Crispy Cod Fritters with a Spanish Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) cod fillets 500g (1.1 lb) cod fillets
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon Spanish paprika 1 teaspoon Spanish paprika
• 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
• 1 egg 1 egg
• 200ml (3/4 cup) sparkling water 200ml (3/4 cup) sparkling water
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Lemon wedges and aioli, for serving Lemon wedges and aioli, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 1.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cut the cod fillets into small, bite-sized pieces.
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon juice, and Spanish paprika. Add the cod pieces to the bowl and toss gently to coat. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. 4.
   In another bowl, beat the egg and sparkling water together.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, whisking until you have a smooth batter.
6. 6.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
7. 7.
   Dip each marinated cod piece into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off, and carefully place it into the hot oil.
8. 8.
   Fry the fritters in batches for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
9. 9.
   Remove the fritters from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
10. 10.
    Serve the Crispy Cod Fritters hot with lemon wedges and aioli on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cod fillets — Ensure the cod fillets are fresh and free from any bones. Pat them dry before marinating to ensure the flavors penetrate the fish.
• Spanish paprika — Opt for a high-quality Spanish paprika to achieve the authentic smoky flavor that complements the cod.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy texture, refrigerate the batter for 30 minutes before using.
• Serve the fritters immediately after frying to maintain their crispiness.
• If sparkling water is not available, you can substitute it with cold beer for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces such as tartar sauce or salsa verde to add variety to your meal.
• If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce the amount of minced garlic in the marinade.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Cod Fritters as a tapas dish alongside other Spanish favorites like patatas bravas and Spanish tortilla. They also make a delicious main course when paired with a fresh salad or sautéed vegetables.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Crispy Cod Fritters on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley or lemon wedges for a pop of color. Serve them with a side of aioli in a small dipping bowl to add a touch of elegance to your presentation.