Beer Battered Halibut
Golden, crispy batter encases tender, flaky halibut fillets. This pub classic is surprisingly easy to make at home and perfect for a satisfying fish and chips night.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Fish and Dredging Station
- b.Thoroughly pat the halibut fillets dry with paper towels. A dry surface is essential for the batter to adhere properly.
- c.In a shallow dish or plate, place the 1/2 cup of flour for dredging.
- d.Set up a wire rack over a baking sheet. This will be used to drain the fried fish and keep it crispy.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Mix the Beer Batter
- b.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 1.5 cups of flour, cornstarch, baking powder, 1.5 tsp salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- c.Slowly pour in the very cold beer while whisking gently. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined. A few small lumps are perfectly fine; overmixing will develop gluten and result in a tough, chewy batter.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Heat the Frying Oil
- b.Pour the vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to a depth of at least 2 inches.
- c.Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C). Use a deep-fry or candy thermometer for accuracy. Maintaining this temperature is key to a non-greasy, crispy crust.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Coat the Halibut
- b.Working with one fillet at a time, dredge it in the plain flour, making sure to coat all sides. Gently shake off any excess flour.
- c.Immediately dip the floured fillet into the beer batter, turning to coat it completely.
- d.Lift the fillet out of the batter and allow any excess to drip back into the bowl for a few seconds.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Fry the Fish
- b.Carefully and gently lower the battered fillet into the hot oil, laying it away from you to prevent splashes.
- c.Fry in batches of 1 or 2 fillets to avoid overcrowding the pot and dropping the oil temperature.
- d.Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until the batter is a deep golden brown and crispy. The fish is done when it flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- 6
Step 6
- a.Drain and Serve
- b.Using a spider strainer or slotted spoon, carefully remove the fried fish from the oil.
- c.Place it on the prepared wire rack to allow excess oil to drain away.
- d.Immediately sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Repeat the frying process with the remaining fillets.
- e.Serve hot with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, and classic chips (french fries).
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use very cold beer. The temperature shock between the cold batter and hot oil creates an exceptionally light and crispy crust.
- 2Do not overmix the batter. Lumps are your friend! A smooth batter will be dense and tough.
- 3Pat the fish completely dry. Moisture is the enemy of a crispy coating.
- 4Maintain the oil temperature. Use a thermometer and allow the oil to return to 375°F between batches to prevent greasy results.
- 5Drain on a wire rack, not paper towels. This allows air to circulate, keeping the bottom of the fish just as crispy as the top.
Adapt it for your goals.
Different Fish
This batter works wonderfully with other firm white fish like cod, haddock, or pollock.
Spicy VersionSpicy Version
Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the batter for a spicy kick.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and use a gluten-free beer.
Herbaceous BatterHerbaceous Batter
Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley or dill to the dry ingredients for a fresh, herby flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Halibut is a high-quality lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and supporting overall body function.
Rich in Omega-3s
Provides a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health by reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels.
Packed with Vitamins & Minerals
Halibut contains important nutrients like selenium, niacin, phosphorus, and magnesium, which play vital roles in metabolism, bone health, and antioxidant defense.
Frequently asked questions
While delicious, beer battered halibut is considered an indulgence. The halibut itself is a healthy source of protein and omega-3s, but the deep-frying process adds a significant amount of fat and calories. For a healthier option, consider baking or pan-searing the fish.