Crunchy Fried Fish

Ingredient

• 3 pounds fresh or frozen fish fillets, thawed
• 3 large eggs, separated
• Crisco® Peanut Frying Oil Blend
• 1 1/2 cups Pillsbury BEST® All Purpose Flour, divided
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 6 tablespoons water
• 3 tablespoons Crisco® All-Vegetable Shortening, melted
• OR 3 tablespoons Crisco® All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, melted
• Malt vinegar (optional)

Preparation

1. THAW fish if frozen. Cut into serving-size pieces if necessary. Beat egg yolks well; set aside. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; set aside. POUR oil into deep fryer; heat to 365ºF.
2. SEASON 3/4 cup flour with salt and pepper in shallow dish; set aside. Combine remaining 3/4 cup flour and 2 teaspoons salt in medium bowl. Make a well in center of flour; add egg yolks, water and melted shortening. Stir until batter is smooth. Fold in egg whites. Dip fish in seasoned flour, then into batter.
3. FRY several fish pieces at a time 4 to 6 minutes until golden brown or until fish flakes easily with a fork; drain on paper towels. Keep warm and continue with remaining fish pieces. Serve with malt vinegar, if desired.