Beer-Battered Cod with Tartar Sauce

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For a crackling crisp coating, fry the cod in small batches. Too many pieces in the pot cool the oil, and the fish comes out soggy and greasy instead of great.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 scallion including green top, chopped
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped dilled gherkins
  • 1 tablespoon chopped capers
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt
  • Fresh-ground black pepper
  • Cooking oil, for frying (approximately 1 quart)
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 egg, beaten to mix
  • 1 cup beer
  • 2 pounds cod fillets, cut into approximately 1 1/2-by-3-inch pieces

Preparation

Step 1

In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, scallion, lemon juice, gherkins, capers, parsley, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Heat the oven to 200°. Cover a baking sheet with paper towels and top with a rack.

In a medium pot, heat 3 inches of oil to approximately 365°. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the flour with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisk in the egg. Add the beer slowly, whisking.

Dip the pieces of cod, a few at a time, in the batter, and then put them in the oil. Cook until the fish is done and the crust is light brown, about 4 minutes for 3/4-inch thick fillets. Remove the fish with tongs and put the pieces on the rack to drain. Sprinkle salt over the hot fish and put the baking sheet in the oven. Repeat in batches with the remaining fish. Serve with the tartar sauce.

Notes:
Atlantic pollack, haddock, and hake are among the members of the extensive cod family. Although these fish vary slightly in terms of texture and flavor, one can generally be substituted for another. Small cod are often called scrod and can certainly be used here.
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REVIEWS:

Sorry I don't know what "gherkins" are but even without useing it..this dish was great and my family loved it.

I have used this type of batter for years and I like to add a bit of garlic powder, dried onion flakes & paprika for a bit more flavor. Also don't forget malt vinegar for the fish after it's cooked.

I love fish but hated the preparation involved with having fish for dinner. I loved the ease of preparing the beer-battered cod!

This recipe is very good and simple to make.

Great recipe! For the tarter sauce, sweet pickle relish can be substituted for the pickles and adjusted to taste.