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How Do You Cook It?

How to Make Traditional Fish and Chips?

Updated: Nov 18

Fish and chips with lemon wedges, vinegar, and salt

Homemade Fish and Chips Recipe

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

30 minutes

Servings:

4

Diet:

Pescatarian

Allergens:

Gluten, Fish, Eggs

Kcal per Serving:

600 kcal


Ingredients

4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into thick chips

4 fresh cod or haddock fillets (about 150-200 g each)

180 g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour, divided

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1 large egg

300 ml (1 1/4 cups) cold beer or sparkling water

Vegetable oil, for frying

Lemon wedges and tartar sauce, for serving (optional)

How Do You Cook It?

Prepare the chips: Place the cut potatoes into a bowl of cold water to remove excess starch. Drain and pat dry with a clean towel.


First fry for chips: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 160°C / 320°F. Fry the chips in batches for about 5-6 minutes, or until they are just starting to soften but not brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.


Make the batter: In a large bowl, combine 120 g (1 cup) of the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and cold beer, whisking until smooth.


Prepare the fish: Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper - this is what will make the fish and chips taste traditional. Lightly coat each fillet in the remaining flour (60 g / 1/2 cup), shaking off any excess.


Coat the fish: Dip each fillet into the batter, ensuring it is completely covered and letting any excess batter drip off.


Fry the fish: Increase the oil temperature to 190°C / 375°F. Carefully lower the battered fish into the hot oil, frying in batches for about 5-7 minutes, or until the batter is golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.


Second fry for chips: Increase the oil temperature back to 190°C / 375°F. Fry the chips again for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.


Serve: Plate the homemade fish and chips immediately, serving with lemon wedges and tartar sauce on the side.


Tips & Tricks

Potato choice: Use starchy potatoes like Maris Piper or King Edward for the crispiest chips.


Oil temperature: Monitor the oil temperature closely to ensure even cooking and prevent the batter from becoming greasy.


Crispiness: For extra crispy chips, soak the potatoes in water for at least an hour before frying.


Serving Suggestions

Classic sides: Serve with mushy peas, pickled onions, or a simple green salad.


Condiments: A generous sprinkle of malt vinegar and a dash of salt elevate the flavours.


Freezing and Reheating

Freezing: Not recommended for the fish, as the batter can become soggy. However, chips can be frozen after the first fry. Lay them out on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.


Reheating: Reheat chips in a preheated oven at 200°C / 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.


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