You can find the printer-friendly recipe here!
Battered fish is one of my favourite dishes to order out, especially since moving to the east coast. Nobody cooks it better. One positive thing about being on such a tight budget is I no longer have to wait until pub night to have fried battered fish. I can just make it my own damn self.
I picked up this giant 3 lb bag of wild sole fillets for only $10. As much as I do love dredging them in flour and frying them in butter, I wondered if I could find a way to get that pub flavour and crispy texture in my own kitchen without owning a deep fryer?
Whisk together 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and 2 tbsp baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Measure out 1/3 cup milk and add enough water to make 1/2 cup with the milk. Stir together.
Add a pinch of hot smoked paprika. Combine. Should resemble consistency of pancake batter. If too thick, add more water. If batter thickens too much, stir to deflate and add water if necessary.
Heat canola oil in shallow frying pan over medium high heat. Oil should generously coat the bottom. Put the end of a wooden spoon in the middle of the pan. Bubbles should rise up around the tip of the spoon. If not, increase heat. If there are a ton of bubbles, lower heat.
Generously season fish with salt and pepper.
Dip in batter. If batter thickens too much, stir to deflate and add water if necessary. Coat fish and add to frying pan, gently submerging and letting go away from you.
Cook until golden brown on both sides, approximately 4 minutes each side. Sprinkle with salt when done.
Foodie Results
I have this with my Mom’s pan-fried potatoes most of the time but on this night the crispy, light and delicious fish went perfectly with smooth and creamy mashed potatoes. I also like to add a generous amount of sherry vinegar to the fish. So good!
Reg and I are absolutely in love with this fish. For only $10 we get to enjoy this dinner over and over again at home. That amount of money would barely cover a single person’s portion at the pub!
Of course it is always nice to eat out but what a treat to eat food this well and tasty at home too for a fraction of the cost without sacrificing flavour. Oh the freedom and making your own fabulous food.
Happy Fry-day!
It looks delish! And yes, what a money saver!
Thanks Debra! So good and cheap. A rare combo.
It really does look very good!
Thanks Amelia, it’s such a treat!
Fish & Chips is one of the best things, in
the history of ever. Though your mash
looks killer as well.
Yup, total classic, love it but was surprised at home comforting the mash went with it. Who knew?
This was amazing it was the batter I have tasted so light and crisp thank you so much for sharing this recipe. My grandson wants to try it when he stays next week.