How to Deep Fry Fish

There are various cooking methods for fish, including steaming, poaching, grilling, and sauteing. Deep fried fish, however, is in a league of its own and it is true that fried fish is a real comfort food. You can choose from a crispy breadcrumb coating or a crunchy batter and there are also various types of fish that suit this cooking method.

Frying has been a popular cooking method in the South for a long time and you can serve battered, fried fish with French fries, spicy potato wedges or anything else you like. Other popular gourmet recipes for fried fish include baked beans, creamy coleslaw or crispy onion rings.

The Right Oil Temperature

Most good deep fryers will have a temperature indicator on them but if yours does not, drop a bread cube into the hot oil. If it is golden brown in fifty seconds, the oil is the perfect temperature for making a deep fried fish recipe. Battering and frying fish might add calories but if your oil is at the correct temperature before you begin, this helps to keep the absorption level down.

Also, do not crowd food in the deep fryer because this makes the temperature of the oil drop and increases the oil absorption, resulting in a soggy batter. Fry three or four pieces of battered fish at once, for the best results.

Handy Tips for Fantastic Fried Fish

Fish cooks quickly in the deep fryer. When the batter is crispy and browned, the fish ought to be cooked all the way through. Use small pieces of fish for easier handling and to ensure it cooks perfectly all the way through.

If you are frying a lot of fish at once, you can keep the cooked fish warm on a paper towel-lined cookie sheet in a 200 degrees F oven until you have finished all the fish. You should choose a mild-flavored fish with a firm texture. Cod is a great fish to deep fry. Other possibilities include catfish and haddock.

Recipe for Deep Fried Cod

This is a simple recipe for fried cod. The fish comes out deliciously tender with a mouthwatering crunchy batter. This recipe makes enough crispy fried cod to serve six people.

You will need:

• 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 2 lbs cod fillets
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 teaspoons salt
• Vegetable oil, for deep frying

How to make it:

Preheat some oil in a deep fat fryer to 375 degrees F. Combine the salt, baking powder, and flour and coat the cod in this mixture. Beat the eggs with the milk and two tablespoons of oil, then mix in the rest of the flour mixture and keep beating until the batter is smooth.

Dip the fish into this mixture then deep fry the fillets until they are golden brown and crispy. Drain the fried cod on paper towels and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Source: www.bhg.com/recipes/fish/basics/how-to-fry-fish/