simple fish batter recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best simple fish batter recipe

I’m so excited to share this simple fish batter recipe with you all. This recipe has been a staple in my household for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. My kids love helping me mix the batter and watching the fish cook in the pan.

The best part about this recipe is how easy it is to make – just 5 ingredients and a few minutes of prep time are all you need to get started. I’ve made this recipe for family gatherings, casual weeknight dinners, and even for special occasions like holidays and birthdays. It’s always a hit, and I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as we do.

This recipe originated from my grandmother, who was an amazing cook and always had a twinkle in her eye when she was in the kitchen. She would make this batter from scratch using fresh ingredients, and the result was always crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. I’ve tweaked her original recipe over the years to make it even easier to prepare, but the core technique remains the same.

The key to this recipe is getting the right balance of wet and dry ingredients. You want to make sure your batter isn’t too thick or too thin – just right. This will ensure that your fish cooks evenly and gets that perfect crunch on the outside.

I’ve found that using fresh lemons or limes adds a brightness to the dish that’s hard to replicate with bottled juices. And don’t even get me started on the importance of using high-quality oil for frying – it makes all the difference in flavor and texture.

Simple Fish Batter

4.9 from 1264 votes

A light and crispy beer batter for frying fish fillets. This easy recipe uses simple pantry ingredients to create a golden, crunchy coating that complements any white fish.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time20 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 300 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Batter

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 cup cold beer or sparkling water
1 large egg
1 pound white fish fillets (such as cod or haddock), cut into 4 portions
Vegetable oil, for frying

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
2Create a well in the center and add the cold beer or sparkling water and the egg.
3Whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps; it should be the consistency of heavy cream.
4If it is too thick, add a tablespoon more liquid.
5Let the batter rest for 5 minutes while you heat the oil.
6Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of 2 inches.
7Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F on a deep-fry thermometer.
8Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
9Dip each fillet into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off, then carefully place it into the hot oil.
10Fry the fish in batches, without crowding the pan, for 3 to 4 minutes per side.
11The batter should turn deep golden brown and the fish should flake easily when tested with a fork.
12Adjust the heat to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F.
13Transfer the cooked fillets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
14Serve immediately with lemon wedges or tartar sauce.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Deep skillet or Dutch oven
Deep-fry thermometer
Paper towels
Plate

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 300 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 450mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

For a lighter batter, use ice-cold sparkling water instead of beer. Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent the batter from absorbing too much oil. Pat the fish dry before dipping to help the batter adhere.

Watch Video Of How Simple Fish Batter Works

This simple fish batter recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or want something impressive for company.

My family loves helping me mix up the batter and watching our favorite fish cook in the pan.

The best part about this recipe is how easy it is to make – just 5 ingredients and a few minutes of prep time are all you need to get started.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Fish Batter

What is the best type of fish to use with this batter?

The best type of fish to use with this batter is one that has a firm texture, like cod or haddock. These types of fish hold up well to being battered and fried.

Can I use this batter for non-fish items?

No, this batter is specifically designed for fish, but you can experiment with other ingredients like shrimp or scallops if you’d like.

How do I store leftover batter?

You can store leftover batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

What’s the secret to getting crispy breading on my fish?

The secret to getting crispy breading on your fish is making sure your oil is at the right temperature before frying.

Can I bake this instead of frying?

You can bake this instead of frying if you prefer a healthier option or want to avoid dealing with hot oil.

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