Cape Town Crispy Catch
About Cape Town Crispy Catch
The Cape Town Crispy Catch is a culinary delight that hails from the beautiful coastal city of Cape Town, South Africa. Known for its vibrant seafood culture, Cape Town offers some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in the world. This dish draws inspiration from traditional South African flavors combined with a modern twist to create an unforgettable meal experience. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, the Cape Town Crispy Catch is a testament to the region's rich maritime heritage.
Ingredients
- Hake fillets - 4 pieces
- Flour - 1 cup
- Cornstarch - 1/2 cup
- Baking powder - 1 teaspoon
- Egg - 1 large
- Cold seltzer water - 1 cup
- Paprika - 1 teaspoon
- Salt - to taste
- Black pepper - to taste
- Cooking oil for frying
- Lemon - for garnish
Preparation
Start by preparing your hake fillets. Pat them dry with a paper towel and season with salt and black pepper on both sides. Ensuring that the fish is dry will help achieve that perfect crispy texture.
Making the Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and mix it with the cold seltzer water. Gradually add this liquid mix to the dry ingredients, whisking as you go, until you have a smooth batter. Add paprika and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper according to taste.
Cooking Process
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a deep pan or deep fryer until it reaches around 180°C (350°F). Use a cooking thermometer if needed or test by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately.
Dip each hake fillet into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Carefully place the fillets into the hot oil. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil’s temperature. Fry for about 4-5 minutes or until the batter is crispy and golden brown, then flip and fry for another 4-5 minutes on the other side.
Once cooked, remove the fillets and let them drain briefly on paper towels to remove excess oil. Make sure to check the internal temperature has reached at least 63°C (145°F) for food safety.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange the crispy hake fillets on a serving platter and garnish with slices of lemon for an added zest. This dish pairs beautifully with tartar sauce, coleslaw, or even a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
Enjoying the Meal
Serve the Cape Town Crispy Catch immediately while it's hot and crispy. Cut a wedge of lemon and squeeze over the top for a burst of fresh flavor. The crunchy texture and succulent fish make this dish a true delight that captures the essence of the sea, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion meal.