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Captain D's Batter Dipped Fish

Featured in Fish Made Simple.

This copycat Captain D's Batter Dipped Fish brings that famous crispy, golden-brown crust and flaky white fish right to your kitchen. The secret lies in the perfect batter - a mix of flour and cornstarch for crispiness, baking powder for lightness, and just the right seasonings including a touch of cayenne for flavor. When this batter hits the hot oil, it creates that signature crispy coating that makes Captain D's fish so irresistible. Each fillet comes out golden brown on the outside while staying perfectly moist inside. The key steps are getting the oil temperature just right and making sure the fish is dry before dipping in batter. This recipe lets you recreate that restaurant-quality fish at home in just 20 minutes, perfect for when you're craving that classic fish and chips experience.
Soo Ben
Updated on Thu, 23 Jan 2025 23:48:23 GMT
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Captain D's Batter Dipped Fish | mamamiakitchen.com

The perfect homemade version of Captain D's famous battered fish combines a light, crispy coating with tender, flaky white fish. This recipe recreates that signature crunch and seasoning that makes the restaurant version so popular.

After trying many versions, I discovered that the cornstarch-flour mixture and proper oil temperature are key to achieving that signature crunch.

Essential Ingredients Guide

  • White fish: Cod or pollock work best
  • All-purpose flour: Creates sturdy base
  • Cornstarch: Makes coating extra crispy
  • Baking powder: Helps batter puff
  • Seasonings: Enhances flavor without overpowering

Step-by-Step Method

Prepare the Fish

  • Pat fillets completely dry
  • Cut into even portions
  • Season lightly with salt
  • Keep cold until ready to coat
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Easy Captain D's Batter Dipped Fish Recipe | mamamiakitchen.com

Perfect the Batter

  • Mix dry ingredients thoroughly
  • Add water gradually
  • Whisk until smooth
  • Check consistency - should coat spoon

Master the Fry

  • Heat oil to exactly 350°F
  • Dip fish completely in batter
  • Hold briefly before releasing
  • Cook until golden brown

For extra crunch, I let the battered fish rest on a rack for a minute before frying - this helps the coating adhere better.

Storage Tips

Keep fried fish crispy by reheating in oven rather than microwave.

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Delicious Captain D's Batter Dipped Fish | mamamiakitchen.com

Years of perfecting this recipe taught me that patience with oil temperature and proper batter consistency creates that signature Captain D's taste and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the best fish to use?
Cod and hake work best, but any firm white fish like pollock or halibut will work well.
→ Why is my batter not crispy?
Make sure oil is at 350°F and fish is completely dry before battering. Too low temperature makes greasy coating.
→ Can I make the batter ahead?
Best to use batter immediately while baking powder is active. This ensures the lightest, crispiest coating.
→ How do I keep fish warm while cooking batches?
Place cooked fish on a wire rack in a 200°F oven to stay crispy while finishing remaining pieces.
→ Can I reuse the oil?
Yes, strain cooled oil and store. Reuse 2-3 times unless it becomes dark or smells off.

Crispy Batter Dipped Fish

Crispy, golden-brown battered fish fillets that taste just like the restaurant favorite. Perfect with fries and tartar sauce!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Sou

Category: Seafood

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Batter

01 1½ cups all-purpose flour
02 ½ cup cornstarch
03 1 tablespoon baking powder
04 2 teaspoons kosher salt
05 ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
06 1½ cups water

→ Main

07 2 pounds cod, hake, or other white fish
08 Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or medium saucepan.

Step 02

Combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Whisk in water until slightly foamy.

Step 03

Pat fish dry with paper towels and dip in batter to fully coat each fillet.

Step 04

Deep-fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Cook pieces separately if needed.

Step 05

Let fish drain on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

  1. Restaurant-style battered fish recipe
  2. Best served immediately while hot and crispy

Tools You'll Need

  • Deep fryer or medium saucepan
  • Wire rack
  • Paper towels
  • Mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten (flour)
  • Contains fish

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 538
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 51 g
  • Protein: 45 g