Captain D’s Batter Dipped Fish

This crispy, batter-dipped fish recipe captures the delicious flavor of Captain D’s classic dish. Perfectly fried to golden perfection, it pairs wonderfully with lemon and your favorite dipping sauce!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs white fish fillets (like cod, haddock, or tilapia)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1 cup cold water or club soda
• 1 large egg
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and paprika.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg and then stir it into the dry ingredients.
4. Gradually add the cold water (or club soda) to the mixture, whisking continuously until a smooth batter forms. The batter should have a consistency like pancake batter—slightly thick but pourable.
5. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat (about 350°F/175°C).
6. Dip each fish fillet into the batter, coating it completely, then carefully place it into the hot oil.
7. Fry the fish for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
8. Once cooked, transfer the fish to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
9. Serve with fries, lemon wedges, and your favorite dipping sauce (like tartar sauce or ketchup).

Tips:

• For extra flavor, try adding garlic powder or cayenne pepper to the batter.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure a crispy coating.

FAQs About Captain D’s Batter Dipped Fish

1. Can I use frozen fish fillets?
   Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before battering.
2. What type of oil is best for frying?
   Vegetable oil is commonly used, but you can also use canola or peanut oil for frying.
3. How can I make the batter gluten-free?
   Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
4. Can I bake the fish instead of frying?
   For a healthier option, you can bake the fish at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes after coating it with batter.
5. How do I store leftover fish?
   Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 15g

Enjoy this crispy and flavorful batter-dipped fish with your favorite sides and sauces for a delightful meal any day of the week!