Crispy Battered Cod and Onion Rings Platter

When it comes to indulgent comfort food that’s impossible to resist, this Crispy Battered Cod and Onion Rings Platter tops the list. Golden, crispy fish paired with crunchy onion rings—it’s a combination that delights your senses and leaves you craving more! The light and airy batter made with sparkling water ensures that both the cod and onion rings are fried to perfection, creating a meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even an impressive game-day snack.

If you’re looking to recreate a pub-favorite at home, this recipe is your go-to. And let me tell you, the smell when everything’s frying is simply incredible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons this crispy battered cod and onion rings recipe will become a household favorite:

1. Restaurant-quality at home: You’ll get that same crispy, golden goodness you’d expect from your favorite seafood spot.
2. Easy to make: No need for special ingredients or complicated steps, it’s quick and easy to prepare in your own kitchen.
3. Versatile platter: Perfect for sharing with friends and family, or serving as a main course with some sides.
4. Batter perfection: The sparkling water in the batter makes it extra light and crispy, giving you a fantastic crunch with every bite.

Ingredients for Crispy Battered Cod and Onion Rings

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this mouthwatering platter:

• 4 cod fillets – Cod is perfect for frying because it’s firm yet flaky and absorbs the batter well.
• 2 large onions – Sliced into rings, they become crispy and tender on the inside.
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The base of the batter.
• 1 cup cold sparkling water – The secret to a light, airy batter.
• 1 tsp baking powder – Helps the batter puff up, making everything extra crispy.
• Salt and pepper to taste – For seasoning the batter and the final dish.
• Oil for frying – Choose a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil that has a high smoke point.

Necessary Tools for the Recipe

To prepare this recipe, you’ll need:

• A deep pan or fryer
• Mixing bowls
• A whisk
• Tongs for flipping the fish and onion rings
• Paper towels for draining excess oil

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is! Here are a few ways you can customize it to your liking:

• Fish options: If cod isn’t your favorite, try haddock, tilapia, or even shrimp. All will fry up beautifully in this batter.
• Extra flavor in the batter: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to give it a little kick.
• Gluten-free alternative: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of this crispy delight.

How to Make Crispy Battered Cod and Onion Rings

Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for making your own crispy battered cod and onion rings platter:

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Start by heating your oil in a deep pan or fryer over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to fry the batter to a golden brown, around 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the cold sparkling water until the batter is smooth and slightly thick but still runny enough to coat the fish and onions.

Step 3: Prep the Cod and Onion Rings

Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. Slice your onions into thick rings and separate them. This will ensure that everything gets evenly coated in batter.

Step 4: Dip and Fry

Dip the cod fillets one by one into the batter, allowing the excess to drip off. Carefully lower them into the hot oil and fry for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Once cooked, remove the fish and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Repeat the process with the onion rings, frying until golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Season and Serve

After frying, sprinkle a little extra salt over the fish and onion rings if desired. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces like tartar sauce, garlic aioli, or even ketchup for the onion rings.

What to Serve with Crispy Battered Cod and Onion Rings

While this platter is delicious on its own, you can easily round out the meal with a few simple sides:

• Coleslaw: The creamy, tangy crunch of coleslaw pairs wonderfully with the crispy fish and onion rings.
• French Fries or Potato Wedges: Double down on the fried goodness!
• Green Salad: For a lighter option, a fresh green salad can balance out the richness of the fried cod and onions.
• Tartar Sauce or Garlic Aioli: Classic dipping sauces that bring out the flavors of the fish and onion rings.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Cod and Onion Rings

• Keep the batter cold: The sparkling water should be ice cold to ensure a light and crispy texture when fried.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to ensure that the cod and onion rings have enough room to crisp up evenly.
• Drain properly: Make sure to let the fish and onion rings drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep them from becoming soggy.

Storage Instructions

If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), here’s how to store them:

• In the fridge: Store the cod and onion rings in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to re-crisp.
• In the freezer: Freeze any leftover cod and onion rings by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen in a hot oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.

Can I bake the cod and onion rings instead of frying?
While frying gives the best crispy texture, you can bake them at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, they won’t be as crunchy.

What type of oil should I use for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for frying.

Conclusion

This Crispy Battered Cod and Onion Rings Platter is a fantastic treat that brings the best of pub-style fare right to your home. The light and airy batter, combined with tender cod fillets and sweet, crispy onion rings, makes for an irresistible meal. Whether you’re sharing it with friends and family or indulging on your own, this platter is sure to hit the spot!

Looking for more delicious recipes like this? Try my baked cod with lemon butter or crispy panko shrimp next time!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 540mg

Looking for more crispy, savory treats? Check out these other tasty recipes:

• Crispy Fried Mushrooms
• Buttermilk Chicken Tenders
• Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy

Enjoy and don’t forget to share your photos of this recipe on Pinterest! Happy cooking!

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