Classic Deep Fried Fish
Dive into pure comfort food with this Classic Deep Fried Fish recipe, featuring flaky white fish fillets coated in a golden, crispy batter that’s irresistibly light and crunchy. The secret lies in the cold sparkling water, which creates a batter that beautifully puffs up during frying, while a hint of paprika and black pepper adds subtle warmth to the flavor profile. Perfectly fried to a golden hue in piping-hot vegetable oil, each bite delivers satisfying crunch followed by moist, tender fish. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon and pair with classic sides like fries or coleslaw for a restaurant-quality meal at home. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and easy deep-fried fish recipe is sure to be a hit for family dinners or casual gatherings!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh white fish fillets (such as cod, haddock, or tilapia)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup cold sparkling water
- 1 whole lemon
- 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut into preferred portion sizes.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Slowly add the cold sparkling water to the dry ingredients while continuously whisking until a smooth batter forms. The batter should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or fryer over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
Once the oil is at the correct temperature, dip each fish fillet into the batter, letting any excess drip off.
Carefully place the battered fish fillets into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the oil.
Fry each piece for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the fish should reach 145°F (63°C).
Remove the cooked fish from the oil and let it drain on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
Slice the lemon into wedges. Serve the hot, crispy fish with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.
Enjoy your perfectly deep-fried fish with your choice of sides, such as fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
8975 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 950.7 g | 1219% | |
| Saturated Fat | 135.8 g | 679% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 227 mg | 76% | |
| Sodium | 3086 mg | 134% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 107.8 g | 39% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.6 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.8 g | ||
| Protein | 95.0 g | 190% | |
| Vitamin D | 22.7 mcg | 113% | |
| Calcium | 89 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 7.9 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 1610 mg | 34% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
