Fish Batter for Golden Fillets
This Fish Batter for Golden Fillets recipe delivers a light, flavorful, and irresistibly crispy coating that turns ordinary fish fillets into a restaurant-quality delight. Made with simple pantry staples and sparkling water for ultimate crispiness, this batter locks in moisture while providing a golden, crunchy finish perfect for home chefs looking to impress with their frying skills.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with rice flour substitution)
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or rice flour for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
- 3/4 cup cold sparkling water
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Measure out the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and optional spices. Keep the sparkling water chilled to maintain batter lightness.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, paprika, and black pepper until evenly combined.
- Add Sparkling Water: Gradually pour in the cold sparkling water while gently whisking. Combine just until mixed; some lumps are fine to keep batter airy.
- Preheat the Oil: Heat a neutral oil such as vegetable or canola oil to 350°F (175°C) using a thermometer for accuracy to ensure perfect crisping.
- Coat and Fry Fish Fillets: Pat fish fillets dry then dip them into the batter, letting excess drip off. Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding, about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
- Drain and Serve: Remove fillets with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your preferred garnishes and sides.
Notes
- Keep the sparkling water and flour cold for a lighter, crispier batter.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain air bubbles and prevent density.
- Maintain oil temperature with a thermometer to cook evenly and achieve a crispy finish.
- Ensure fish fillets are thoroughly dried before battering for better adhesion.
- Fry in small batches and test fry first to check oil readiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 2 fillets)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: fish batter, crispy fish fillets, golden fish batter, fried fish recipe, gluten-free fish batter, seafood batter, beer batter, crunchy fish coating