If you love Captain D’s famous batter-dipped fish, this homemade version will bring that same crispy, golden crunch straight to your kitchen. The batter is light, airy, and perfectly seasoned, making every bite full of flavor. Whether you serve it with fries, coleslaw, or hush puppies, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Crispy & golden – The batter fries up light and crunchy, just like at Captain D’s.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and a foolproof frying method.
- Perfect seasoning – A balance of savory flavors that complements the fish.
- Pairs with everything – Serve with classic sides for a true seafood feast.
Ingredients
- White fish fillets (cod, pollock, or haddock)
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Baking powder
- Salt & pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cold club soda (or cold water)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Full ingredient list and measurements below!
Prepare the Batter
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and seasonings. Slowly add the cold club soda, stirring until smooth. The batter should be slightly thick but still pourable. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
Heat the Oil
In a deep pan or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Make sure there’s enough oil for the fish to float while frying.
Dip & Fry the Fish
Pat the fish fillets dry, then dip them into the batter, letting any excess drip off. Carefully place the fillets into the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Serve Immediately
Enjoy your crispy fish hot with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and your favorite sides.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use cold club soda – The carbonation helps create a light, airy batter.
- Keep the oil hot – If the temperature drops too low, the batter will absorb more oil and become greasy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry in batches for even cooking.
- Let the batter rest – This allows the baking powder to activate, giving you the best texture.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Beer-battered twist – Swap club soda for beer for extra flavor.
- Spicy kick – Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the batter.
- Lighter option – Use an air fryer with a thin batter for a healthier version.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
- Classic sides – Serve with fries, coleslaw, and hush puppies.
- Dipping sauces – Pair with tartar sauce, malt vinegar, or spicy remoulade.
- Southern-style meal – Add cornbread and mac & cheese for a comforting plate.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Crisp up in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the crunch.
- Freeze: Freeze battered, uncooked fillets for later frying.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, but thaw and pat it dry completely before dipping in batter.
What’s the best fish for this recipe?
Cod, haddock, pollock, or tilapia work well.
Can I bake this instead of frying?
Baking won’t give the same crispiness, but you can bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
Why is my batter falling off?
Make sure the fish is dry before dipping, and let the batter rest for a few minutes before frying.
Conclusion
This Captain D’s-Style Batter Dipped Fish is everything you love about crispy fried seafood—light, crunchy, and packed with flavor. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a weekend fish fry, this homemade version is sure to become a favorite. Try it today!
Print
Crispy Captain D’s-Inspired Batter Dipped Fish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Seafood
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Recreate the crispy, golden fish fillets from Captain D’s at home with this Batter Dipped Fish Recipe. With a light, crunchy batter and tender fish, this recipe brings a seafood classic to your table in no time. Perfect for a delicious family dinner or a satisfying meal any day of the week!
Ingredients
For the Fish:
4 white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia work well)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 cup cold sparkling water (or cold beer for a richer flavor)
Vegetable oil for frying
Optional for Serving:
Lemon wedges
Tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures the batter sticks better.
- Make the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Gradually whisk in the cold sparkling water (or beer) until the batter is smooth and thick. If the batter is too thick, add a little more water.
- Heat the Oil: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Coat and Fry the Fish: Dip each fish fillet into the batter, coating it evenly, then carefully lower it into the hot oil. Fry for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the fish is golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fish from the oil and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and tartar sauce, if desired.
Notes
- Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil stays at a consistent temperature (350°F/175°C) for the best crispy results.
- Beer Option: Using beer instead of sparkling water gives the batter a richer flavor and crispier texture.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake in the oven to retain crispiness.
- Side Dish Suggestions: Serve with fries, coleslaw, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: ~300 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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