Fritura de Pescado
Cuisine: Spanish Type: Small Plates/Snack

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Fish Fillets
4 pieces (600)
All Purpose Flour
1 cup (120)
Cornmeal
1 cup (160)
Salt
1 teaspoon (6)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (2)
Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon (3)
Vegetable Oil
2 cups (480)
Lemon Wedges
4 pieces (100)
Totals
52 oz
(1,476 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Fish
200
Flour
100
Egg
70
Oil
120
Salt
0
Pepper
0
Lemon
20
Totals
510 kcal
Steps
1. Clean the fish: Rinse the fish thoroughly under cold water and remove any scales or impurities. Pat dry with paper towels.
2. Cut the fish: Cut the fish into small serving-sized pieces, ensuring they are all similar in size for even cooking.
3. Season the fish: Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of each fish piece. You can also add other desired spices like paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor.
4. Prepare the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add cold water while whisking until you achieve a smooth batter consistency. The batter should be thick enough to coat the fish.
5. Heat the oil: In a deep frying pan or pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure there is enough oil to fully submerge the fish pieces.
6. Coat the fish: Dip each fish piece into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off before placing it in the hot oil.
7. Fry the fish: Carefully place the coated fish pieces into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy on both sides. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
8. Drain excess oil: Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs. Place the fried fish on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
9. Serve hot: Fritura de Pescado is best served immediately while it's still hot and crispy. You can accompany it with a side of lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or a fresh salsa for added flavor.
10. Enjoy: Serve the Fritura de Pescado as a main course or as a delicious appetizer. Buen provecho!
Substitutions
- Fish: Instead of using a specific type of fish, you can substitute it with any white fish fillets such as cod, haddock, tilapia, or sole. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe.
- Lemon juice: If you don't have lemon juice, you can substitute it with lime juice in the same quantity.
- Garlic: If you don't have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder or granulated garlic. Use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic.
- Salt: Use the same quantity of any other type of salt you have, such as sea salt or kosher salt.
- Black pepper: If you don't have black pepper, you can substitute it with white pepper in the same quantity.
- Flour: Instead of wheat flour, you can use cornstarch or rice flour in the same quantity. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
- Baking powder: If you don't have baking powder, you can substitute it with a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
- Oil for frying: Use any neutral oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil for frying. The quantity will depend on the size of your frying pan or pot. Aim for about 1 inch of oil to ensure proper frying.
Note: Adjustments in cooking time or temperature may be required depending on the substitute ingredients used.
Pairings
- Alioli (garlic mayonnaise)
- Escabeche (marinated vegetables)
- Gazpacho (cold tomato soup)
- Patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce)
- Pisto (ratatouille-like vegetable stew)
- Ensalada mixta (mixed green salad)
- Gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp)
- Pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus)
- Sangría (Spanish fruit punch)
- Tarta de Santiago (almond cake)
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Serve the Fritura de Pescado on a bed of colorful mixed greens or microgreens for an attractive contrast.
- Garnish with a drizzle of vibrant aioli or a squeeze of fresh lemon for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Arrange the fried fish in a decorative pattern on the plate for an eye-catching presentation.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a touch of cornstarch or rice flour to the batter for a lighter and crispier texture.
- Incorporate spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or garlic powder into the batter to enhance the flavor profile.
- Serve alongside a tangy dipping sauce such as a zesty tartar sauce or a spicy chipotle mayo for an extra kick.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use high-quality fresh fish like halibut, sea bass, or red snapper for a more refined taste.
- Enhance the dish by incorporating a sprinkle of saffron threads into the batter for a luxurious touch and a subtle floral aroma.
- Top the Fritura de Pescado with a dollop of caviar or salmon roe to add a burst of brininess and elegance.
Diet Restrictions
- Use a healthier cooking method: Instead of deep frying the fish, try baking, grilling, or pan-searing it with a minimal amount of oil.
- Opt for lean fish: Choose low-fat fish varieties like cod, haddock, or tilapia instead of oilier fish like salmon or mackerel.
- Use whole wheat flour or breadcrumbs: Replace white flour with whole wheat flour or breadcrumbs to add more fiber and nutrients to the coating.
- Reduce salt content: Use less salt or replace it with herbs, spices, or citrus zest to add flavor without increasing sodium intake.
- Serve with a side of vegetables: Include a generous serving of steamed or roasted vegetables to increase the nutritional value and balance the meal.
- Offer a gluten-free alternative: Use gluten-free flour or breadcrumbs for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Provide a vegan option: Substitute fish with tofu, tempeh, or plant-based alternatives for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet.
- Accommodate allergies: Ensure the dish is free from common allergens like nuts, dairy, or shellfish if needed.
- Consider portion sizes: Adjust the serving size to meet individual calorie needs, especially for those watching their weight or managing diabetes.
- Offer a low-carb alternative: Replace the coating with crushed nuts or seeds for a low-carb or keto-friendly version.
Healthy Choices
- Use whole wheat flour or a mixture of whole wheat and all-purpose flour instead of white flour for the batter.
- Bake or grill the fish instead of deep frying it to reduce the amount of added oil.
- Use a healthier oil such as olive oil or avocado oil for frying or brushing the fish.
- Opt for lean fish varieties like cod, haddock, or tilapia instead of fatty fish like salmon or mackerel.
- Add a variety of spices and herbs like paprika, garlic powder, oregano, or parsley to enhance the flavor without adding extra salt.
- Serve the fritura de pescado with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables to increase the nutritional value of the meal.
- Consider using a light, homemade tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice instead of store-bought sauces that may be high in unhealthy fats and preservatives.
Shortcuts
1. Use frozen fish fillets: Opt for frozen fish fillets instead of fresh fish to save time on cleaning and deboning. Thaw them before frying.
2. Pre-mix the batter: Prepare a large batch of the batter in advance and store it in an airtight container. This way, you can quickly coat the fish when needed.
3. Skip marination: While marinating the fish can enhance flavor, it can also add time. To save time, skip marinating and season the fish directly with salt and pepper before frying.
4. Opt for shallow frying: Instead of deep frying, try shallow frying the fish. This reduces the amount of oil used and shortens the cooking time.
5. Use a non-stick pan: Using a non-stick pan minimizes the need for excessive oil and makes the cleaning process easier.
6. Serve with ready-made sauces: Instead of making sauces from scratch, consider using store-bought sauces like tartar sauce or aioli to accompany the fritura de pescado.
7. Serve with simple sides: Choose simple and economical side dishes like a fresh salad, sliced tomatoes, or bread to complement the fritura de pescado without additional preparation time or cost.