German-style Marinated Fried Fish

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) white fish fillets (such as haddock or cod) 500g (1.1 lb) white fish fillets (such as haddock or cod)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 150ml (2/3 cup) white wine vinegar 150ml (2/3 cup) white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 150g (1 cup) all-purpose flour 150g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 200ml (3/4 cup) sparkling water 200ml (3/4 cup) sparkling water
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 1.5g)
• Carbohydrates: 28g (Sugar: 6g)
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the sliced onion, white wine vinegar, honey, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
2. 2.
   Add the fish fillets to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to develop.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually pour in the sparkling water while whisking, until a smooth batter forms.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot to a temperature of 180°C (350°F).
5. 5.
   Remove the fish fillets from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dip each fillet into the batter, ensuring it is evenly coated.
6. 6.
   Carefully place the battered fish fillets into the hot oil and fry for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. 7.
   Once cooked, transfer the fish to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
8. 8.
   Serve the German-style marinated fried fish hot with a side of creamy potato salad or warm bread rolls.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fish — Ensure the fish fillets are fresh and of high quality to achieve the best flavor and texture.
• White wine vinegar — Opt for a good quality white wine vinegar to enhance the tanginess of the marinade.
• Sparkling water — The carbonation in sparkling water helps create a lighter and crispier batter.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy coating, you can double-dip the fish fillets in the batter before frying.
• Serve the German-style marinated fried fish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of citrus flavor.
• If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can rinse the sliced onions before adding them to the marinade.
• Experiment with different types of fish to find your favorite variation of this dish.
• To make the dish more kid-friendly, you can serve it with a side of tartar sauce or ketchup.

Serving advice

Serve the German-style marinated fried fish as a main course alongside a generous portion of creamy potato salad or with warm bread rolls. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the crispy fish fillets on a platter, allowing their golden brown color to shine. Place a small bowl of creamy potato salad or a basket of warm bread rolls next to the fish for an inviting presentation. Sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs over the dish for a pop of color.