Buttermilk-Fried Skate Wings

Skate or Ray are both white fish that contain cartilage. The wings of the fish have sweet flesh that are perfect for frying. In this recipe, the wings are treated like you would chicken. They are marinated in seasoned flour, before being immersed in a classic Nashville style spiced oil.

Buttermilk-Fried Skate Wings is perfect as an appetizer for a game night with a cold beer, or as dish for a casual dinner with family and friends! It is a very versatile dish that combines with various occasions.

Ray or similarly skate, are two local fish found in Irish fishmongers. The wings are fried in beer batter and served in fish and chips shops in Dublin. Why not apply the technique used in Nashville with chicken, but replace the poultry with skate?

Trim the ends off 2 skinned stake wings
Slice the 2 skate wings into 9 pieces and set aside
Combine 1¼ pt of buttermilk and 2½ tbsp sea salt
Mix until salt is dissolved
Place the skate wings in the buttermilk mixture and cure for 15m
Add skate to a mix of 2 cups flour, ½ tbsp each salt and ground black pepper, ⅓ tbsp cayenne powder and 1 tsp smoked paprika
Completely dredge skate wings in the flour mix
Remove skate wings and set aside
Mix ½ tbsp each garlic powder and onion powder, 4 tbsp cayenne powder and 2 tsp smoked paprika in a bowl
Add ½ tbsp salt and 1 tbsp brown sugar
Mix all the ingredients together until completely combined
Slightly warm 1 l and 1 cup of vegetable oil in a frying pan. Add 1 cup of oil to the spice mix
Stir until smooth
Heat the remaining 1 l vegetable oil in a frying pan to 175 ºC
Dip the skate wings back in the buttermilk and dredge again the flour
Add the wings to the oil. Make sure the oil is maintained at 175 ºC
Cook until golden brown and crispy on one side. Flip and repeat on the second side. Baste as needed
Once golden brown on both sides, move the skate wings to a wire rack
Once the oil has drained, toss the fried skate wings in the chili oil
The skate wings are ready to enjoy!