deep frying fish recipe

The Best deep frying fish recipe

I’ve been making this deep-frying fish recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The dish has its roots in traditional Southern cuisine, where fried fish is a staple at family gatherings and church suppers.

I love the way the crispy exterior gives way to a tender, flaky interior, and the flavor is enhanced by the addition of herbs and spices. My kids devour this dish, and it’s one of their favorites when we have a big family dinner.

I’ve even served it at casual parties, where it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The best part is that it’s relatively healthy, considering how much people love fried foods – as long as you’re using a light batter and not overloading on oil.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be prepared in under an hour. I like to serve it with a side of coleslaw or hushpuppies for a comforting meal that feels like home.

It’s also a great way to use up leftover fish from the previous night’s dinner. My husband swears by this recipe for special occasions, like holidays or anniversaries – he says it’s the perfect way to celebrate any occasion without breaking the bank or sacrificing flavor.

As for me, I just love how versatile this recipe is – whether we’re having it as a quick weeknight meal or a weekend treat, it never fails to satisfy our cravings. And let’s be real: who doesn’t love a good excuse to get their hands dirty and fry up some fish?

Crispy Deep Fried Fish

4.6 from 1412 votes

This deep fried fish recipe is a classic, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce for a perfect meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Batter

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup cold beer

For the Fish

4 fillets of white fish (e.g., cod, haddock, or tilapia)
1 liter vegetable oil for frying

For Serving

Lemon wedges
Tartar sauce

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
2Gradually whisk in the cold beer until a smooth batter forms.
3Let it rest for 10 minutes.
4Rinse the fish fillets and pat them dry with paper towels.
5Season both sides with salt and pepper.
6Dip each fillet into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated.
7Shake off any excess batter.
8Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
9Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
10If the oil is too hot, it will burn the fish, and if it is too cold, the fish will absorb too much oil.
11Carefully lower the battered fish fillets into the hot oil using a slotted spoon.
12Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the batter is golden brown and crispy and the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
13Using the slotted spoon, remove the fried fish from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
14Serve immediately with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Whisk
Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
Slotted spoon
Paper towels

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 650mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: Ensure the oil temperature is consistent for even cooking. You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into it; if it sizzles and floats to the top, the oil is ready.

Watch Video Of How Crispy Deep Fried Fish Works

This deep-frying fish recipe is one of my go-to meals when we’re short on time but want something hearty and satisfying – and it’s always a hit with my family!

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it based on your tastes and dietary needs – whether you prefer spicy seasonings or more delicate herbs, there are endless options for making this dish shine.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Deep Fried Fish

Q: What type of fish should I use for this recipe?

A: For this deep-frying fish recipe, you can use just about any white fish you like – cod, haddock, tilapia, or even catfish work well. Just make sure you’re using fresh fish with no bones or skin.

Q: How do I make sure my batter stays crispy?

A: To achieve that perfect crunch on your fried fish, make sure you’re not overcrowding the pan – cook your fish in batches if necessary. Also, don’t over-fry your fish; take it out of the oil when it’s golden brown and still slightly tender in the center. This will help your batter stay crispy rather than getting soggy.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes – you can prep your batter up to an hour before cooking and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to fry up your fish. Just be sure to let your batter come to room temperature before frying for the best results.

Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk? Can I substitute regular milk?

A: While buttermilk does add a tangy flavor to this recipe, you can substitute regular milk if you don’t have buttermilk on hand. Just add a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to your milk to give it that same acidity as buttermilk.

Q: Can I bake this instead of frying?

A: While baking is definitely an option for this recipe, keep in mind that it won’t have quite the same crispy texture as deep-frying – however, if you’re looking for a healthier option or want to avoid all that oil altogether, baking is still a great choice.

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