All Round Dry Batter Recipes

THE BEST ALL PURPOSE DEEP FRY BATTER

Steps:

• Mix all dry ingredients, except the extra flour, whisk together.
• Add beer and only mix lightly.
• DO NOT over mix. If there are flour lumps just squish with the back of a spoon.
• You want the mix to be blended but not overmixed as it will not 'puff up' when deep-frying.
• For fish,shrimp, and 'meaty or wet' items I usually towel dry them and dredge them in the additional flour.
• Then dip and cover in mixture. Let the excess drip off and when putting any item in the deep fryer -- use tongs.and dip whatever you are deep frying in the oil for about 10 seconds, then release.
• This prevents the food from sticking to the bottom of the fryer. (Took us a while to learn that technique).
• When it comes to fish or something long or big -- I just put the first inch or 2 in and let it bubble for a few seconds so that I know it won't sink to the bottom and stick. (I truly hated that with deep frying).

MY ULTIMATE SUPER CRISPY FRIED CHICKEN RECIPE

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine all the brine ingredients.
• If you are using chicken legs, separate the drums from the thighs so that it becomes 8 pieces of chicken.
• Add the chicken to the brine and let it sit for a minimum of 4 hours in the fridge Bring it out of the fridge 1 hour before you are ready to deep fry so that the chicken can come to room temperature. This will help the chicken cook all the way through and it prevents the oil from dropping to a very low temperature when you deep fry it.
• In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients of the "Dry Mix" from the ingredient list. Reserve 1/2 cup of it aside to make the "Wet Mix" and set the rest aside for later.
• (Optional) If you want a more textured crispy batter, add 2-3 tablespoons of the brine or water into the 'dry mix' and work it into the mix with your fingers until you get a slightly clumpier and moist dry mix.
• Add the reserved 1/2 cup of dry mix into another bowl and add in the white vinegar and ice water and mix well until everything is combined. Set this aside
• When you are ready to batter the chicken, remove it from the brine and dry it out VERY WELL with paper towel
• One at a time put the chicken into the dry mix and coat it with a light dusting. Shake very well. You want a very light coating for the initial flouring only.
• Use a fork to re-mix the wet batter (it may have settled and separated)
• Dunk one piece of chicken quickly into the wet batter
• Quickly add the wet chicken piece back into the "Dry Mix" and completely cover the chicken in the mix.
• Use your hand and press the dry mix into the chicken. I like to give it a solid squeeze.
• Remove the chicken from the dry mix and vigorously shake off the flour to create the nooks and crannies.
• Remove the chicken from the dry mix and set it in a single layer on a plate.
• Do this for every piece of chicken.
• Fill a cast iron pan or deep fryer with oil and set the temperature to 350F (177C)
• Once the oil is hot (you can do a test if it's hot enough by sticking a wooden chopstick or wooden spoon into it to see if it bubbles) add in the chicken slowly. Do not overcrowd the pan, you don't want the oil temperature to drop. You may need to cook this in a few batches. I like to put about 2 pieces in per dutch oven.
• Cook the chicken for 18-20 minutes. (If you are using boneless chicken, cook it for 6-10 minutes instead)
• Once all the chicken has been fried, put it back in the oil and fry it for a second time for 1 minute. This will make the chicken extra crispy.
• Let it rest on a rack, newspaper or parchment paper for a few minutes before digging in. Enjoy!

ALL ROUND DRY BATTER RECIPE

Steps:

• I've put down spices cos it's depends on personal preferance. I use curry powder AND 1 tsp chillie powder cos my daughter likes it really spicy. Instead of curry powder, you may add chillie powder, cayenne pepper (some like HOT!). Or if you like milder stuff, then simply add 1 tsp of oregano or just plain black pepper. And if you can't take the heat, omit spices. Only I would suggest adding 1 tsp of turmeric powder to enhance the colour.
• Decide what you plan to store it in, ie, a sandwich bag, a jar, a tin...whichever. Now into this container, throw in all the ingredients. Close it up, or if a sandwich bag, seal it, and now give it a good shake! SHAKE RATTLE & ROLL it baby!
• VOILA! The all round dry batter is ready for use. How to use? Simply dip the chicken or even vegetables like aubergines, ladies fingers etc in egg, and roll in the flour. All that's left is to fry it in medium hot oil. Its done! And the ease of this floour is that you can make it in bulk and simply store it in the fridge for use anytime. Its so simple and yet creates deliciously crunchy, crispy coating when fried, with no additives, chemicals, preservatives!