Fish and Fries from Captain D's features crispy golden-battered white fish fillets paired with perfectly seasoned, crunchy golden fries, delivering a classic seafood meal with a satisfying blend of tender, flaky fish and crisp potatoes.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry baskets
- Tongs
- Sheet pans
- Heat lamps
- Mixing bowls
- Slotted spoon
- Food thermometer
- Serving trays
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) white fish fillets (such as cod or pollock)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 1/4 cups cold sparkling water
- 4 large russet potatoes
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Using fresh white fish fillets like cod or pollock is crucial for achieving the tender, flaky texture of Captain D's Fish and Fries. Make sure the sparkling water used in the batter is ice-cold to create a light, crispy coating when fried. Russet potatoes should be cut evenly and fried twice for perfectly crunchy golden fries. Proper seasoning of the batter with paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder enhances the authentic flavor profile. Your homemade Fish and Fries from Captain D's copycat menu will deliver the signature golden-battered fish and crisp fries experience.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel and cut russet potatoes into fries; place in cold water.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Gradually whisk in cold sparkling water to form a smooth batter; do not overmix.
- Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels.
- Dredge fish fillets lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip floured fish fillets into batter, coating evenly.
- Drain fries and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Fry potatoes in batches until pale and tender but not browned, about 3–4 minutes; remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Increase fryer temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry battered fish fillets in batches until golden and crispy, about 4–5 minutes, turning as needed; ensure internal temp reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove fried fish with tongs; drain on paper towels under heat lamps.
- Return fries to fryer in batches at 375°F (190°C) and fry until golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Remove fries, drain on paper towels, and season with salt.
- Serve hot fish fillets and fries on serving trays with lemon wedges (optional).
Substitution
Fish and Fries from Captain D's copycat menu deliver crispy golden-battered white fish fillets alongside perfectly seasoned, crunchy russet potato fries for an authentic seafood experience. If you don't have cod or pollock, other white fish like haddock or tilapia work well as alternatives, offering a similar texture and mild flavor. When frying, maintain oil temperature around 350degF (175degC) using a food thermometer to ensure the batter crisps without absorbing excess oil. You can substitute sparkling water with club soda or cold seltzer to keep the batter light and airy if sparkling water is unavailable. After frying, drain your fish and fries on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving with optional lemon wedges for added zest.
Tips
Ensure the fish fillets are thoroughly dried with paper towels before dredging and battering to achieve a crisp coating. Use cold sparkling water in the batter to create a light, airy texture that enhances the fish's tenderness. Fry the russet potatoes in two stages: first at 350degF (175degC) until tender but not browned, then at 375degF (190degC) to get a perfect golden crisp. Always check the internal temperature of the fish reaches 145degF (63degC) using a food thermometer to guarantee safe and properly cooked seafood for your meal.
Nutritions
Fish and Fries from Captain D's provides a balanced mix of protein and carbohydrates, with white fish fillets offering lean protein essential for muscle repair and maintenance. The russet potatoes supply a source of complex carbs and dietary fiber, contributing to sustained energy levels. Batter-frying adds fat content, primarily from vegetable oil, which increases calorie density but also delivers satisfying crispiness. You can enjoy this meal as a filling source of nutrients while being mindful of portion size and frying oil quality.
Storage
Store your cooked fish and fries in an airtight container to maintain crispness and prevent moisture buildup that can lead to sogginess. Keep the container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375degF (190degC) for 5 to 10 minutes to restore their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make the batter and fries lose their crunch.
Variation or Alternatives
You can experiment with the flour blend by substituting half of the all-purpose flour with rice flour or chickpea flour for an extra crispy texture. Use beer or club soda in place of sparkling water to enhance the batter's lightness and add subtle flavor. Try parboiling the fries for 2-3 minutes before frying to achieve a fluffier inside and crispier exterior. Swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes to introduce a naturally sweeter taste and extra nutrients to your meal.
Allergies
Your Fish and Fries from Captain D's may cause allergic reactions if you have fish allergies, as white fish fillets like cod or pollock are primary ingredients. The batter contains wheat-based all-purpose flour, which poses a risk for those with gluten or wheat sensitivities. Cross-contamination with other allergens could occur during frying, so it's important to verify preparation methods if you have multiple food allergies.
Why this recipe?
Captain D's Fish and Fries menu is popular for its crispy, golden-battered fish paired perfectly with hot, seasoned fries, offering a classic seafood experience loved by many. The fresh, flaky fish combines with a slightly salty, crunchy coating that enhances every bite, creating a satisfying texture contrast. The balance of flavors, including a hint of seasoning and freshness, makes it an ideal dish to replicate at home for a quick, flavorful seafood meal. Trying to make your own copycat version allows you to enjoy this beloved combo with customized seasoning and freshness tailored to your taste preferences.