Description
Crispy battered cod and onion rings bring maritime magic to dinner tables with irresistible golden crunch. Seafood enthusiasts savor this classic British-inspired comfort plate, where delicate fish meets perfectly seasoned rings of crispy delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces/170 grams each)
- 2 large onions
Batter Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Frying and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 cup cold sparkling water
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying
Instructions
- Craft a light, airy batter by whisking flour, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Slowly incorporate cold sparkling water, stirring until the mixture reaches a smooth, coating consistency.
- Meticulously dry cod fillets using paper towels to ensure maximum batter adhesion. Delicately dunk each fillet into the prepared batter, allowing excess to cascade back into the bowl.
- Preheat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to a precise 375F (190C). This temperature ensures optimal crispiness without excessive oil absorption.
- Gently lower battered cod fillets into the sizzling oil, working in batches to maintain oil temperature. Fry for 4-5 minutes until the exterior transforms into a golden, crisp shell.
- Remove fried cod with a slotted spoon, transferring to paper towels to drain excess oil and preserve the delicate crunch.
- Prepare onion ring coating by combining flour, baking powder, and a blend of aromatic spices in one bowl. Pour buttermilk into a separate container for dipping.
- Immerse each onion ring first in buttermilk, then thoroughly coat with the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Utilize the same 375F (190C) oil to fry onion rings, carefully submerging them in batches. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they achieve a rich, amber-brown color and crispy texture.
- Drain onion rings on paper towels to remove surplus oil, maintaining their light and crunchy exterior.
- Artfully arrange the golden-brown cod fillets and onion rings on a serving platter. Accompany with fresh lemon wedges and your preferred dipping sauce, optionally garnishing with chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.
Notes
- Keep the sparkling water ice-cold to ensure a lighter, crispier batter that adheres perfectly to the fish.
- Pat the cod completely dry before battering to prevent excess moisture from making the coating soggy.
- Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature, which guarantees crispy exterior and fully cooked interior.
- For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour or gluten-free flour blend to maintain the same crispy texture.
- Avoid overcrowding the frying pan to maintain oil temperature and ensure even browning of both fish and onion rings.
- Store leftover battered pieces on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent soggy bottoms and retain crispiness.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for those who enjoy a subtle kick of heat in their fried seafood.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg