Description
Bite into perfectly golden and crispy fish with this easy-to-make batter recipe. Achieve pub-style fish and chips at home with light, crunchy coating and tender, flaky white fish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cold sparkling water or beer
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 white fish fillets (cod or haddock)
- Oil for frying (canola or vegetable oil)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Tartar sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Choose Your Fish
Select fresh, firm white fish like cod or haddock for best results. - Prepare the Batter
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Gradually pour in cold sparkling water or beer while whisking until smooth and slightly thick.
- Preheat the Oil
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Coat the Fish
- Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
- Dip each fillet into the batter, ensuring an even coat.
- Fry the Fish
- Carefully place coated fillets into the hot oil.
- Fry in small batches for 3–5 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Drain and Serve
- Transfer fried fish to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.
Notes
- For best results, keep batter ingredients and fish cold before cooking.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain its light texture.
- Test oil temperature by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: British