Description
Golden and crunchy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, this crispy fried fish is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for a seafood platter, family dinner, or casual weekend treat, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right from your kitchen!
Ingredients
For the Batter:
- 1 ½ cups beer
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Fish:
- 1 pound cod fillets
For the Coating:
- 2 cups crushed cornflake crumbs
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
For Frying:
- 1 quart oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the beer, flour, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
- Coat the Fish:
- Add the cod fillets to the batter and stir gently to coat each piece evenly.
- Make the Crispy Coating:
- In a separate bowl, combine the crushed cornflake crumbs and Cajun seasoning.
- Dredge the Fish:
- Remove each piece of cod from the batter, letting any excess drip off, and dredge it in the cornflake mixture. Ensure the fish is evenly coated on all sides.
- Heat the Oil:
- Heat oil in a large, heavy skillet or deep fryer to 365°F (185°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Fry the Fish:
- Carefully place the coated fish into the hot oil. Fry for 4–5 minutes, turning as needed, until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcrowding the skillet; fry in batches if necessary.
- Drain and Serve:
- Transfer the fried fish to a paper towel-lined plate or a wire rack to drain excess oil. Serve warm with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and your favorite sides.
Notes
- Oil Temperature: Maintaining a steady frying temperature is key to achieving a crispy, non-greasy result.
- Fish Substitutes: Haddock, tilapia, or catfish are great alternatives to cod.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free variation.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American