Batter-Fried Cod with Minted Pea Puree

• Recipe by Jeremy King and Chris Corbin

The yeast in the batter makes the fried fish especially light and crisp.

Ingredients

1. 1 1/3 cups milk
2. 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
3. 2/3 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dredging
4. 1/2 cup cornstarch
5. 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
6. 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
7. Pinch of cayenne pepper
8. Salt
9. Vegetable oil, for frying
10. Four 6-ounce cod fillets
11. Freshly ground black pepper
12. Minted pea puree, for serving

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk until bubbles appear around the edge. Remove from the heat and add the yeast. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine 2/3 cup of the flour with the cornstarch, soy sauce, baking powder, cayenne and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir in the yeast mixture. Cover and let stand in a warm place for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
3. In a large skillet, heat 2 inches of oil to 350°. Season the cod with salt and black pepper. Dredge 1 fillet at a time in flour, tapping off the excess. Coat the fish in the batter and fry in batches until golden, about 4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and serve at once. Pass the minted pea puree separately.