Calling all fish & chip-lovers! With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can make classic crispy fish & chips right in your own kitchen. Turn a few simple ingredients into restaurant-worthy comfort food without having to leave the house.
Before you start, gather the following ingredients to make classic fish & chips: 4-6 potatoes (preferably Russets), 1 1⁄2 - 2 pounds of firm white fish fillets (e.g., cod, haddock, etc.), 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper, 3⁄4 cup beer (or other carbonated beverage). Keep in mind that the amount of beer required may vary depending on desired consistency. Cut potatoes into thick matchsticks and pat dry with a paper towel before setting aside. Place the flour in a bowl and mix in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk to combine the ingredients evenly. Add the beer then whisk until you have reached a thick batter consistency. The amount of liquid may vary depending on desired consistency. To make sure that the batter is thick enough to coat the pieces of fish, dip a piece into it and check for thickness before continuing. Once you’re satisfied with the consistency you can begin to coat each piece of fillet, coating them thoroughly before setting aside on parchment paper or another non-stick surface. You’re now ready to fry your fish & chips!
To make the batter, mix together the flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk in the beer until no lumps remain. Batter should be thick enough to coat potatoes and fish but not cakey (which is why the exact proportion of beer may vary). When ready, heat about 2 inches of oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat for about 4 minutes. The oil should reach 375 degrees Fahrenheit before adding anything to fry.
For the best results, use an oil thermometer to monitor the temperature. If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a small bit of batter into it – it should quickly and steadily rise to the top. If not then it’s not hot enough. When ready, prepare a cooling rack or bowl lined with paper towels for after frying. Additionally, preheat your oven to 200°F so you can keep desired items warm while others are cooking.
For the fish and chips, it's best to cook them separately. First, season the fish fillets with salt and pepper then dip each one into the batter until it's completely coated before sliding gently into the oil. Fry for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown then transfer onto paper towels to drain any excess oil. For the potatoes, slice them up, dip in batter and web in oil for about 5 minutes or until crispy. Again, use paper towels to remove any excess fat before serving with your favorite condiments!
After the fish and chips are cooked, it's best to assemble them together on a big plate for a beautiful presentation. Pair the crispy bits of fish and the crunchy fries with ketchup, tartar sauce, mayonnaise, or vinegar and lemon wedges for added flavor. You can even sprinkle your favorite herbs or add some chili flakes if you prefer it spicy, just make sure that whatever topping you choose complements the dish perfectly before
serving. Now you can enjoy all-time classic fish and chips in the comfort of your own home!
Once the fish and potatoes are fried to golden perfection, it’s time to drain them and serve! Carefully remove them from the oil one at a time with a slotted spoon, then lay them onto some paper towels to absorb any excess fat. This is also a great time to add extra seasoning if you like (perhaps some sea salt flakes). Now you can plate up your delicious homemade fish & chips and enjoy with your favorite sides or condiments – they’re sure to impress family or guests alike!
For a lighter crispier fish & chips, you can air-fry the fish and/or potatoes with a tablespoon of oil as opposed to deep-frying. You’ll still be able to get that crunchy exterior without sacrificing flavor. Air-frying also reduces cook time, so if you’re looking for something quick and easy, this is the way to go! However you choose to fry your fish & chips, make sure not to skimp on the cooking time – the longer they’re in the oil, the crunchier those chips will be!
