Fried fish with butter sauce is a mouth-watering dish that is easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a fancy dinner party. This recipe features crispy fried fish fillets topped with a rich and creamy butter sauce that is flavored with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs.
How To Make:
To make this dish, start by selecting your favorite type of fish fillets. Popular choices include cod, haddock, tilapia, or catfish. The fillets should be rinsed and dried with paper towels. Then, season the fish with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika for added flavor.
Next, prepare the batter for the fish. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Slowly pour in a can of cold beer, whisking until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Dip each fish fillet in the batter, making sure it is fully coated.
Heat a deep skillet or fryer with vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the battered fish fillets, frying them until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides. Remove the fish from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.
To make the butter sauce, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or chives. When making the sauce, season with salt and pepper to taste. Place the fried fish fillets on a dish, then top with the butter sauce to serve. Garnish with additional fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of crispy fried fish and creamy butter sauce!
Here are some tips and variations:
Use fresh fish: Fresh fish will always taste better than frozen fish. If possible, purchase your fish from a local fish market or seafood counter to ensure that it is fresh.
Use a thermometer: To ensure that the oil is at the right temperature, use a thermometer to measure the heat. The oil should be between 350-375°F.
Experiment with the batter: Try adding different spices or seasonings to the batter to create a unique flavor profile. Some ideas include cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or smoked paprika.
Use different types of fish: While the recipe calls for white fish fillets, you can also use salmon or shrimp for a different twist.
Make it gluten-free: To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free flour or a combination of rice flour and cornstarch for the batter.
Add vegetables: Serve the fried fish with butter sauce over a bed of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, for a healthier and more balanced meal.
Serve with a side dish: Serve the fried fish with a side of French fries, coleslaw, or a simple salad to round out the meal.
Adjust the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit of cornstarch to the butter mixture. A dash of cayenne pepper can be added if you prefer it hotter.
Ingredients:
- 4-6 white fish fillets (such as cod or haddock)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 can of cold beer
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the butter sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
The fish fillets should be rinsed and dried with a paper towel. Season them with salt, pepper, and paprika.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Slowly pour in the cold beer, whisking until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
Dip each fish fillet in the batter, making sure it is fully coated.
Heat a deep skillet or fryer with vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the battered fish fillets, frying them until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides. This should take around 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Remove the fish from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.
To make the butter sauce, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and chopped fresh parsley. When making the sauce, season with salt and pepper to taste.
To serve, arrange the fried fish fillets on a platter and pour the butter sauce over the top. If desired, garnish with additional fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy!