A simple recipe for a crispy fish batter that will give your fish a delicious crunch:
### Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 cup cold sparkling water or cold beer (beer gives a nice flavor)
- 1 egg (optional, for added richness)
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil works well)
### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Fish:**
- Pat your fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the batter stick better.
2. **Make the Batter:**
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using).
- Add the cold sparkling water or beer (start with about 3/4 cup) and mix until smooth. The batter should be thick but still able to drop off a spoon easily. If it's too thick, add a little more water to thin it out. If it's too thin, add a little more flour.
3. **Coat the Fish:**
- Lightly dredge the fish fillets in a little flour to help the batter stick.
- Dip the fillets into the batter, making sure they're fully coated.
4. **Fry the Fish:**
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or a deep pan over medium-high heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
- Carefully place the battered fish into the hot oil, cooking in batches if necessary. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fish from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
5. **Serve:**
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as fries, coleslaw, or tartar sauce.
Enjoy your crispy fish!