Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup cold sparkling water or beer
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk the dry ingredients together to ensure they are well combined.
- Slowly add the cold sparkling water or beer to the dry ingredients while whisking. Mix until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. The batter should have a thick but pourable consistency.
- Place the cod fillets on a plate and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is important to ensure that the batter adheres well to the fish.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet to around 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the cod fillets.
- Dip each cod fillet into the batter, coating it completely. Allow any excess batter to drip off before carefully placing the fillet into the hot oil. Fry two fillets at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Fry the cod fillets for about 4-6 minutes, turning them once halfway through, until they turn golden brown and crispy. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fried fillets from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Repeat the frying process with the remaining cod fillets, ensuring that the oil temperature remains consistent.
- Serve the battered cod fillets hot with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce such as tartar sauce. Accompany them with sides like french fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
Enjoy the crispy and delicious battered cod! This classic dish is perfect for a fish and chips meal or as a main course served with your favorite sides.