Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy dinner? Look no further! This crispy haddock with a light and airy beer batter is the perfect quick dinner idea, ready in under 30 minutes. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking that delivers restaurant-quality results without the fuss. This recipe is perfect for weeknight meals, and it’s so good, it’ll quickly become one of your best recipes. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant dish!
Ingredients:
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For the Haddock:
- 4 x 150g haddock fillets, skin on or off (your preference)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
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For the Beer Batter:
- 120g plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 300ml lager (or other light beer)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
Instructions:
Get started:
- Pat the haddock fillets dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. This is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior.
Prepare the batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually whisk in the beer and beaten egg until you have a smooth batter. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are okay. The batter should be slightly thick but pourable. Let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a lighter batter.
Cook the haddock:
- Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Dip each haddock fillet into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Gently shake off any excess batter.
- Carefully place the battered haddock fillets into the hot pan. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the batter is golden brown and crispy, and the haddock is cooked through. You can check doneness by gently flaking the fish – it should flake easily with a fork.
Serve:
- Remove the cooked haddock from the pan and place it on a plate lined with kitchen paper to drain any excess oil.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as chips, salad, or mushy peas.
Tips for the Best Beer Battered Haddock:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten, leading to a tough batter.
- Let the batter rest: Allowing the batter to rest helps to relax the gluten and create a lighter, crispier result.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding lowers the temperature of the oil, resulting in soggy batter. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use a good quality oil: Use an oil with a high smoke point, like olive oil or vegetable oil.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to add extra herbs or spices to the batter, such as paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper, for extra flavor.
Variations:
- Spicy Haddock: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped chili to the batter for a spicy kick.
- Herby Haddock: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives into the batter.
- Lemon Haddock: Serve with a wedge of lemon for a zesty twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
Enjoy your delicious and easy homemade beer-battered haddock! This healthy meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends and family. It’s a recipe you'll come back to time and time again.