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1. Prep the Fish
- 🐟 Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- 🧂 Lightly season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper.
- 🌟 Dredge the fillets in the flour, shaking off any excess. This helps the batter stick better.
2. Make the Batter
- 🥄 In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- 🥤 Gradually add the cold sparkling water and beaten egg, stirring until smooth. The batter should be slightly thick but still pourable. If needed, add more water a tablespoon at a time.
3. Heat the Oil
- 🔥 In a deep fryer or large skillet, pour enough oil to submerge the fish completely. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
- 🌟 Test the oil by dropping in a small amount of batter. It should sizzle and float to the surface immediately.
4. Fry the Fish
- 🐟 Dip each floured fish fillet into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- 🍳 Carefully lower the battered fillets into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- 🕒 Cook for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- 🌟 Remove the fish from the oil and place on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
🥗 Serving Suggestions
Serve your crispy batter-dipped fish with:
- Tartar sauce or cocktail sauce 🥣
- French fries or hush puppies 🍟
- Coleslaw or steamed veggies 🥬
🌟 Tips for Success
- Keep the batter cold: Use sparkling water straight from the fridge for the best results.
- Dry the fish thoroughly: This ensures the batter sticks well.
- Maintain oil temperature: Too low and the batter will be greasy; too high and it will burn.
🍴 Enjoy the Crispy Goodness!
Your homemade Captain D’s Batter Dipped Fish is ready to enjoy! 🐟✨ What’s your favorite side dish to pair with this classic? Let me know!