German Beer-Battered Cod Recipe (Backfisch)
Serves 4
20 mins prep
20 mins cook
40 mins total
This dish is a love letter to my favorite German city of Hamburg and to all the fresh fish I never wanted to try growing up. I’m making up for lost time now. And don’t worry if you’ve never deep-fried at home before.
This recipe is fast, easy, and totally doable. Plus, it’s better than any fish & chips you’ve ever had.
Serve with lemon, the most delicious remoulade sauce, a fresh cucumber salad and boiled potatoes!
This crispy classic lives in my international bestseller 'German Home Kitchen' - get your copy here!
Remoulade Sauce
egg yolksultra fresh, US size large
fl ozavocado oil
tspDijon mustard
tspfresh lemon juice
oz Gewürzgurken picklesfinely diced
eggshard-boiled and finely diced, size US large
tbspfresh parsleystems removed and chopped
ozchivesfinely chopped
Backfisch
ozall-purpose flour
tspsalt
tspground black pepper
pinchcayenne pepper
fl ozPilsner beer
large eggswhites and yolks separated
ozunsalted butter melted
kilogramwild-caught codcut into bite-size pieces
fl ozavocado oilfor frying (see note about frying oil and temperature)
For Serving
fresh lemonslices or wedges
french friestry tossing them in my Pommesgewürz
cucumber saladit's so simple and so good!
Remoulade Sauce Instructions
In a food processor fitted with the knife blade, process the egg yolks until creamy, about 30 seconds. Remove the feed tube cover and, with the processor on, slowly add the avocado oil, first a few drops at a time, then in a thin, even stream, until all the oil is added, and a thick mayonnaise is formed.
fl oz avocado oil
large eggs
Using a rubber spatula, transfer the mayonnaise to a medium bowl. Add the mustard, lemon juice, pickles, boiled eggs, parsley, and chives; stir to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
tsp Dijon mustard
tsp fresh lemon juice
oz Gewürzgurken pickles
eggs
tbsp fresh parsley
oz chives
Fried Cod Instructions
For the beer batter, in a large bowl, add the flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, beer, and egg yolks, and melted butter; stir to combine and set aside for 15 minutes.
egg yolks
oz all-purpose flour
tsp salt
tsp ground black pepper
pinch cayenne pepper
oz unsalted butter
fl oz Pilsner beer
In a large bowl and using a wire whisk, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold them into the batter.
Preheat the oven to 150℉ (65℃). Line a large plate with paper towels and get a baking sheet handy.
In a medium pot, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium heat until a frying thermometer reads 355°F (180°C).
fl oz avocado oil
Working in batches, using two spoons to lift one piece at a time, dip the cod in the batter and carefully drop it into the oil. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry, turning the pieces occasionally, until all sides are golden, about 5 minutes. Using a skimmer, transfer the fried fish to the prepared plate. Keep it warm in the oven until ready to eat (see note below about keeping it warm).
kilogram wild-caught cod
Serve your Backfisch with fresh lemon wedges and Salzkartoffeln (waxy potatoes that are peeled and cooked in salted water), or some fries tossed in Pommesgewürz. A refreshing cucumber salad gives the perfect finishing touch (use the herb vinaigrette from the Gemischter Salat).
fresh lemon