Beer battered fish is one of our favourite ways to eat fish. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also extremely easy to make. Plus, everyone knows what beer is good for, right?
The only problem is that once you go beyond the basics of dipping fish in beer, you have a bit of a guessing game as to how spicy, or how much pepper you should use. Should you go for a mild beer and a minimum seasoning?
Or should you dare to be different and go for a heavy hitter with lots of flavor?
Table of Contents
Testing Your Fish**
The best way to achieve the perfect beer battered fish is by testing it. Before you start frying any fish, take a look at this guide. We’ll teach you everything about grilling your favorite fish without overcooking or undercooking it.
You’ll need the following for this recipe:
- A fish that can be easily identified by its size and has a minimum of bones.
- A strong flashlight (preferably LED)
- A digital camera or a video camera
- Drinks of your choice
Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to get cooking!
The Night Before
The night before you plan to barbecue or fry your fish, take some time to get everything ready. Clean the fish, remove the head, and cut the fins. Set the fish on a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet and refrigerate overnight. This will ensure that the fish is completely chilled and ready for cooking the next day. Be sure to remove the skin before serving as it can toughen up while refrigerated.
The next day, remove the fish from the fridge and let it come to room temperature. This will help with bringing out the flavors in the fish. It’s always best when cooking something new to let it come to room temperature before serving, so you don’t end up with undercooked food. Remember, everyone likes their food a little different, so you might want to try out some of the suggestions below, depending on what your family and friends prefer.
How Long To Deep Fry Beer Battered Fish?
There are several factors that determine how long you should deep fry your beer battered fish. First off, use a deep frying pan (preferably with a sloping side) that is at least 2 inches deep. Second, make sure to adjust your heat so that the temperature of the oil is between 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. Third, when cooking over high heat, use a spatula to keep an eye on the food and turn it once or twice during cooking. Fourth, never pour out the oil while the fish is still in the pan. Let the oil settle for a minute or two before serving.
These four tips will help ensure that every bite is cooked just right. Once you follow them, your family and friends will be asking for more. Plus, nobody likes a greasy foodie!
First Bite
As always, taste as you go along. Remember, you’re adjusting the heat so you don’t want it to be too high or low. When you dip your chip into the oil, you should feel a slight tingling, not a burning sensation. If you feel that you’re near the upper limit of the heat, take it out and start over. If the oil seems a little chilly, add more heat by moving the frying pan closer to the heat source. Most importantly, be attentive to the food and make sure that it doesn’t burn or overcook.
Yummy Yummies
Try out some of the different combinations suggested below and see what your family and friends think. You can even add a bit of teriyaki or Louisiana hot sauce for some extra oomph! Or, if you want to make things simpler, you can go for an all-American version and just use hot dogs for your test tube of meat.
Crunchy And Coated
The combination of beer batter and deep frying just makes it that little bit more irresistible. When you dip your fish in the batter, it will absorb some of the oil and become crunchy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. This is especially important for salmon, as it tends to dry out easily if overcooked. The extra crunch from the outside combined with the juiciness from the inside makes for an extremely satisfying first bite. Of course, as always, feel free to add more salt and pepper to taste. Or, if you’re feeling extra creative, you can try out different coatings such as a spicy honey mustard, creamy tartar sauce, or even some BBQ sauce!
Served Up
Your family and friends will be extremely grateful for all of your efforts. Once you’ve perfected your beer battered fish recipe, it’s time to serve it with some of your favorite side dishes. We recommend offering mac and cheese, potato salad, or coleslaw alongside your fish. Make sure to have some dipping sauces and vinegars on hand, as well as a peri peri spice blend for those who like their food spicy. Alternatively, if you want to keep it mild, then serve the fish on a bed of rice or pasta. The choice is completely up to you!