Although a little messy (how can battering or breading not get messy?), it was a breeze to make and the kids went nuts over it. In fact, my little guy kept asking for more! But, I do agree with them, it was pretty good, and even better with a little homemade tartar sauce on the side.
Tempura Battered Tilapia
Ingredients:
1 Cup 'Hol Grain' Tempura Batter Mix
1 Egg, beaten
3/4 Cup Ice cold water (I put ice cubes in the measuring cup and fill it with water, wait for the cubes to melt)
4 Tilapia Fillets, cut in half
Salt to taste
Oil for frying
Directions:
Heat oil in deep fryer or deep skillet (you need at least an inch of oil, more is better) to about 350F. (I don't really even measure the temperature, I test if it's ready by dropping a drop of batter into the oil, if it sizzles up, the oil is ready to go!)
Combine the batter mix, egg and water. (Or you could even make your own Tempura batter mix, there are recipes everywhere that don't require a box mix). The batter should have the consistency of a pancake batter.
Pat the tilapia fillets really well, you want them to be dry or the batter will just slide right off. Dip each fillet in the batter and carefully place in the oil. You will want to do two or three at a time, then let the oil come back up to temperature. Fry the fish on one side for about 2-3 minutes, flip and fry again for another 2 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Drain the fillets on paper towel. Sprinkle with salt to taste. This serves about 4. I always figure 1 whole fillet per person.
My tartar sauce is the easiest thing on Earth. I just combine about 2 Tbsp of Sweet Pickle relish with 2 Tbsp Mayo. Yum!
