Ingredients
Fish and Seasoning
- 1 pound cod filets (cut into 1-inch strips)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for serving)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Batter
- 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup cold beer
For Frying
- Oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil), enough to fill 4 inches deep in a fryer or skillet
Instructions
- Season the Fish: In a large bowl, add the cod strips and toss them evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, sweet paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper to ensure every piece is well-seasoned.
- Coat with Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the seasoned fish pieces and toss them to coat thoroughly, which helps the batter adhere better.
- Make the Batter: Pour the cold beer into the bowl with the coated fish and gently mix with your hands until a smooth batter forms around the fish. The beer creates a light and crispy texture.
- Prepare Frying Oil: Heat your deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Alternatively, fill a Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed skillet with at least 4 inches of oil and heat it to the same temperature to ensure proper frying.
- Fry the Fish: Fry the fish strips in batches to avoid overcrowding. Let the excess batter drip off before placing them in hot oil. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the batter is golden brown and the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption.
- Drain and Rest: Remove the fried fish with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack set over a sheet pan to drain excess oil and keep them crispy.
- Serve: Immediately sprinkle each piece with additional kosher salt for enhanced flavor and serve hot to enjoy the best texture and taste.
Notes
- Use a cold beer to help create a lighter, crispier batter.
- Do not overcrowd the fryer to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even frying.
- If you don’t have a deep fryer, a heavy-bottomed pot or skillet works well for frying.
- Check the internal temperature of fish with a food thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked.
- For extra flavor, serve with tartar sauce or lemon wedges.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American