Ingredients
Scale
Let’s keep it straightforward and stress-free. Here’s what you’ll need to create that perfect crispy coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for a touch of warmth)
- 1 cup cold sparkling water
- 1 pound of your favorite white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia work well)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
If you’re missing a few ingredients, don’t fret! You can easily substitute cornstarch with rice flour for an extra crispy finish or add a pinch of cayenne if you’re in the mood for a little heat.
Instructions
Get ready to impress yourself with this simple, delicious recipe:
- Start by heating the oil in a deep pan to about 350°F. You want enough oil to fully submerge the fish pieces.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. My mom taught me that a well-mixed batter is the key to even cooking.
- Slowly add the cold sparkling water to the dry ingredients, whisking until smooth. The cold water helps the batter stay light and crunchy.
- Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel. This prevents excess moisture, which can make the batter soggy—trust me, I learned this the hard way!
- Dip each piece of fish into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Carefully place the battered fish into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove the fish from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. This step is crucial for maintaining that crispiness we love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Crispy Fish Batter, recipe, cooking, food
