Fried Cod in Batter

17/11/2023

Fried cod in batter is a delicious dish, and I can suggest a classic version with an Italian twist.

Ingredients

600 g of desalted cod
Flour as needed
1 egg
200 ml of cold sparkling water
Salt
Pepper
Oil for frying (preferably olive for a more authentic flavor)

Preparation

Begin by cutting the desalted cod into medium-sized pieces, ensuring they are all the same size for even cooking.
Dry the cod pieces with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In a bowl, start preparing the batter: beat the egg and slowly add the cold sparkling water, which will make the batter lighter and crispier.
Gradually add the flour, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. The amount of flour depends on the desired consistency, but the batter should not be too thick.
Season the batter with salt and pepper to taste.
Dip the cod pieces into the batter, making sure they are completely covered.
Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a deep pan or fryer until it reaches a temperature of about 180°C.
Fry the battered cod pieces until they become golden and crispy. It will take about 3-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fish.
Drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
Serve hot as an appetizer or main course, accompanied by lemon slices and, if you like, a sprinkle of chopped parsley as a garnish.

Interesting Facts

Fried cod in batter is popular in many world’s cuisines, with local variations in both the batter and the spices used. In Italy, especially in the North, it is a traditional recipe for Christmas Eve dinners, where fish is the star.

Remember that it’s important to use very cold sparkling water to achieve a lighter and crispier batter, and that the oil should be hot before starting to fry the cod so that the fish doesn’t absorb too much oil and become greasy. Enjoy your meal!