Crispy Beer-Battered Tilapia Delight
Experience the perfect blend of crunch and flavor with this Crispy Beer-Battered Tilapia Delight. This recipe combines tender tilapia fillets with a light, crispy batter made from a mixture of flour, baking powder, and your choice of cold beer. Deep-frying creates a golden crust that encases the succulent fish, making it an irresistible dish for seafood enthusiasts. Ideal for a quick lunch, family dinner, or impressing guests, this dish is served fresh with zesty lemon wedges and creamy tartar sauce for that herbaceous kick. Whether enjoyed alone or paired with your favorite sides, this recipe simplifies the process without compromising on taste.
4
Servings
200
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (for dredging fish)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (divided)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (divided)
tilapia fillets or halibut fish fillets
1 lb (cut into 1-inch wide by 4-inch long pieces)
all-purpose flour
1/3 cup (for the batter)
baking powder
1 teaspoon
large egg
1 (lightly beaten)
cold beer
1/2 cup (of your choice)
canola oil
2 cups (for deep frying)
large lemon
1 (cut into wedges)
tartar sauce
1/4 cup (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper for dredging; set aside.
2
Rinse the tilapia or halibut fillets under cold water and carefully pat them dry using paper towels.
3
Cut the fish fillets into pieces approximately 1 inch wide by about 4 inches long and set aside.
4
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
5
Add the cold beer and the beaten egg to the flour mixture, whisking until the batter is light, smooth, and slightly thin, resembling whipping cream.
6
In a medium saucepan, heat the canola oil to 350°F (175°C); use a thermometer for accurate measurement.
7
Dredge each piece of fish in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
8
Dip the floured fish pieces into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off before placing them in the oil.
9
Carefully drop the battered fish into the hot oil and fry for about 1 minute. Using tongs, turn them over and fry for an additional minute or until they achieve a light golden brown color. Avoid overcooking.
10
Once cooked, remove the fish from the oil and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
11
Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and tartar sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
17.5g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Beer-Battered Tilapia Delight?
It is a seafood dish featuring tender tilapia fillets coated in a light, crispy batter made from flour, baking powder, and cold beer, then deep-fried until golden.
What type of fish can I use for this recipe?
While the recipe highlights tilapia, you can also use halibut fish fillets as an excellent alternative.
What ingredients are needed for the dredging mixture?
The dredging mixture requires 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
How should I prepare the fish fillets before battering?
Rinse the fillets under cold water, pat them completely dry with paper towels, and cut them into 1-inch wide by 4-inch long pieces.
What goes into the beer batter?
The batter is made by whisking together 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 cup of cold beer, and one lightly beaten egg.
What is the ideal temperature for the frying oil?
The canola oil should be heated to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the fish fries correctly without absorbing too much oil.
How long does it take to fry the fish?
Fry the fish for approximately 1 minute on one side, then flip and fry for an additional minute until it is light golden brown.
Why is it important to pat the fish dry?
Patting the fish dry is crucial because it allows the seasoned flour and batter to adhere properly to the surface of the fish.
What does the batter consistency look like?
The batter should be light, smooth, and slightly thin, similar to the consistency of whipping cream.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve the tilapia immediately while hot, accompanied by fresh lemon wedges and tartar sauce for dipping.
What kind of beer should I use?
You can use any cold beer of your choice; lighter lagers are often preferred for a mild, crispy result.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 200 calories per serving.
How much protein is in this recipe?
Each serving contains 10g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is approximately 12.5g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving contains about 17.5g of carbohydrates.
What is the purpose of baking powder in the batter?
Baking powder helps the batter expand and become light and airy when it comes into contact with the hot oil.
Can I use a different type of oil for frying?
Yes, you can use any neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or peanut oil, though canola oil is recommended.
How long does this recipe take to prepare and cook?
This recipe is categorized as a quick meal that can be completed in less than 30 minutes.
What should I do after removing the fish from the oil?
Place the fried fish on paper towels immediately to absorb any excess oil and maintain crispiness.
Is it necessary to use a thermometer?
Using a thermometer is recommended to ensure the oil reaches and maintains the accurate temperature of 350°F.
How many eggs are required?
You will need one large egg, lightly beaten, for the batter.
What are the main seasonings used?
The primary seasonings are salt and black pepper, which are divided between the dredging flour and the batter.
Can I substitute the beer?
If you prefer not to use beer, you can substitute it with very cold club soda or seltzer water for a similar texture.
What size should the lemon wedges be?
The recipe suggests cutting one large lemon into wedges for serving according to your preference.
Should the batter be cold?
Yes, using cold beer helps keep the batter temperature down, which results in a crispier crust when fried.
How do I ensure an even coating on the fish?
Dredge each piece of fish thoroughly in the seasoned flour first, then dip it into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, its golden crust and succulent interior make it an impressive yet simple dish for entertaining.
Does the recipe include tartar sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of tartar sauce to be used as a serving accompaniment.
What category of meal is this?
It is categorized as a seafood-based comfort food that is quick and easy to make.