Crispy Golden Fish Recipe

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Crispy Golden Fish Recipe – Light, Flaky & Delicious

Looking for the ultimate crispy fish that’s golden on the outside and flaky on the inside? This Crispy Golden Fish recipe delivers a mouthwatering crunch with every bite. It’s easy to make at home and tastes just like your favorite restaurant-style fish fry—without any need for alcohol-based ingredients.

Ideal for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or a classic fish and chips meal, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The secret lies in the airy batter that creates a perfectly crisp coating while keeping the fish moist and tender.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Light, flaky texture with a golden crisp coating
  • Simple pantry ingredients
  • Customizable and family-friendly
  • Perfect for pairing with fries, fresh salad, or your favorite dipping sauce

Ingredients:

  • White fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia) – 500g (1 lb)
  • All-purpose flour – 200g (1½ cups)
  • Cornstarch – 50g (⅓ cup)
  • Baking powder – 1 tsp
  • Garlic powder (optional) – ½ tsp
  • Salt – 1 tsp
  • Black pepper – ½ tsp
  • Sparkling water (chilled) – 350ml (1½ cups)
  • Vegetable oil – for deep frying (enough to fill a pan 2–3 inches deep)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fish
Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then cut into 3–4 inch pieces for easy frying.

2. Heat the Oil
In a deep pan or Dutch oven, heat oil to 190°C (375°F). Use a thermometer if possible. If not, test with a small drop of batter—it should sizzle and float right away.

3. Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Gradually pour in the chilled sparkling water, whisking until the batter is smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Avoid overmixing.

4. Dust and Dip
Lightly dust each fish piece with flour to help the batter stick. Then dip into the batter, letting the excess drip off.

5. Fry Until Crisp
Lower each piece into the hot oil carefully. Fry in batches, 4–5 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown and crisp.

6. Drain and Serve
Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel–lined plate to drain. Keep warm in a low oven (100°C / 210°F) if needed.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Fish:

  • Use cold sparkling water for a light, airy batter
  • Don’t overmix – a few lumps are okay
  • Flour dusting helps the batter stick and stay crisp
  • Keep oil hot and consistent for best results
  • Use firm white fish for clean flavor and ideal texture

Flavor Variations & Customizations:

  • Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the dry mix
  • Herby: Mix in chopped parsley, dill, or chives to the batter
  • Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free sparkling water
  • Seafood Variety: Try this batter with shrimp or calamari rings too

What to Serve With Crispy Golden Fish:

  • Classic Fries: Perfect for a homemade fish and chips meal
  • Fresh Slaw or Salad: Brightens the plate and balances the richness
  • Dipping Sauces: Tartar sauce, lemon aioli, or simple mayo and mustard
  • Finishing Touch: Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges for added brightness

Storage & Reheating:

  • Store: In an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
  • Reheat: In a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes for maximum crispiness
  • Avoid microwaving, as it softens the crispy coating

Make-Ahead Tips:

Prepare the batter up to 1 hour in advance and store it chilled. Fry the fish just before serving for that fresh, crunchy bite.

This Crispy Golden Fish recipe proves that you don’t need complicated ingredients to make something truly special. It’s crunchy, light, and packed with flavor—perfect for family meals or impressing your guests.

 

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