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- Prepare the Cod:
Start by patting the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the batter stick better.
In a shallow dish, mix 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. This will be the flour coating for the fish.
In a separate bowl, pour 3/4 cup of cold sparkling water. You want the water to be as cold as possible, as this helps create a light and crispy batter.
Dip each fillet first into the seasoned flour, then into the sparkling water batter, making sure to coat it evenly. - Prepare the Onion Rings:
Slice the onions into rings and separate them.
In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika.
Dip each onion ring into the seasoned flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch. - Heat the Oil:
Heat about 2-3 inches of oil in a large pot or deep fryer over medium-high heat (about 350°F or 175°C). To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of bread into the oil. If it browns in about 30 seconds, the oil is ready for frying. - Fry the Cod and Onion Rings:
Carefully lower the battered cod fillets into the hot oil, frying for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the cod fillets from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
In the same oil, fry the onion rings for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, frying in batches if necessary. Once fried, transfer the onion rings to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the crispy battered cod alongside a generous portion of golden onion rings on a platter. You can garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color, and serve with dipping sauces such as tartar sauce, ketchup, or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Crispy Battered Cod and Onion Rings
Keep the oil at the right temperature: The key to crispy fried food is making sure the oil is hot enough. If the oil is too cold, your cod and onion rings will become soggy. Too hot, and they might burn. Keeping the temperature around 350°F (175°C) is ideal for crispy frying.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. This ensures that the food cooks evenly and stays crispy.
Use sparkling water for the batter: The bubbles in sparkling water help make the batter light and crispy. If you don’t have sparkling water, you can substitute with cold water, but sparkling water gives the best texture.
Panko breadcrumbs are key for extra crunch. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but panko creates a much crispier finish for the onion rings.
Serving Ideas and Variations
While the classic combination of battered cod and onion rings is amazing on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize this dish or add a few extras for even more flavor:
Serve with fries: For the ultimate fish-and-chips experience, add a side of crispy French fries to your platter.
Add coleslaw: A tangy, creamy coleslaw can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fried fish and onion rings.
Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, add a drizzle of hot sauce or serve with a spicy dipping sauce like sriracha mayo.
Try different dipping sauces: Tartar sauce is a classic, but you can also serve with ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added zest.
Why This Dish is Perfect for Any Occasion
Crispy Battered Cod and Onion Rings is a versatile dish that’s great for any occasion:
Casual weeknight dinner: It’s easy to make, comforting, and satisfying for a family dinner.
Perfect for a seafood feast: This platter makes a great centerpiece for a seafood-inspired meal.
Great for gatherings and parties: You can easily make a big batch to serve at parties or gatherings, and it’s a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Fish Fry Fridays: If you’re observing a traditional fish fry, this is the perfect dish to make for a Friday night meal.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Battered Cod and Onion Rings Platter is the ultimate comfort food, offering the perfect combination of savory flavors and crispy textures. Whether you’re serving it as a satisfying dinner, a shareable platter at a party, or a treat for yourself, this dish is sure to impress.
With the crispy, flaky cod and golden, crunchy onion rings, every bite is a celebration of classic flavors done right. So, would you eat this crispy battered cod and onion rings platter? We think you’ll find it hard to say no!
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