Crispy Southern-Style Batter for Frying
This delightful crispy batter is your go-to recipe for deep frying a variety of delicious treats! Inspired by a renowned fish and chip shop in New Zealand, this batter will elevate your fried chicken, shrimp, fish, and even onion rings to new heights. The unique blend of creole seasoning adds a flavorful kick, making each bite irresistible. Perfect for gatherings or a weekend treat, this recipe produces a crunchy outer layer that locks in moisture, ensuring every piece is juicy and flavorful. Let's dive into the world of frying with this easy and versatile batter!
30
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour
3 cups (measured)
Eggs
3 large (beaten)
Milk
1 cup (measured)
Creole Seasoning
2 tablespoons (mixed in flour)
Salt
to taste (seasoning)
Black Pepper
to taste (seasoning)
Chicken (or other items to fry)
As needed (cut into desired pieces)
Oil
for deep frying (heated to 350°F)
Instructions
1
Prepare four separate bowls for the battering process.
2
In Bowl 1, pour in 1 cup of milk for dipping.
3
In Bowl 2, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons of creole seasoning. Mix well to incorporate the seasoning uniformly.
4
In Bowl 3, add the beaten eggs and stir until well mixed.
5
In Bowl 4, mix the remaining 1 cup of flour with salt and pepper to taste.
6
To batter the chicken (or seafood/vegetables), take each piece and first dip it into Bowl 4 (flour with salt & pepper) to coat. Shake off any excess flour.
7
Next, dip the floured chicken into Bowl 3 (egg mixture), ensuring it is well coated.
8
Finally, transfer the chicken to Bowl 2 (flour with creole seasoning) and coat it thoroughly, shaking off any excess.
9
In a deep fryer or a large pot, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the battered chicken to the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding, for about 4-6 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
10
Drain the fried pieces on a paper towel-lined plate and serve immediately for best results.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary use for this Crispy Southern-Style Batter?
This batter is designed for deep frying various foods like chicken, shrimp, fish, and onion rings to create a crunchy outer layer.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a renowned fish and chip shop located in New Zealand.
How many bowls are required for the battering process?
The process requires four separate bowls to organize the different dipping stages.
What goes into the first bowl?
Bowl 1 contains 1 cup of milk for dipping.
What are the ingredients for the second bowl?
Bowl 2 contains 2 cups of all-purpose flour combined with 2 tablespoons of creole seasoning.
What should be prepared in the third bowl?
Bowl 3 contains 3 large beaten eggs.
What is mixed in the fourth bowl?
Bowl 4 contains 1 cup of all-purpose flour mixed with salt and pepper to taste.
What is the correct sequence for dipping the food?
The correct sequence is Bowl 4 (flour/salt/pepper), then Bowl 3 (eggs), and finally Bowl 2 (flour/creole seasoning).
At what temperature should the frying oil be heated?
The oil should be heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does it take to fry the chicken?
The chicken should be fried for about 4-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
How can I prevent the oil temperature from dropping too low?
Fry the items in batches to avoid overcrowding the deep fryer or pot.
What should be done after removing the food from the oil?
Drain the fried pieces on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
When is the best time to serve the fried food?
For the best results and maximum crunch, serve the food immediately after frying.
How much total flour is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a total of 3 cups of all-purpose flour divided between the bowls.
How many eggs are required for the egg wash?
Three large eggs are needed for the battering process.
What provides the flavorful kick in this batter?
The unique blend of 2 tablespoons of creole seasoning provides the flavorful kick.
Can this batter be used for seafood?
Yes, it is excellent for frying shrimp and fish.
Is this batter suitable for vegetables?
Yes, it works well for vegetables, including onion rings.
What is the estimated serving size for this recipe?
This recipe is designed to produce approximately 30 servings.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses all-purpose flour.
Is milk used in this battering process?
Yes, 1 cup of milk is used as the initial dip in the four-bowl process.
What is the goal of the batter?
The batter aims to create a crunchy outer layer that locks in moisture to keep the food juicy.
Should I shake off excess flour during the process?
Yes, you should shake off excess flour after dipping into Bowl 4 and Bowl 2.
How much creole seasoning is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 2 tablespoons of creole seasoning.
What seasoning is used with the flour in Bowl 4?
Salt and black pepper are added to Bowl 4 to taste.
Can this recipe be used for a gathering?
Yes, with 30 servings and a versatile application, it is perfect for gatherings.
What preparation is needed for the chicken?
The chicken should be cut into your desired pieces before starting the battering process.
Does this batter work for onion rings?
Yes, onion rings are specifically mentioned as a great option for this batter.
Is the batter spicy?
The creole seasoning adds a flavorful kick, but the level of spice depends on the specific brand of seasoning used.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy and versatile batter recipe for home cooking.