serves 6
Fried fish is a much-loved treat all over Greece, and many different types of fish, from cod to anchovies, are fried. To achieve crunch, sometimes nothing more than a light dredging in flour is needed; larger pieces of fish, such as cod or, as in this recipe, fresh sea bass, are often dipped in batter.
1 cup (135 g) coarse cornmeal
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 (12-ounce / 350 ml) bottle amber beer
2 teaspoons hot sauce
1 pound (450 g) Greek, Mediterranean, or other sea bass fillets, cut lengthwise into 1-inch-wide (2.5 cm) strips
Vegetable or olive oil, for frying
½ recipe Greek Yogurt Tartar Sauce
6 soft, high-quality bread rolls, about 5 inches (12.5 cm) in diameter, 12 slices good sourdough bread, or 6 pita wraps
12 Bibb or other tender lettuce leaves
2 ripe but firm medium tomatoes, cored and sliced
In a large stainless steel bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the beer and hot sauce and whisk the batter until smooth.
Place the fish strips in the batter, cover, and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
In a deep skillet or wide pot, heat 2 inches (5 cm) of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it registers 375ºF (190ºC) on an instant-read or deep-fry thermometer. Using a slotted spoon or fork, carefully lift one strip of fish at a time from the batter and let the excess batter drain back into the bowl. Place the fish gently in the hot oil, then add a few more strips, being careful not to crowd the pan. Fry for about 3 minutes per side, until the fish is golden brown and crisp. Remove with kitchen tongs or a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining fish, skimming any burnt bits from the oil between batches, if necessary.
To assemble the sandwiches: Smear a little tartar sauce on your bread of choice. Place a few pieces of lettuce and tomato on one side of the bread or roll or on the surface of the pita and place the fish on top. Cover with another piece of bread or, if using pita, wrap and serve.