Crispy Cod & Golden Onion Rings Platter

 Crispy Cod & Golden Onion Rings Platter

The Ultimate Homemade Fish & Rings Feast

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🐟🍽️ A Restaurant-Quality Classic You Can Make at Home

Craving that perfectly crispy, golden fried cod with a side of sweet, crunchy onion rings — just like your favorite pub-style dish? This Crispy Cod & Golden Onion Rings Platter delivers everything you love about a fish-and-chips meal, with a gourmet twist. The cod is light and flaky inside with a shatteringly crisp batter, while the onion rings are perfectly seasoned and irresistibly crunchy. Paired with tangy tartar sauce, a splash of lemon, and maybe even a cold beer, it’s comfort food at its finest — and surprisingly simple to make in your own kitchen.

Whether you're hosting a casual gathering or treating yourself to a weekend dinner, this platter is a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.

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📝 Ingredients & Why They Matter

🐟 For the Crispy Cod:

4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each): Cod is meaty, mild, and holds up well to frying. Its flaky texture is perfect for battered dishes.

1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of the batter, providing structure and crispness.

1 tsp paprika: Adds mild warmth and a golden hue to the batter.

1 tsp garlic powder: Boosts savory flavor in every bite.

Salt and black pepper, to taste: Enhances and balances all the flavors.

1 cup cold sparkling water or beer: The secret to a light, airy batter. The bubbles create a crisp, delicate coating.

Vegetable oil, for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point (like canola or peanut oil).

🧅 For the Golden Onion Rings:

2 large sweet onions, sliced into ½-inch rings: Sweet onions (like Vidalia) caramelize slightly when fried, adding natural sweetness and crunch.

1 cup buttermilk: Tenderizes the onions and helps the coating stick.

1 cup all-purpose flour: Coats the onions and contributes to the crunchy texture.

1 tsp cornstarch: Helps the coating adhere better and adds extra crispness.

½ tsp smoked paprika: Gives the onion rings a subtle smoky depth.

Salt, to taste: Essential for seasoning both before and after frying.

🍋 To Serve:

Lemon wedges: A classic garnish that brightens the dish with acidity.

Tartar sauce or garlic aioli: Rich, tangy dips that complement both the fish and onion rings.

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Onion Rings

1. Slice the onions into thick rings and separate them.

2. Place in a bowl with the buttermilk. Let soak for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours). This softens the onions and ensures the coating adheres well.

2. Make the Onion Ring Coating

1. In a shallow bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt.

2. After soaking, remove onion rings from the buttermilk (don’t shake off too much), then dredge in the seasoned flour mixture until fully coated.

3. Place coated rings on a tray and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to help the coating set.

3. Prepare the Fish Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Slowly pour in the cold sparkling water or beer, whisking until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the fish but still runny — like pancake batter.

4. Heat the Oil

1. Fill a deep fryer or heavy pot with vegetable oil (about 2–3 inches deep).

2. Heat to 350°F (175°C) — use a thermometer for accuracy.

5. Fry the Cod

1. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels.

2. Dip each fillet into the batter, letting excess drip off.

3. Carefully lower into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 4–6 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crispy.

4. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Sprinkle with a little salt immediately.

6. Fry the Onion Rings

1. Drop the coated onion rings into the hot oil in batches. Fry for 2–3 minutes, until golden and crisp.

2. Transfer to a rack or paper towels and sprinkle with salt.

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💡 Why This Recipe Is Loved

Crispy Perfection: Thanks to the carbonation in the batter and a proper fry temp, the cod turns out perfectly crisp and not greasy.

Sweet + Savory Combo: The contrast between flaky cod and sweet onion rings is unbeatable.

No Deep Fryer Required: A simple pot and a thermometer are all you need.

Fast + Fun: With prep ahead of time, frying takes under 20 minutes!

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🔥 Pro Tips for Success

Use cold liquid for the batter. Cold sparkling water or beer creates steam when it hits hot oil — that’s what makes the batter light and crunchy.

Don't overcrowd the pan. Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature.

Keep fried items warm. Place finished fish and rings in a 200°F (95°C) oven on a rack until ready to serve.

Try different fish. Haddock, pollock, or even tilapia work well in place of cod.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Turn this into a full fish-and-chips experience by serving with:

Thick-cut fries or roasted potato wedges

A side of coleslaw or a fresh garden salad

A chilled lager or citrus-forward white wine

Homemade tartar sauce, garlic aioli, or malt vinegar

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✅ Conclusion

This Crispy Cod & Golden Onion Rings Platter is the perfect way to enjoy a pub-style classic without leaving your kitchen. With flaky, tender fish, crunchy onion rings, and bold flavors in every bite, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. Best of all, it’s easy to master and endlessly adaptable.

Once you try this recipe, you may never go back to takeout again. It’s comfort food — elevated — and it belongs in your dinner rotation.

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Try this recipe tonight and taste why crispy cod and golden onion ring

s are a match made in comfort food heaven. 🐟🧅💛

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