Unbelievable Fish Batter Recipe

Introduction

This Unbelievable Fish Batter creates a light, crispy coating that perfectly complements tender fish fillets. Using sparkling water in the batter gives it a delicate crunch, making it an ideal recipe for homemade fried fish. It’s simple, quick, and delicious for any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fish fillets (cod, haddock, or your choice)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 cup cold sparkling water
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels and cut them into manageable pieces if needed.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika, whisking until well blended.
3. Step 3: Gradually pour in the cold sparkling water, mixing until the batter is smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Step 4: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
5. Step 5: Dip each fish piece into the batter, letting any excess drip off, then carefully place it into the hot oil.
6. Step 6: Fry the fish for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Step 7: Remove the fish from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
8. Step 8: Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your choice of dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispy batter, keep the sparkling water very cold before mixing it into the flour.
• Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or garlic powder to the batter for a flavor boost.
• Use gluten-free flour and ensure sparkling water is gluten-free for a celiac-friendly version.
• Serve with tartar sauce or a spicy aioli to complement the fish.

Storage

Store leftover fried fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to help maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the batter soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fish fillets for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat them thoroughly dry before dipping in the batter to prevent splattering oil and soggy coating.

Can I bake the fish instead of frying?

This batter is designed for frying to achieve its crisp texture. Baking may result in a softer coating, but you can try baking at a high temperature with a light spray of oil for best results.

Unbelievable Fish Batter Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 70 reviews

This Unbelievable Fish Batter recipe creates a light, crispy coating perfect for frying your favorite fish fillets like cod or haddock. Using sparkling water makes the batter airy and crunchy, delivering delicious homemade fried fish that’s golden and crispy on the outside while tender and flaky inside.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fish

• 1 lb fish fillets (cod, haddock, or your choice)

Batter

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 cup cold sparkling water

For Frying and Serving

• Vegetable oil for frying
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut into manageable pieces if needed to ensure even cooking.
2. Make the batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika until well combined.
3. Add sparkling water: Gradually pour in the cold sparkling water while stirring until the batter is smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Heat the oil: In a large skillet, pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), suitable for frying.
5. Batter and fry the fish: Dip each fish piece into the batter, letting excess drip off, and carefully place it in the hot oil. Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side until the batter is golden brown and the fish is cooked through.
6. Drain excess oil: Remove the fried fish with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
7. Serve: Serve the crispy fish immediately with fresh lemon wedges and your preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

• Use cold sparkling water to ensure a light and crispy batter.
• Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked fish.
• Pat fish dry thoroughly before battering to help the batter adhere better.
• Can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for gluten-free diets.
• Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Keywords: fish batter, crispy fish, fried fish, homemade fish batter, sparkling water batter, easy fish fry