Crispy Battered Cod and Onion Rings Platter Recipe

Crispy battered cod has been my ultimate comfort food since childhood summers by the sea.

Ocean-fresh fillets coated in golden, airy batter create a magical transformation.

Crunchy exteriors give way to tender, flaky white fish that melts effortlessly.

Paired with perfectly seasoned onion rings, this platter brings nostalgic memories of seaside boardwalks and lazy afternoons.

Homemade versions always taste better than restaurant offerings, with each bite promising pure delight.

Restaurant-quality results are just minutes away when you master this simple technique.

Grab your apron and let’s make seafood magic happen!

What Makes Cod and Onion Rings the Ultimate Platter

• Dive into a crispy seafood feast that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.
• Perfect for home cooks with basic frying techniques, this recipe requires simple steps anyone can master without professional training.
• Creates a restaurant-quality dish that satisfies both kids and adults with its crunchy texture and familiar flavors, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Easily adaptable for different occasions like game nights, weekend lunches, or impromptu dinner parties with minimal prep time and maximum flavor impact.

What You’ll Need for Battered Cod and Onion Rings

Main Ingredients:

• Cod Fillets: Classic white fish with mild flavor, perfect for crispy batter coating.
• Onions: Fresh rings that create a crunchy side dish with sweet undertones.

• Flour, Cornstarch: Essential for creating crisp, light coating with excellent texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps batter achieve extra lightness and rise.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder: Seasonings that enhance overall flavor profile.

• Beer or Club Soda: Provides carbonation for airy, crisp batter texture.
• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize and adds tangy richness to coating.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Offers extra crunch and golden exterior.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil for deep frying at high temperatures.
• Lemon Wedges: Fresh citrus to brighten fried seafood and onion rings.
• Parsley: Garnish that adds fresh herbal touch.

• Tartar Sauce: Classic seafood accompaniment with creamy texture.
• Ketchup: Familiar condiment for those who prefer traditional dipping.

How to Fry Cod and Onion Rings at Home

Step 1: Mix Magical Batter

Combine Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Cornstarch
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder

Whisk these ingredients in a large mixing bowl until well blended. Slowly pour beer or club soda into the mixture, stirring constantly to create a silky smooth blend. Let the batter rest and develop flavor for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Transform Onions

Slice Onion Circles

• First layer: Plain flour
• Second layer: Buttermilk
• Final layer: Seasoned flour mixture

Dunk each onion ring through these stations, ensuring complete coverage. For extra crunch, press rings into panko breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Sizzle Onion Rings

Heat Oil to Perfection

Pour oil into a deep pan, bringing temperature to 350°F. Carefully lower onion rings into hot oil, working in small batches. Fry until rings turn golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Golden Cod Transformation

Prepare Fish for Frying

Dust cod fillets lightly with flour. Dip each piece into prepared batter, ensuring complete coverage. Gently lower fish into hot oil, cooking 4-5 minutes per side until exterior becomes beautifully golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Create the Feast

Plate with Flair

Arrange crispy cod and onion rings on a large serving platter. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley. Serve alongside tartar sauce, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauces for a complete seafood experience.

Tips for Light Batter and Crunchy Rings

• Boost Batter Consistency: Rest the batter for 10 minutes to allow flour to absorb liquid, creating a smoother, lighter coating that clings perfectly to fish and onion rings.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain steady 350°F oil to ensure crispy, non-greasy results without absorbing excess oil during frying.
• Drain Excess Oil: Always place fried items on paper towels to remove extra grease, keeping the texture light and crunchy.
• Prevent Soggy Rings: Keep onion rings and cod warm in a low-temperature oven (200°F) while frying in batches to maintain crispiness and serve everything hot.
• Choose Fresh Seafood: Select high-quality, fresh cod fillets with firm texture for the best flavor and most tender interior when fried.

Keep Cod and Onion Rings Tasting Fresh Later

• Store leftover crispy cod and onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep them separated to maintain crispiness.
• Preheat oven to 425°F. Spread leftovers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crisp.
• Skip the microwave as it will make the batter soggy and destroy the crispy texture.
• Enjoy the dish immediately after cooking for the ultimate crispy experience, as reheated fried foods never taste quite as good as the first serving.

Pairings That Go with a Fried Seafood Platter

• Crisp sauvignon blanc mixed with sparkling water cuts through the rich, fried flavors and refreshes the palate.
• Creamy, vinegar-based slaw provides a cool contrast to the hot, crunchy seafood and balances the meal's heaviness.
• Homemade garlic-herb sauce with lemon zest enhances the fish's delicate flavor and adds a punchy, Mediterranean-style kick.
• Hoppy, malty beer echoes traditional fish and chips experience, with carbonation cleansing the greasy textures.

Tweak This Platter with These Flavor Ideas

• Gluten-Free Crispy Seafood: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Use gluten-free beer or sparkling water for batter. Ensure panko breadcrumbs are gluten-free.
• Baked Version for Health Conscious: Instead of deep frying, bake cod and onion rings on a wire rack at 425°F. Spray with olive oil cooking spray for extra crispiness. Reduces oil content significantly.
• Vegan Fish Alternative: Substitute cod with firm tofu or banana blossom. Create plant-based batter using chickpea flour and non-alcoholic sparkling water. Coat with seasoned breadcrumbs for similar texture.
• Low-Carb Seafood Platter

Cod and Onion Rings FAQs

• Why use beer or club soda in the batter?

Beer or club soda adds carbonation that creates lighter, crispier batter by introducing air bubbles, making the coating extra crisp and airy.

• How do I know the oil is at the right temperature?

Use a kitchen thermometer to check 350°F. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of batter into the oil – it should sizzle and rise immediately without burning.

• Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter up to 2 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then whisk briefly before using to restore its texture.

• What type of cod works best for this recipe?

Fresh, firm white fish like Atlantic cod or Pacific cod are ideal. Look for fillets that are uniform in thickness for even cooking and crispy results.

Crispy Battered Cod and Onion Rings Platter Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy battered cod meets golden onion rings in this classic British pub favorite that promises a delightful crunch with each bite. Seafood enthusiasts will relish the perfectly fried fish and rings, creating a memorable meal packed with nostalgic flavor and irresistible texture.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cod fillets (or any white fish like haddock or pollock)
• 1 large onion, sliced into rings

Batter Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (480 milliliters)
• 1 cup cornstarch (240 milliliters)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 ¾ teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Frying and Serving Ingredients:

• 2 cups vegetable oil (480 milliliters), for frying
• 1 ¾ cups cold club soda (420 milliliters) (or cold beer for beer-battered cod)
• Tartar sauce
• Lemon wedges
• Malt vinegar
• Ketchup or spicy mayo

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Instructions

1. Whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl to create a uniform dry ingredient base for the crispy coating.
2. Gradually incorporate beer or club soda into the dry mixture, stirring continuously to eliminate any lumps and create a silky, smooth batter.
3. Allow the batter to rest and settle for 10 minutes, which helps develop better texture and adhesion.
4. Slice onions into thick, substantial rings, carefully separating each ring to ensure even coating and cooking.
5. Prepare a three-stage coating process for onion rings: first dredge in flour, then dip in buttermilk, and finally coat with seasoned flour mixture.
6. For an extra crispy exterior, press onion rings into panko breadcrumbs, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to precisely 350°F, which is crucial for achieving golden, non-greasy results.
8. Fry onion rings in small batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they transform into a rich, amber-colored crisp.
9. Transfer fried onion rings to paper towels to drain excess oil, then keep warm while preparing the fish.
10. Gently coat cod fillets in a light flour dusting before fully submerging in the prepared batter.
11. Carefully lower battered cod into hot oil, frying each side for 4-5 minutes until the exterior becomes a beautiful golden-brown and crisp.
12. Drain fried cod on paper towels to remove additional oil and maintain crunchiness.
13. Artfully arrange crispy cod and onion rings on a serving platter, garnishing with fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley.
14. Serve immediately with tartar sauce, ketchup, or preferred dipping sauces for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Choose a beer with a light, crisp flavor to enhance the batter’s texture and prevent heaviness.
• Ensure oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F for perfectly crispy exterior without greasy results.
• Pat cod and onion rings completely dry before battering to achieve maximum crunchiness and prevent splattering.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour or gluten-free blend and use gluten-free beer or sparkling water.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 45
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 2 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg