Beer Battered Fish and Chips
Crispy, golden beer-battered cod served with a generous side of perfectly fried chips. This pub classic is surprisingly easy to make at home for a satisfying, comforting meal.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Chips
- b.Peel the potatoes and cut them into uniform 1/2-inch thick sticks.
- c.Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water and soak for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to remove excess starch.
- d.Drain the potatoes thoroughly and pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is crucial for crispy chips and safe frying.
- 2
Step 2
- a.First Fry for Chips (Blanching)
- b.In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 300°F (150°C).
- c.Carefully add half of the dried potatoes to the oil. Do not overcrowd the pot.
- d.Fry for 5-6 minutes until the potatoes are soft and cooked through but still pale. They should not be browned.
- e.Using a slotted spoon, remove the chips from the oil and let them drain on a wire rack. Repeat with the remaining potatoes.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Make the Beer Batter
- b.In a large bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, 1 tsp of salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- c.Slowly pour in the very cold beer, whisking gently until just combined. The batter should have the consistency of thick pancake batter. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Batter and Fry the Fish
- b.Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- c.Pat the fish fillets completely dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- d.Place the remaining 1/2 cup of flour in a shallow dish. Lightly dredge each fish fillet in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- e.Dip a floured fillet into the beer batter, coating it completely. Allow the excess batter to drip off for a few seconds.
- f.Carefully lower the battered fish into the hot oil, one piece at a time. Fry 2 pieces at a time for 5-7 minutes, turning once, until the batter is deep golden brown and crispy.
- g.Remove the fish with a slotted spoon and place it on the wire rack to drain. Season immediately with a pinch of salt.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Second Fry for Chips (Crisping)
- b.Ensure the oil is still at 375°F (190°C). Return the blanched chips to the fryer in batches.
- c.Fry for an additional 2-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- d.Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on the wire rack, and immediately sprinkle with the remaining 0.5 tsp of salt.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the hot fish and chips immediately with lemon wedges, malt vinegar, and tartar sauce on the side.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Using very cold beer is key to a light and crispy batter as it slows gluten development.
- 2Ensure both the fish and potatoes are patted completely dry before frying to achieve maximum crispiness and ensure safety.
- 3Do not overcrowd the fryer. Frying in batches maintains the oil temperature, which is crucial for a non-greasy result.
- 4Drain fried items on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This allows air to circulate and prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.
- 5Season the fish and chips with salt the moment they come out of the hot oil so it adheres properly.
- 6You can keep the first batch of fish warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven on a wire rack while you fry the rest.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten-Free
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and a gluten-free beer for the batter.
SpicySpicy
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients for the batter to give it a spicy kick.
Different FishDifferent Fish
This recipe works well with other firm white fish like haddock, pollock, or halibut.
Herbaceous BatterHerbaceous Batter
Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives to the batter for a fresh, herby flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Cod is a lean, high-quality protein that is essential for building and repairing tissues, making enzymes and hormones, and supporting muscle mass.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The fish provides beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support brain health, reduce inflammation, and may lower the risk of heart disease.
Provides Energy
The potatoes are a great source of complex carbohydrates, which the body uses as its primary fuel source for energy.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of homemade Beer Battered Fish and Chips contains approximately 800-1000 calories, depending on the portion size and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.