Beer-Battered Fried Cod

This crispy and delicious Beer-Battered Fried Cod, a classic favorite that will surely satisfy your seafood cravings. With a light and airy batter made with beer and vodka, this flaky white fish becomes irresistibly crispy when fried to perfection. Serve it up with some Thin and Crispy French Fries, and you’ve got yourself a delightful meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Don’t worry about the type of fish you have on hand; this recipe works wonderfully with haddock, pollock, halibut, or striped bass. The secret to the perfect batter lies in combining flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and paprika with ice-cold beer and vodka. The result is a smooth, thick paint-like batter that clings beautifully to the fish without being too heavy.

SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• Kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ¾ cup light-flavored beer (such as PBR or Budweiser), ice-cold
• ¼ cup 80-proof vodka
• 4 cups peanut oil
• 1 pound cod fillet, cut into four 4-ounce pieces

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat the oil to 350°F in a large wok or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, 2 teaspoons salt, and paprika.
3. Combine the beer and vodka in a small bowl.
4. Toss the fish pieces in the remaining ½ cup flour until evenly coated. Transfer to a wire rack set on a rimmed baking sheet.
5. Slowly add the beer mixture to the flour mixture, whisking just until the batter has the texture of thick paint.
6. Dip each fish piece into the batter, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl. Quickly dip it into the bowl of flour to coat both sides, and then carefully transfer it to the hot oil.
7. Cook the fish, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp on all sides, about 8 minutes.
8. Transfer the fish to a paper-towel-lined plate, season with salt, and serve with Extra-Tangy Tartar Sauce.

EXTRA-TANGY TARTAR SAUCE:

INGREDIENTS:

• ¾ cup mayonnaise, preferably homemade
• 1 medium shallot, finely minced
• 3 tablespoons capers, drained, patted dry, and finely minced
• 6 to 8 cornichons, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons finely minced fresh parsley
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Kosher salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced shallot, capers, cornichons, sugar, parsley, and black pepper.
2. Season to taste with kosher salt.
3. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before using.
4. The tartar sauce will keep for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Enjoy your Beer-Battered Fried Cod with Extra-Tangy Tartar Sauce alongside Thin and Crispy French Fries for a delicious and satisfying meal!

Now, whether you’re a seafood lover or someone who’s looking to explore the world of fried fish, this Beer-Battered Fried Cod is the perfect way to indulge your taste buds. So gather your ingredients and get ready to fry up some culinary magic. Enjoy!