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Directions:
1. Rinse fish fillets and dry with paper towels. Season well with salt and pepper and dust with rice flour shaking off any extra. Set aside.
2. Place a wide, deep pan such as a Dutch Oven or large wok over medium heat. Add oil to a depth of at least 1 1/2 inches and bring to 350F degrees on a deep-fry or candy thermometer. (See Cook’s note below)
3. In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, rice flour, baking powder and salt. Slowly stir in the vodka and beer to make a batter. Whisk gently. Don’t overwork the batter, a few lumps are okay. (If you over mix the batter, you’ll start to develop the flour’s gluten creating a more chewy crust). Place the batter in the refrigerator while preparing rest of recipe. Don’t make batter ahead of time as you’ll lose the bubbles from the lager which add an airiness to the batter).
4. Dip one fillet into batter to coat it completely. Hold by a corner and let excess batter drip into bowl, then lower into hot 350F oil. Repeat with the other fillets. Do not overcrowd the pan as the fish needs to have oil surrounding it without touching other fillets. When undersides of fillets are golden brown, after 1-2 minutes, turn and brown the other sides another minute or two. Lift from oil, drain on a plate lined with paper towels, then serve.Cook’s Note: When frying fish, never crowd your pan andalwaysmake sure you bring the oil back to 350F before dropping in more fish. If it’s colder, you will end up with soggy, oily battered fish. If it’s hotter, you run the risk of burning the batter, cooking it faster than the fish. There is a magic temperature gap between 350F – 375F that will give you perfectly fried fish every time.
FAQs
Because vodka is more volatile than water, it evaporates more quickly, which dries out the batter faster and more violently. That creates larger bubbles and even more surface area, in turn resulting in a much crispier crust.
How does Gordon Ramsay make batter for fish? ›
Cooking instructions
- In a large bowl, mix both flours, baking powder and sugar.
- Add soda water, lager and salt.
- Mix together only until the batter binds together and is smooth. ...
- Cover your fish with a dusting of plain flour, then drop into the batter and coat completely.
- Pre-heat vegetable oil in deep fryer to 180C.
How much alcohol is in beer battered fish? ›
The amount of alcohol (EtOH – Ethyl Alcohol) associated with one batch of fried fish is negligible. A small amount of ethanol in one beer would never survive the temperatures associated with a fryolator, let alone show up in a breath test following consumption.
What brand of beer is best for beer battered fish? ›
Most are fair game for beer batter (Pilsner Urquell, Stella Artois, Modelo, and Firestone Pivo Pils are particularly nice), with the exception of Bohemian pilsner, which comes with a heavy dose of spices that can change the overall flavor of your dish.
Should you put egg in fish batter? ›
Garlic Powder – adds great flavor to the batter. Paprika – gives the batter a nice flavor, while also helping give a nice golden brown color. Seasoned Salt – feel free to adjust salt levels to taste. Egg – helps to create a nice texture and bind things together.
Should I flour my fish before batter? ›
Dusting your fillets in flour (or cornstarch) before dipping them in the batter is indeed a critical step. Always dust your fish in flour before coating it in batter, which helps the crust stick to it.
How do you get batter to stick to fish? ›
Milk: The proteins in milk help the batter adhere to the fish and promote browning. Water: Use very cold water for the crispiest results. Baking powder: Baking powder ensures a light and crispy exterior. Salt: A teaspoon of salt enhances the overall flavor of the fish batter.
Do fish and chip shops use milk in their batter? ›
Milk/Dairy: Some fish and chip shops may use dairy products in their recipes, particularly where the batter is concerned. This means that milk or butter may be found in the products. For those with a severe dairy allergy, fish and chip shops that use dairy products should be avoided.
Why put soda water in fish batter? ›
The science behind a light and crispy batter is simple. Soda water contains carbon dioxide -which creates the fizz. These little bubbles become trapped in the batter and expand when they hit the hot oil. It's important that the soda water is chilled as this is the other reaction that takes place.
What do eggs do in beer batter? ›
Egg: An egg creates a more delicate crust and helps seal in moisture. Seasonings: Season the beer batter with garlic powder, black pepper, and seasoning salt. Beer: Of course, you'll need beer! A light beer will give you a milder flavor, while a dark beer will have a richer taste.
Sheikh Mohamed El-Moctar El-Shinqiti, Director of the Islamic Center of South Plains, Lubbock, Texas , states: “This is usually done for the sake of flavour, which means the taste of alcohol, even small, will remain in the fish. Therefore, it is forbidden.
What is the purpose of beer in beer battered fish? ›
First, the bubbles provide lift as they escape from the batter during frying. Second, the carbonation makes the batter slightly more acidic, which limits how much gluten can form when the beer and flour mix, preventing the batter from turning tough.
What do you eat beer battered fish with? ›
Side Pairing Suggestions for Fish Dishes
- French Fries. Battered fish like haddock or cod are a New England classic, and the “chips” of a fish 'n chips meal are supposed to be French fries, not potato chips. ...
- Coleslaw. ...
- Asparagus. ...
- Fettuccine Alfredo. ...
- Caesar Salad. ...
- Rice. ...
- Pasta with Lemon Sauce.
Can I use old beer for batter? ›
While the flavors of beer may change over time, the cooking process can help mellow and incorporate these flavors into a dish. Here are some ways you can use old beer in cooking: Beer Batter:Old beer can be used to make a flavorful beer batter for frying foods like fish, chicken, or vegetables.
What can you substitute for beer in beer batter fish? ›
Seltzer water and nonalcoholic beer such as O'Doul's Amber make suitable substitutes for beer when cooking crispy battered fish. The distinct difference in flavor, however, is a good reason to stick with the favorite and make beer battered fish.
What does adding vodka to dough do? ›
"The use of vodka enables the addition of more liquid in a form that does not develop gluten, which otherwise would make the pie crust tougher," says Guy Crosby, certified Food Scientist, former science editor at America's Test Kitchen, and author of "The Science of Good Cooking" and "Cook's Science." "The alcohol in ...
What does adding vodka to a recipe do? ›
Vodka Brings Out the Flavor and Aroma of Your Favorite Sauces. Perhaps the most common use of vodka in cooking is incorporating it into your sauces, especially pasta sauces. But why is that? Vodka emphasizes the flavors already contained within the sauce without adding its own.
What does alcohol do to fish? ›
Your fish will not enjoy it. They don't process alcohol the same way we do. In fact, it may kill your fish, as the alcohol will inhibit their gill function or poison them.
How do you keep batter from falling off fish? ›
Thoroughly dredging the filets in either a flour or flour and cornstarch mixture will also help ensure the batter sticks nicely, because it soaks up any leftover moisture and gives the batter an even surface to stick to. Without this critical step, the batter will crumble away from the fish when fried.