Golden Battered Cod and Onion Rings Platter Recipe

Crispy Golden Cod & Zesty Onion Rings Platter Recipe

Crispy golden battered cod with perfectly seasoned onion rings is a mouthwatering seafood delight that transforms simple ingredients into a crave-worthy meal.

The classic fish and chips combination brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table.

Seafood enthusiasts will adore this hearty platter bursting with crunch and maritime charm.

Each bite promises a delectable blend of tender fish and crisp, golden coating that melts in your mouth.

The onion rings add a delightful texture and zesty complement to the succulent cod.

Paired with a tangy tartar sauce or malt vinegar, this dish offers a nostalgic culinary experience reminiscent of seaside fish shops.

Prepare to savor every delicious moment of this irresistible seafood feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 45 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Crispy Cod and Onion Rings

For Dry Mix:
  • Flour: Provides structure and crispy coating, choose all-purpose for best texture.
  • Cornstarch: Creates extra crunch and lightness, look for smooth, fine-milled variety.
  • Baking Powder: Helps batter rise and become airy, check freshness for optimal results.
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder: Adds layers of robust flavor, use freshly ground spices for maximum taste.
For Wet Ingredients:
  • Beer or Club Soda: Creates light, airy batter with delightful bubbles, choose cold liquid for best consistency.
  • Buttermilk: Tenderizes and adds tangy richness, full-fat version provides better coating.
For Coating and Frying:
  • Onions: Creates crispy rings with sweet undertones, select firm, dense onions for clean cutting.
  • Cod Fillets: Provides tender, flaky protein base, choose fresh, firm white fish without strong odor.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Delivers exceptional crispiness, seek Japanese-style breadcrumbs for ultimate crunch.
  • Vegetable Oil: Enables perfect deep-frying, use neutral oil with high smoke point.

Tools That Make Battered Fish Easy to Cook

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking dry ingredients and creating a smooth batter.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending ingredients without lumps and creating a consistent mixture.
  • Deep Fryer or Heavy-Bottom Pan: Needed for frying onion rings and cod at the correct temperature.
  • Thermometer: Helps monitor oil temperature for perfect crispy results.
  • Tongs: Great for safely turning and removing food from hot oil.
  • Paper Towels: Crucial for draining excess oil and keeping fried foods crisp.
  • Sharp Knife: Used for slicing onions into thick, even rings.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients.
  • Shallow Dishes: Helpful for dredging and coating onion rings and fish.

How to Fry Cod and Onion Rings Together

  • Create The Magical Batter

Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl. Slowly pour in beer while stirring until the mixture becomes silky smooth. Let the batter rest and develop flavor for 10 minutes.

  • Transform Onions Into Crispy Rings

Slice onions into thick, beautiful rings. Dust rings with flour, dunk in buttermilk, then coat generously with seasoned flour. For extra crunch, press rings into panko breadcrumbs.

  • Bring Onion Rings To Life

Heat oil in a deep pan until it reaches a sizzling 350°F. Gently lower onion rings into the hot oil, cooking in small batches until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Rest rings on paper towels to drain excess oil.

  • Make Cod Irresistibly Crispy

Lightly dust cod fillets with flour, then lovingly dip into the prepared batter. Carefully slide the fish into hot oil, frying each side for 4-5 minutes until it develops a stunning golden crust.

  • Create Your Delicious Masterpiece

Arrange the crispy cod and onion rings on a beautiful platter. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and sprinkle of parsley. Serve alongside your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy a mouthwatering feast.

Batter Tips for That Extra Crunch

  • Choose a high-smoke-point oil like peanut or canola for the crispiest results without burning.
  • Let the batter rest for exactly 10 minutes to develop better texture and help it stick perfectly to the fish and onions.
  • Swap regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and use gluten-free beer or sparkling water for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain consistent 350°F oil temperature, ensuring evenly cooked, non-greasy seafood and rings.
  • For a healthier twist, bake the cod and onion rings in a preheated 425°F oven on a wire rack, lightly spraying with cooking oil for crispness.

Serve This Platter for Pub-Style Meals

  • Seaside Picnic Platter: Create a beach-inspired spread with the cod and onion rings as the star, surrounded by fresh lemon wedges, crisp coleslaw, and a small bucket of sea salt.
  • Pub-Style Presentation: Serve on a wooden board with beer-battered fish nestled alongside golden onion rings, accompanied by ramekins of tangy tartar sauce and zesty remoulade for dipping.
  • British Fish and Chips Classic: Recreate the traditional newspaper-wrapped experience by lining a basket with parchment paper, piling the crispy cod and rings high, and adding a sprinkle of malt vinegar and sea salt.
  • Backyard Barbecue Feast: Pair the dish with grilled corn on the cob, creamy potato salad, and a refreshing cucumber salad for a complete summer meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds.

Keep Cod and Rings Crispy After Cooking

  • Let the fried cod and onion rings cool on wire racks for maximum crispiness, preventing soggy bottoms.
  • Store leftover battered fish and rings separately in airtight containers, keeping them between 35-40°F for up to 2 days.
  • Revive cold cod and rings in a preheated 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes, restoring their crispy texture without additional oil.
  • Wrap individual portions in parchment paper, then place in freezer bags to maintain quality for up to 1 month, ensuring easy portioning and preventing freezer burn.
Print
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Golden Battered Cod and Onion Rings Platter Recipe

Golden Battered Cod and Onion Rings Platter Recipe


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4.9 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Crispy battered cod and onion rings platter brings classic British pub comfort straight to home kitchens. Golden-brown seafood and crunchy rings promise a delightful meal that welcomes you to savor each perfectly seasoned bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cod fillets (or any white fish like haddock or pollock)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml) cornstarch
  • 1 cup (240 ml) cold club soda (or cold beer for beer-battered cod)
  • 1 large onion, sliced into rings
  • 2 tsps paprika
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Tartar sauce
  • Lemon wedges
  • Malt vinegar
  • Ketchup or spicy mayo

Instructions

  1. Batter Preparation: Whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl. Gradually incorporate beer or club soda, stirring until mixture becomes silky and uniform. Allow batter to rest and settle for 10 minutes.
  2. Onion Ring Assembly: Slice onions into substantial rings, carefully separating each piece. Thoroughly coat rings by dusting with flour, immersing in buttermilk, then rolling in seasoned flour mixture. For enhanced crispiness, press rings into panko breadcrumbs, ensuring complete coverage.
  3. Frying Technique: Heat oil in a deep skillet or professional fryer to precisely 350°F (175°C). Strategically fry onion rings in small batches, rotating until achieving a rich golden-brown complexion, approximately 2-3 minutes. Transfer rings to paper towels to absorb excess oil and maintain temperature.
  4. Cod Transformation: Delicately dust cod fillets with flour, then immerse completely in prepared batter. Gently lower battered fish into hot oil, cooking 4-5 minutes per side until exterior turns crisp and develops a beautiful golden-brown crust. Remove and drain excess oil on absorbent paper.
  5. Presentation & Serving: Artfully arrange crispy cod and onion rings on a decorative platter. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley. Accompany with classic tartar sauce, ketchup, or preferred condiments for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

  • Keep oil consistently at 350°F to ensure crispy, not greasy results. Use a thermometer for precise control and even cooking.
  • Rest batter for 10 minutes to allow flour to absorb liquid, creating smoother, lighter coating that adheres better to fish and onions.
  • Use paper towels to blot fried items immediately after cooking, removing extra oil and preserving crispy texture.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature and ensure each piece gets evenly golden and crisp. Fry in small batches for best results.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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