3 Pounds Fish Fillets; Firm, White
2 Tablespoons Lemon juice
1 Cup Milk — or more as needed
2 Cups Flour
3 Cups Pancake mix
2 Cups Club Soda (approx.)
1 Teaspoon Basil
1 Teaspoon Pepper
1/2 Teaspoon Garlic salt
Cooking oil
Cut fish fillets in half, making triangular shape. Cover with milk and lemon juice and refrigerate 3-4 hours. Drain off milk. Dip fillets in flour to coat each piece lightly. Let dry on a cookie sheet, making sure pieces do not tough. Add oil to deep fryer or heavy pan to a depth of at least 3 inches. Heat oil to 425~. Combine pancake mix, basil, pepper, garlic salt and enough soda to make a thick batter, about the consistency of buttermilk. Dip floured fillets in batter and add to the hot oil one at a time. Fry 4-5 minutes. Remove filets to cookie sheet, again, not letting them touch and keep warm in a 250~ oven. Deep fry remaining filets, keeping the depth of the oil at least 3 inches. NOTE: Do not heap fish as this creates steam in the oven and makes coating soft.