Indulge in a mouthwatering seafood feast without breaking the bank with this irresistible Poor Man's Beer Batter Fish. This easy-to-follow recipe combines basic pantry ingredients with your choice of fish to create a crispy and flavorful coating that will satisfy your taste buds. With a quick cooking time, you can have a restaurant-quality fish dish right in the comfort of your own kitchen. Serve it with your favorite tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and a side of fries for a complete meal that will impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
- 1 pound white fish fillets (such as cod or haddock)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup beer
- 1/2 cup water
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Gradually add the beer and water to the dry ingredients, whisking until smooth. The batter should have a slightly thick consistency.
- Let the batter rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- In a large frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You will need enough oil to submerge the fish fillets.
- Dip the fish fillets into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Carefully place the coated fish fillets into the hot oil. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the cooked fish fillets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Repeat the process with the remaining fish fillets, adjusting the heat if necessary to maintain a consistent frying temperature.
- Serve the Poor Man's Beer Batter Fish immediately with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and your choice of sides.
Interesting Facts
The tradition of beer batter fish dates back to medieval times when it was common to use beer as an ingredient in cooking for its unique flavors.
This budget-friendly recipe is a great alternative to expensive fish and chips, allowing you to enjoy a similar taste without the high price tag.
The carbonation in beer helps to create a light and airy texture in the batter, resulting in a crispier coating on the fish.