Easy & Best Fish and Chips Recipe

Golden crispy battered fish fillets served with thick-cut chips, tartar sauce, and lemon wedges on a rustic plate.
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Our Best Fish and Chips Recipe delivers everything you love about this classic dish—perfectly crispy battered fish, thick-cut golden fries, and that signature crunch in every bite. Whether you’re recreating a British pub favorite at home or cooking up comfort food for the family, this recipe brings all the flavor and texture of the real deal.

We’ll walk you through how to choose the right fish (think cod, haddock, or pollock), make a light and airy batter that fries to golden perfection, and prepare chips that are fluffy on the inside and crisp on the outside. Plus, we’ll cover essential tips on frying techniques, oil selection, and serving ideas to make this dish a true standout.

Craving that satisfying combo of crispy fish and hearty fries? You’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the step-by-step method to make the best fish and chips you’ve ever tasted.

Ingredients

For the Fish:

  • 4 white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or pollock), about 6 oz each
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)

For the Batter:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cold sparkling water or club soda (adds crispiness)
  • Optional: a splash of beer for extra flavor

For the Chips (Fries):

  • 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into thick fries
  • Cold water (for soaking)
  • Salt to taste

For Frying:

  • Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil (for deep frying)
  • Optional: beef dripping or lard for traditional flavor

How to Make Fish and Chips Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

  1. Peel and cut the potatoes into thick fries.
  2. Soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch (this helps them get extra crispy).
  3. Drain, pat dry thoroughly with paper towels, and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Batter

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Gradually add cold sparkling water (or beer) and mix until the batter is smooth and slightly thick.
  3. Let the batter rest while you heat the oil.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

  • In a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
  • Use a thermometer to maintain the right temperature—this is crucial for crispy results.

Step 4: Fry the Chips (Twice for Extra Crispiness)

  1. First fry (blanching): Fry potatoes in small batches at 325°F (160°C) for 3–4 minutes. They should be soft but not brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  2. Let them rest while you fry the fish.

Step 5: Fry the Fish

  1. Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper, then dredge lightly in flour (this helps the batter stick).
  2. Dip the fillets into the batter, letting any excess drip off.
  3. Fry in hot oil at 350°F (175°C) for about 4–5 minutes or until golden and crispy.
  4. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

Step 6: Final Fry for the Chips

  • Increase the oil temp to 375°F (190°C).
  • Fry the chips again for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain and season with salt.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve fish and chips piping hot, with malt vinegar, tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and optional sides like mushy peas or coleslaw.
  • Sprinkle with sea salt or fresh parsley for a finishing touch.

Pro Tips for Perfect Fish and Chips

1. Use Cold Batter

Always use ice-cold sparkling water or beer in your batter. The temperature contrast helps create a light, airy, and ultra-crispy coating.

2. Double-Fry Your Chips

The secret to restaurant-style chips? Fry them twice—first to cook through, then again at a higher temp to crisp the outside. Don’t skip the resting time between fries.

3. Pat Everything Dry

Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Be sure to pat the fish fillets and potatoes completely dry before dredging or frying. This prevents soggy results and oil splatter.

4. Don’t Overcrowd the Oil

Frying too many pieces at once drops the oil temperature, leading to greasy fish and soggy chips. Work in small batches to keep everything hot and crispy.

5. Use a Thermometer

Maintain oil temp between 350–375°F (175–190°C). A kitchen thermometer ensures consistent results every time and prevents over- or undercooked food.

6. Rest Fried Food on a Wire Rack

Skip paper towels for draining—a wire rack lets excess oil drip away while keeping the bottom crispy.

7. Serve Immediately

Fish and chips are best right out of the fryer. For the ultimate experience, serve hot with your favorite sauces and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Print
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Golden, crispy fried fish fillets and chips resting on a wire rack with lemon and tartar sauce, fresh out of the fryer.

Easy & Best Fish and Chips Recipe


  • Author: promeatrecipes.com
  • Total Time: PT45M
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Discover the Best Fish and Chips Recipe with crispy battered fish, golden double-fried chips, and easy step-by-step instructions. Pub-style comfort food made simple!


Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

  • 4 cod/haddock fillets

  • 1 cup flour (plus extra for dredging)

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • 1 cup cold sparkling water

  • 4 russet potatoes

  • Salt, pepper, oil for frying


Instructions

Instructions:

  1. Soak thick-cut potatoes in water 30 mins, drain and dry.

  2. Make batter: flour, baking powder, salt, sparkling water.

  3. Fry chips at 325°F (3–4 mins), set aside.

  4. Dredge fish in flour, dip in batter, fry at 350°F (4–5 mins).

  5. Refry chips at 375°F until golden. Salt and serve hot.

 

Pro Tips:
Use a thermometer. Don’t overcrowd. Dry ingredients well.

  • Prep Time: PT20M
  • Cook Time: PT25M
  • Category: Dinner Recipes
  • Cuisine: European

Nutrition

  • Calories: 550–600 kcal
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 30g

Keywords: Fish and Chips

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What makes good fish and chips?

Good fish and chips come down to fresh white fish with a light, crispy batter and chunky fries that are soft inside and golden outside. Quality ingredients and proper frying technique are the secret to that iconic crunch and flavor.

Is sole good for fish and chips?

Sole can work, but it’s a more delicate, thin fish that may not hold up well to a thick batter or deep frying. Cod, haddock, or pollock are preferred for their firm texture and ability to stay juicy under crispy batter.

What makes fish and chips special?

It’s all about contrast and comfort—crispy coating vs. flaky fish, crunchy fries vs. soft interiors. Fish and chips are also steeped in tradition, making them more than just a meal—they’re a nostalgic experience.

What is fish and chips famous for?

Fish and chips are famous as a British classic known for their simplicity, flavor, and satisfying texture. Often served in paper with vinegar or tartar sauce, they’re beloved worldwide for their hearty and humble roots.

What is the best oil for fish and chips?

The best oil is one with a high smoke point and neutral flavor, such as canola, peanut, or sunflower oil. For a traditional flavor twist, some cooks use beef dripping or lard, which adds richness and a distinct savory note.

Conclusion

There you have it – the Best Fish and Chips Recipe that brings crispy, golden perfection right to your home. Whether you’re craving a traditional British dish or just looking for a hearty, satisfying meal, this recipe delivers every time. By following our simple steps and expert tips, you’ll be able to enjoy flaky fish, crispy fries, and a light batter that’s nothing short of delicious.

Don’t forget to experiment with the perfect dipping sauces, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding your favorite seasonings to the batter or chips for a unique twist!

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