Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Tremendous Crispy Cod & Golden Onion Rings Platter

Few meals capture the joy of a seaside feast quite like a platter of fried fish and onion rings. This Tremendous Crispy Cod & Golden Onion Rings Platter delivers everything you want from comfort food: flaky cod in a shatteringly crisp coating, sweet onions encased in golden batter, and the irresistible aroma of a classic fish fry. Served together with fresh lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauces, it’s a restaurant-worthy experience right at home.

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy coating: The cod and onion rings are dipped in a light, airy batter that fries up golden and crunchy every time.
• Family favorite: Perfect for sharing, this platter appeals to adults and kids alike.
• Budget-friendly: Cod is affordable, onions are inexpensive, and both transform into an indulgent treat.
• Versatile sides: Pairs beautifully with fries, coleslaw, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
• Homemade comfort: Better than takeout, fresher, and more satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Crispy Cod

• 1 ½ lbs fresh cod fillets, cut into 4–6 portions
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cold sparkling water (or light beer for beer-battered style)
• Oil for frying (canola, vegetable, or peanut oil)

For the Golden Onion Rings

• 2 large sweet onions, cut into ½-inch rings
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup cold sparkling water or club soda

For Serving

• Lemon wedges
• Tartar sauce, ketchup, or aioli
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1) Prepare the Cod

1. Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step ensures the batter clings properly.
2. Season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.

2) Mix the Batter for Cod

1. In a bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Gradually whisk in cold sparkling water until you achieve a smooth, pourable batter—thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not gluey.

3) Fry the Cod

1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
2. Dip each cod fillet into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then carefully lower into the hot oil.
3. Fry 4–6 minutes until golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Work in batches to avoid crowding.
4. Drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or on paper towels.

4) Prepare the Onion Rings

1. Separate onion slices into individual rings.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, paprika, salt, cayenne, and baking powder.
3. Slowly whisk in sparkling water until smooth. The batter should resemble pancake batter—slightly thick but pourable.

5) Fry the Onion Rings

1. Dip each onion ring into the batter, shake off excess, and lower into hot oil at 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry 2–3 minutes per batch until deeply golden and crisp.
3. Drain on a rack or paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt while hot.

6) Assemble the Platter

1. Arrange crispy cod and onion rings together on a large serving platter.
2. Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley.
3. Serve immediately with tartar sauce, ketchup, or aioli for dipping.

Pro Tips for Success

• Cold batter is key: Always use cold sparkling water or beer. The bubbles create airy, crisp coatings.
• Fry in small batches: Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy food.
• Drain properly: A wire rack keeps food crisp better than paper towels.
• Check oil temp: Use a thermometer to maintain 350°F for consistent results.
• Serve hot: This dish is best enjoyed immediately after frying for peak crunch.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with fries or potato wedges for a full fish-and-chips-style meal.
• Add a crisp side salad or coleslaw to balance richness.
• Offer multiple dips—classic tartar, garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, or chipotle mayo.
• Serve on a large platter at gatherings for a shareable centerpiece.

Variations

• Spicy Cod: Add cayenne or chili powder to the batter.
• Panko Crust: Dip fish in batter, then dredge in panko breadcrumbs before frying for extra crunch.
• Baked Version: Lightly coat battered cod with oil spray and bake at 425°F until crisp. Not as rich, but lighter.
• Onion Ring Upgrade: Add Parmesan or herbs to the onion batter for more flavor.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving.
• Freezing: Freeze fried cod or onion rings on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven until hot and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another fish besides cod? Yes, haddock, pollock, or halibut work well. Choose firm, white fish for the best texture.

Do I need a deep fryer? Not at all. A heavy pot with 2–3 inches of oil works perfectly.

What oil is best for frying? Neutral, high smoke point oils like canola, peanut, or sunflower are ideal.

Can I make the batter ahead of time? It’s best made fresh. Mix just before frying to keep it bubbly and light.

Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving, approx.)

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: ~28 g
• Carbohydrates: ~36 g
• Fat: ~18 g
• Fiber: 3 g

Values may vary depending on frying oil absorption and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Tremendous Crispy Cod & Golden Onion Rings Platter brings the joy of a fish fry right into your kitchen. With tender, flaky cod wrapped in a crisp shell and onion rings that crunch with every bite, it’s a dish that satisfies cravings and creates memories. Serve it for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or whenever you want a comforting, indulgent meal. Once you try it, you’ll see why this platter deserves a spot in your home recipe collection.

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