1) Heat oil in a deep pan to 375 F. 2) Cut fish into wedges approx. 7" x 2"(wide end) x 1 1/2" (narrow end) 3) With mixer, blend flour, water, egg, sugar, and salt. 4) Dip each fillet into the batter, coating generoursly, and quickly drop into the oil. 5) Fry each fillet until dark golden brown, about 5 min. 6) Remove from oil and place on paper towels or metal rack to drain.

Yeild: 4 to 6 fish fillets

Soybean oil is what your local Long John Silver's uses to fry their fish, and you will best duplicate the real thing by using the same oil. But any other oil may be substituted. You might want to try canola oil. It is the oil lowest in saturated fat, and the taste difference is only slight.

It's crucial that your oil be hot before frying the fish. To test the temp., drip some batter into the oil. It should bubble rapidly. After 5 min., the test batter should become golden brown. If so, fry away, fish fiends.