Fish and Chips Batter

Ingredients

• 1½-2 lbs. whitefish (cod or haddock)
• 3-4 cups oil (canola, vegetable, or peanut, but not olive oil)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1½ cups sparkling water or club soda
• 1 package frozen steak fries
• Kosher salt (for garnish)
• Malt vinegar (for dipping)