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Delicious Fried Zander Recipe – A Perfect Choice for Fasting Days

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Are you looking for an easy-to-make fish dish that is crispy and full of flavor? Fried zander is the ideal solution. This simple and quick recipe will help you achieve a delicious fish, perfect for a fasting meal, but also for any occasion where you want to impress. Here’s how to prepare it step by step:

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 zander (approximately 1 kg), fresh
- 1 cup of white flour
- 4 tablespoons of cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika (optional: you can also use hot paprika for an extra kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 beer (preferably a pale lager, which will give a special flavor to the batter)
- 1 lemon (half for the fish, half for serving)
- 1 bell pepper (for garnish)
- Oil for frying (approximately 500 ml)

Step 1: Preparing the fish
Start by cleaning the zander. Remove the scales, entrails, and head, then wash it well under cold running water. Cut the fish into fillets, being careful to cut between the side bones. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides and drizzle with the juice of half a lemon. Let it marinate for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Preparing the batter
In a bowl, place half of the white flour. This step helps to dust the fish before dipping it in the batter, ensuring better adherence. In another bowl, mix the remaining white flour with the cornmeal, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the beer, stirring until you achieve a batter consistency similar to sour cream. This will provide a crispy and delicious crust.

Step 3: Frying the fish
In a deep frying pan, heat the oil. Check if the oil is ready by dropping a bit of batter; if it sizzles, you can start frying. Take each piece of zander, dip it in the batter, ensuring it is well coated, and carefully place it in the hot oil. Fry the fish for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove the fish onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 4: Serving
Serve the fried zander hot, drizzled with the juice of the other half of the lemon and alongside pickled bell peppers, which provide a perfect contrast of flavors. You can also add a fresh green salad or fries for extra substance.

Practical tips:
- Choose a fresh fish with white, firm flesh for the best results.
- You can experiment with different spices in the batter, such as garlic powder or herbs, to add a personal touch.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, you can bake the zander in the oven after coating it with batter at 200 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes.

This fried zander is more than just a simple recipe; it is a culinary experience that will delight your senses. Don’t forget to enjoy every bite!