Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups dark beer (12 ounces)
- 1 egg
- 1 pound mozzarella sticks
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Pour in the beer and stir until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
- Cover the bowl and let the batter rest for one hour. This step allows the carbonation in the beer to activate for a better texture.
Step 2: Add the Egg
- After resting, crack in the egg and whisk until the batter is smooth and slightly bubbly.
- The batter should be thick enough to coat the mozzarella sticks but not so thick that it becomes clumpy.
Step 3: Coat the Mozzarella Sticks
- Take each mozzarella stick and dip it into the batter, making sure it is fully coated.
- Let any excess batter drip off before frying.
- To prevent sticking, place the battered sticks on a parchment-lined plate before frying.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
- Pour enough oil into a deep pot to submerge the mozzarella sticks.
- Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). A kitchen thermometer helps ensure accuracy.
- If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a bit of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the top, the oil is ready.
Step 5: Fry the Mozzarella Sticks
- Carefully place a few mozzarella sticks into the hot oil at a time.
- Fry for about three minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed fresh while the cheese is hot and gooey inside. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
How to Prevent Cheese from Oozing Out
- Do not over-fry. The cheese melts fast, so once the sticks are golden brown, remove them immediately.
- Freeze the mozzarella sticks before battering for extra protection.
How to Get an Even Crispiness
- Keep the oil at 350°F. If it is too cold, the sticks will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If too hot, they will burn.
- Fry in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature.
What If the Batter Falls Off?
- Make sure the cheese is dry before dipping. Pat them with a paper towel first.
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes