I visited Captain D’s one evening just to grab a quick bite, but their crispy fried fish totally surprised me.

That golden batter was light, crunchy, and packed with flavor. No wonder it’s one of the most popular items on their menu!

I couldn’t stop thinking about it, so I gave it a shot at home for a small dinner with friends.

I played around with the ingredients until I got it just right.

This is my homemade version of Captain D’s batter fish recipe, and honestly—it turned out amazing.

It’s simple to make, super tasty, and perfect for sharing.

Let me show you how I did it.

Captain D’s Batter Fish Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky flavor)
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup cold water (adjust to get the right batter consistency)
• Fish fillets (such as drum, cod, or any flaky white fish)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works best)

How To Make Captain D’s Batter Fish

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, ½ cup of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

Optionally, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want a little heat. Next, pour in 1 cup of cold water slowly while stirring. The goal is to create a smooth batter that’s not too thick—not too runny either.

Think of pancake batter, just a little thinner. Keep mixing until there are no lumps left. Set it aside to rest for a few minutes.

Step 02: Heat the Oil

In a deep fryer or a heavy-bottom skillet, heat up enough oil to submerge your fish pieces. Vegetable oil or canola oil works best.

Get the oil to 350°F (175°C). If a kitchen thermometer isn’t around, test it by dropping a little batter in—it should bubble up right away and float to the top.

Step 03: Prep the Fish

While the oil heats up, pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the batter stick better.

Use a white, flaky fish like cod, drum, or haddock. Cut into smaller pieces if needed, so they fry evenly.

Step 04: Coat and Fry

Dip each fillet into the batter and make sure it’s fully coated. Let any extra batter drip off, then gently lower the fish into the hot oil.

Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed. Fry each piece for 3 to 5 minutes, until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 05: Drain and Serve

Once cooked, take the fish out with tongs or a slotted spoon. Place on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil.

Serve hot and crispy with your favorite dipping sauce—tartar sauce, ranch, or just a squeeze of lemon all work great.

Recipe Tips for Success

Here are some extra tips that I have learned from making the captain d’s batter fish recipe over and over again:

• Keep the Batter Cold: Always use cold water in your batter. It makes the crust extra crispy.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the fish in small batches. Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature.
• Use a Thermometer: Check your oil temperature often to keep it at 350°F (175°C). This ensures the fish cooks evenly.
• Pat the Fish Dry: Remove as much moisture as you can from the fish before dipping it in the batter.
• Be Careful with Oil: Hot oil can be dangerous. Always work carefully and keep a safe distance.
• Experiment with Spices: Adjust the spices to your liking. If you like more heat, add extra cayenne.
• Enjoy the Process: Have fun with the recipe and don’t be afraid to make it your own!

What to Enjoy with Captain D’s Batter Fish

A plate of crispy, golden fried fish is great on its own—but it tastes even better with the right sides.

If you’re wondering what to serve with this Captain D’s batter fish recipe, here are some tasty ideas to make your meal feel complete:

🍟 Crispy French Fries-You can’t go wrong with fries. Whether thick-cut or shoestring, they pair perfectly with the crunchy fish and can even be dipped in the same sauce.

🥔 Coleslaw-A fresh, creamy slaw adds a cool crunch that balances the hot fried fish. It’s simple to make and brings a refreshing taste to every bite.

🍞 Hush Puppies-These little fried cornmeal balls are a Southern classic. Soft on the inside and crispy outside—they’re great with fish and soak up sauces well.

🍋 Lemon Wedges – Fresh lemon adds a bright, zesty flavor to fried fish. A quick squeeze over the top before eating makes a big difference.

🥬 Steamed Veggies-Want a lighter side? Go for green beans, peas, or carrots. They add color to the plate and make the meal feel more balanced.

Conclusion

This recipe is close to my heart because it reminds me of the delicious meals I enjoyed at my favorite restaurant, yet I can now make it in the comfort of my own kitchen.

The captain d’s batter fish recipe is simple, fun, and offers a delightful mix of crispy and savory flavors.

I hope you enjoy making it as much as I did.

Your kitchen can be a place of creativity and joy, and every time you fry up this fish, remember that you are creating something special that is full of warmth and personal care.