Fish Batter Without Beer

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, paprika, and black pepper.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine the milk, lemon juice, and vegetable oil. Stir until well mixed.

Step 3: Gradually pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients while whisking continuously until a smooth batter forms. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter. If it's too thick, you can add a little more milk.

Step 4: Let the batter rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the ingredients to combine and helps create a lighter batter.

Step 5: Meanwhile, heat the oil for frying in a deep skillet or deep fryer to around 350°F (175°C). Make sure you have enough oil to fully submerge the fish fillets.

Step 6: Dip each fish fillet into the batter, ensuring it is coated on all sides. Allow any excess batter to drip off before carefully placing the fish into the hot oil.

Step 7: Fry the fish for about 4-6 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 8: Once cooked, remove the fish from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Step 9: Serve the fish immediately with your choice of side dishes, such as french fries, coleslaw, or tartar sauce.