Welcome to fish in batter African style! It is super crunchy on the outside, so tasty on the inside, savoury and just so good! This is a great snack, party food or picnic food.
I went all the way back to my Food and Nutrition class in secondary school in Cameroon, with this recipe. Fish in batter is equally popular in Nigeria. It is a true classic. This right here takes fried fish to a whole new level.
I was minding my business the other day when my brother-in-law popped in to see me with some really lovely fish and goat meat. Don't you just love in-laws who visit you with raw food? Immediately I saw the fish, I purposed in my heart that I was going to make some fish in batter. And I did.
I shared a picture of it on Instagram and Facebook. Almost immediately, I got tons of requests that I share the recipe, which I planned to do anyway.
So here we are with your new favourite fish recipe! The fish is dipped in perfectly seasoned batter then deep fried to wicked deliciousness. Some people add beer to their batter to make beer-battered fish. I don't. I make the batter with simple good old water.
I love having my battered fish with some semi-ripe plantain chips or Irish potato chips. There is nothing like it.
Watch my step-by-step video to see how I make it. I have a YouTube channel where I upload cooking videos every week. If you are not subscribed to it, subscribe here so you do not miss any of my videos.
Watch how to make battered fish:
Recipe
African Fish in Batter
Ingredients
- 2 medium fish of choice - mackerel, tilapia, etc (1-2 pounds or ½-1 kg) substitute with fish fillet of choice
- 1 cup flour (125 grams)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ medium onion - roughly chopped
- ½ stem celery
- 2 sprigs parsley/cilantro
- 4 cloves garlic - peeled
- ½ inch ginger - peeled
- 1 stem green onion - chopped
- 1 small Maggi cube substitute with a teaspoon of bouillon powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- Oil for frying - I used corn oil
Instructions
- Cut fish into really thin slices- about 7-8 slices per fish. Rinse thoroughly then pat dry with a paper towel to absorb excess water.
Make the marinade.
- Put ginger, garlic, onion, green onion, celery, parsley and Maggi/bouillon powder in a blender. Add two tablespoons of water and blend into a paste.
- Add ¼ teaspoon of salt and a heaping tablespoon of the marinade on the fish. Mix well with your hand so the marinade gets to all angles of the fish. Set aside.
Make the batter.
- From the one cup of flour, remove about a quarter cup and place on a plate. Add a tablespoon of the marinade, baking powder, ¼ teaspoon of salt and half of the water to the remaining flour. Mix until smooth then add the remaining water and mix to form the batter. The consistency of the batter should be like that of a thick crepe batter.
To make the fish in batter.
- Heat oil on high heat for about 5 minutes then turn the heat down to medium, Coat a fish slice in the flour on a plate then dip into the batter to coat properly. Place it in the oil. Repeat process with all of the fish. Let them fry on medium heat on each side for about 5 minutes. In all, the fish should spend 10-15 minutes in the oil.
- When the fish is a beautiful golden brown colour, remove and place on paper towel to absorb excess oil.
- Enjoy as it is or serve with chips of choice.
Notes
Nutrition
I'm so glad that you are interested in making one of my recipes! If you make this, please share a picture with me on my Facebook page, Facebook.com/preciouscore or share on Instagram and tag me @preciouscore.
Amaka says
This looks so yummy!
You are good at what you do.
*Recipe saved*
Precious says
Thanks darling!
*blushing*
Lady D says
Mmmmm u talked about baking powder in the youtube video but u didn't add it to this recipe, mistake or I we don't have to add the baking powder? This is my next treat for my holiday makers after soya lol.
Precious says
Oops! It was a mistake. You have to add baking powder. I have updated the recipe. Thanks for the heads up, Lady D.
Mbanweicentis says
It so delicious pre
Precious says
Thanks dear.
Dominika says
Biko when I am married I would love them them to visit me with raw food too. *winks* I am salivating, Precious.
DOMINIKA'S BLOG
Precious says
Hahaha right! May God answer your prayer, dear.
Joy2Endure says
One of my best fish recipes. Thank God for Home Econs lessons. I saved my book and always dig into it now and then. Fish in Coating Batter is delcicious. I think I will be making some soon.
http://www.joy2endure.com
Precious says
I know right. This takes fish to a whole new level.
Jamila says
I like how you made the fish with a side of yam chips. Am I right? I have not had yams in a long time and the pictures really made me feel hungry just now. Great post!
http://www.jamilakyari.com
Precious says
Thanks Jamila!
It's actually plantain chips.
Bisola says
I should try this sometime. It's always delicious when bought from those road side vendors. This should taste even better.
Precious says
Yes sis, homemade is much better. It is worth trying.
Megan says
This may be my second dish I try! The Poulet DG was a hit!
Precious says
Awesome! Hope you enjoy this one too, Megan.
moven says
this reminds me of secondary school, i used to run behind my big just to get a hundred francs to buy fish in batter and eat with the loaves shared in the refectory for breakfast before i could go to class, i cld cry if i dont have a taste, and i loved the head alot, u know we blacks we love big sizes,lol. thanks again aunty Precious
Precious says
Hahaha you've reminded me of bigs in secondary school!
Yes we love huge portions! LOL
Edith says
Precious you are the best! I enjoyed the vegetables salad l made following your recipe and procedure. Thumbs up darling
Precious says
So glad to hear that, Edith! Thanks for the feedback, darling.
Agbor Belinda says
Woah. Hmm, thinking of making it for my Msc defence. Thanks so much precious. You are show Cameroonian culinary to the world. Up up sis
Precious says
Please let me know how it goes, sis. Congrats on your defence!
Precious says
Awww thank you, dear.
Ireti molake says
This is so nice. I must try it. Please how long can it keep without a refrigerator?