• Fast

Ingredients

1. 1 cup mayonnaise
2. 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3. 1 scallion including green top, chopped
4. 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
5. 2 tablespoons chopped dilled gherkins
6. 1 tablespoon chopped capers
7. 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
8. Salt
9. Fresh-ground black pepper
10. Cooking oil, for frying (approximately 1 quart)
11. 1 cup flour
12. 1 egg, beaten to mix
13. 1 cup beer
14. 2 pounds cod fillets, cut into approximately 1 1/2-by-3-inch pieces

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, scallion, lemon juice, gherkins, capers, parsley, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Heat the oven to 200°. Cover a baking sheet with paper towels and top with a rack.
2. In a medium pot, heat 3 inches of oil to approximately 365°. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the flour with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisk in the egg. Add the beer slowly, whisking.
3. Dip the pieces of cod, a few at a time, in the batter, and then put them in the oil. Cook until the fish is done and the crust is light brown, about 4 minutes for 3/4-inch thick fillets. Remove the fish with tongs and put the pieces on the rack to drain. Sprinkle salt over the hot fish and put the baking sheet in the oven. Repeat in batches with the remaining fish. Serve with the tartar sauce.

Notes

The Cod Clan:
Atlantic pollack, haddock, and hake are among the members of the extensive cod family. Although these fish vary slightly in terms of texture and flavor, one can generally be substituted for another. Small cod are often called scrod and can certainly be used here.