Battered Fried Fish

This is the best Battered Fried Fish recipe for creating deliciously crispy fish! Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or planning a casual get-together, this easy recipe will impress everyone at the table. With its light and airy batter, each piece of fish comes out perfectly golden brown, making it an ideal choice for classic dishes like fish and chips. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit various occasions and can be paired with numerous sides.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this tasty dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavorful Batter: The combination of spices creates a unique flavor that enhances the taste of the fish without overwhelming it.
• Crispy Texture: Achieve that perfect crunch on the outside while keeping the fish moist and flaky inside.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with classic sides like coleslaw or hush puppies, or serve it with your favorite dipping sauces.
• Family-Friendly: This recipe is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a great meal option for families.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools on hand can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your battered fried fish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Cast iron fryer
• Heavy bottom pan
• Wooden spoon
• Slotted spoon or spider strainer
• Paddle thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Ideal for frying due to its ability to retain heat evenly, ensuring consistent cooking.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for mixing ingredients without scratching your bowls or pans.
• Paddle thermometer: Helps monitor oil temperatures accurately, which is crucial for achieving crispy results.

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

• 3-4 pounds firm white fish

For the Batter

• 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 Binding

• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups milk

For Frying

• 2-3 quarts oil for frying (such as canola, vegetable, or peanut)

To Serve (Optional)

• Lemon wedges
• Tartar sauce

How to Make Battered Fried Fish

Step 1: Preheat the Oil

1. 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 until it reaches 375 degrees F.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

1. In a medium mixing bowl add:
2. 2 cups all purpose flour
3. 1 tablespoon sugar
4. 1 teaspoon baking powder
5. 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
6. 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
7. 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
8. 2 teaspoons salt
9. Stir with a wooden spoon to combine all dry ingredients.
10. Make a well in the center of the dry mixture. Add:
11. 2 large eggs
12. 2 cups milk
13. Stir until no dry bits remain and a smooth batter forms.

Step 3: Prepare the Fish

1. Pat your fish dry with paper towels or a clean dish towel to remove excess moisture.

Step 4: Frying Time!

1. Dip each piece of fish into the batter until fully coated.
2. Carefully place the battered fish in the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding; fry in batches if necessary.
3. Cook until deep golden brown for about 3-4 minutes before flipping.
4. Allow cooking on that side for an additional 3-4 minutes.
5. Remove using a slotted spoon or spider strainer and let drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

1. Serve right away while hot! Squeeze fresh lemon on top and consider offering tartar sauce alongside for dipping. Enjoy your delicious homemade battered fried fish!

How to Serve Battered Fried Fish

Serving battered fried fish is an art that elevates this dish from simple to spectacular. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual family meal, these serving suggestions will impress everyone at your table.

With Classic Condiments

• Tartar Sauce: A creamy and tangy condiment that pairs perfectly with the crispy fish.
• Lemon Wedges: Fresh lemon adds a zesty brightness that enhances the flavors of the fish.
• Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, a few drops of hot sauce can take your fried fish to the next level.

On a Bed of Greens

• Mixed Greens Salad: Serve your fried fish on top of a fresh mixed greens salad for a light and refreshing meal.
• Coleslaw: This crunchy side offers a nice contrast in texture and complements the richness of the fish.

As Part of a Platter

• Fish and Chips: A traditional pairing, serve your battered fried fish alongside crispy fries for a satisfying meal.
• Seafood Platter: Combine various seafood options like shrimp and calamari for an impressive sharing platter.

Pin this!

How to Perfect Battered Fried Fish

Perfecting battered fried fish is all about technique and attention to detail. With these tips, you’ll create the crispiest and most delicious battered fish every time.

• Use Cold Ingredients: Start with cold eggs and milk. This helps create a lighter batter that fries up beautifully.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in a tough batter instead of a light one.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep your oil at 375°F for even cooking. If it’s too cool, the batter will absorb more oil; if too hot, it will burn.
• Pat Fish Dry Before Battering: Removing excess moisture ensures better adherence of the batter and prevents sogginess.
• Work in Batches: Fry in small batches to avoid crowding. This keeps the oil temperature steady and allows for even cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Battered Fried Fish

Pairing side dishes with your battered fried fish can enhance your meal experience greatly. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. French Fries: Crispy and golden, they are classic companions for fried fish. You can season them with sea salt or serve with malt vinegar.
2. Hush Puppies: These deep-fried cornmeal balls add a sweet flavor that contrasts nicely with savory fish.
3. Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad brings comfort to your plate and balances out the crunchiness of the fried dish.
4. Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans provide freshness and color to your meal while being healthy.
5. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf adds heartiness without overwhelming the flavors of the main dish.
6. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickles or pickled onions offer acidity that cuts through the richness of battered fried fish.
7. Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad is great for summer gatherings and complements fried food well.
8. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness, making it a perfect match for crispy fried fish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Frying battered fish can be tricky, but avoiding common mistakes will lead to a delicious result. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Not drying the fish: If the fish is wet, the batter won’t stick well. Pat it dry with paper towels before dipping it in the batter.
• Overcrowding the pan: Crowding can lower oil temperature and lead to soggy fish. Fry in batches to maintain crispy results.
• Using the wrong oil temperature: If the oil is too cool, the batter will absorb more oil. Aim for 375 degrees F for perfect frying.
• Neglecting seasoning: A bland batter makes for unexciting fish. Season your flour mix well for enhanced flavor.
• Skipping the resting time: Letting the batter rest allows it to thicken. Wait about 10 minutes after mixing for better adhesion.

Pin this!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover battered fried fish in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.

Freezing Battered Fried Fish

• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Battered Fried Fish

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake on a lined baking sheet until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Use short intervals on medium power, but this may make the batter less crispy.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until hot, which will help restore some crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making battered fried fish.

What type of fish is best for battered fried fish?

Firm white fish like cod, haddock, or tilapia works best because they hold up well during frying.

Can I use beer instead of milk in my batter?

Yes! Using beer adds flavor and creates a lighter texture. Just substitute an equal amount of beer for the milk.

How do I achieve extra crispy battered fried fish?

For an extra crispy texture, use cold ingredients and double-dip your fish in batter before frying.

Can I make battered fried fish ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the batter ahead and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours before frying.

Final Thoughts

This Battered Fried Fish recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly satisfying. It’s versatile enough for a cozy dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or serve it alongside classic sides like coleslaw or fries!