into batter and fry in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with lemon and tartar sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
