How to Make Spanish Merluza a la Romana: Battered Hake Recipe

• Ingredients for Merluza a la Romana
• Preparing the Hake
• Making the Batter
• Frying the Merluza
• Serving Suggestions for Merluza a la Romana

Ingredients for Merluza a la Romana

Merluza a la Romana is a simple yet flavorful Spanish dish made with hake fillets that are battered and fried to crispy perfection. To make this dish, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 4 fresh hake fillets (or any white fish if hake is unavailable)
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 1 cup of cold sparkling water (or regular water if you prefer)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying
• Lemon wedges for serving

Hake is a mild, white fish that is a staple in Spanish cuisine. Its delicate flavor pairs beautifully with the crispy batter, creating a dish that's light, savory, and satisfying.

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Preparing the Hake

Before you begin cooking, it’s important to properly prepare the hake fillets. Start by ensuring the fillets are fresh, with no skin or bones remaining. If you’ve purchased whole hake, you can ask your fishmonger to fillet it for you, or you can do this at home with a sharp filleting knife.

Once the fillets are prepared, pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial because the batter needs a dry surface to adhere properly, ensuring the perfect crispy coating when fried.

Season the fillets lightly with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the natural flavor of the fish before it’s coated in the batter.

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Making the Batter

The batter for Merluza a la Romana is light and airy, which is key to achieving the crispy texture that defines this dish. Here’s how to make the batter:

1. In a mixing bowl, crack the egg and whisk it until the yolk and white are fully combined.
2. Add the flour to the egg mixture and stir until smooth. The consistency should be thick but not too stiff.
3. Slowly pour in the cold sparkling water (or regular water), stirring as you go. The carbonation in sparkling water will help create a light, crispy texture once fried.
4. Season the batter with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. The batter should be smooth and coat the back of a spoon evenly.

Now that your batter is ready, you can move on to frying the fish. The next step is crucial for achieving the perfect crispy crust.

Frying the Merluza

To fry the hake fillets, you'll need a frying pan or deep fryer. Add a generous amount of olive oil to your pan, enough to submerge the fillets halfway. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small amount of batter into it — if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.

Dip each hake fillet into the prepared batter, ensuring it is evenly coated on all sides. Gently place the battered fillet into the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fillets are golden brown and crispy.

Once fried, remove the fillets from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This will help keep the fish crispy and prevent it from becoming soggy.

Serving Suggestions for Merluza a la Romana

Merluza a la Romana is best served immediately while it's hot and crispy. For an authentic Spanish touch, serve the fried hake with lemon wedges, which can be squeezed over the fish for a burst of freshness. You can also pair the dish with a simple salad, such as a mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette, or some roasted potatoes for a heartier meal.

If you're looking to add a bit more flavor, a side of garlic aioli or a tangy tomato sauce can make a wonderful accompaniment. In Spain, this dish is often enjoyed with a chilled glass of white wine or a cold beer, making it the perfect dish for a summer lunch or dinner.

For a complete Spanish meal, consider pairing Merluza a la Romana with other tapas dishes, such as patatas bravas or albondigas. You can also find quality ingredients for this dish, such as fresh hake fillets, at [Rubi Spanish Table](https://www.rubispanishtable.com), where you’ll find a wide selection of authentic Spanish foods.