Beer Battered Fish and Chips

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Tender, flaky fish fillets and crispy fries both fried in a light, golden batter, you can make these Beer Battered Fish and Chips in one pan.

Fried fish fillets, French fries, and a cup of tartar sauce in a paper-lined basket. The text overlay reads "Beer Battered Fish and Chips" at the top, and "Hey Grill Hey" at the bottom.
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Beer Battered Fish and Chips

This Beer Battered Fish and Chips is everything you love about the classic British dish, but with my own special twist that makes it absolutely irresistible. The fish is tender and flaky on the inside, with a perfectly crispy, golden-brown exterior. The best part? You can make the whole thing in one pan, and I’ll show you my secret for getting those fries extra crispy with a double-fry technique that’ll delight your tastebuds. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or want to impress your friends with something different at your next gathering, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s get started.

Beer in a measuring cup, and flour and other ingredients in bowls on a countertop.

What is fish and chips?

Fish and chips is a classic British dish, consisting of fried fish fillets and French fries, or “chips.” When paired together, you get a magical combination of textures and flavors that’s so good it’s become popular throughout the world. It’s comfort food at its finest, and once you try making it at home, you’ll never need to go back to the pub.

The Best Potatoes for Fries

For this recipe, I’m using russet potatoes. They’re large, so I get long fries, and I can get several out of each potato. The high starch content and low moisture make them perfect for achieving that crispy exterior while maintaining a fluffy interior. You can use Yukon Gold or another substitute in a pinch,, but russets are my go-to. When cutting them, you want nice, even strips about ¼-inch thick. You can use a french fry cutter or a sharp knife. The key here is consistency in size so they all cook evenly.

Batter in a glass bowl being mixed with a spoon while beer is poured in from a cup.

What Fish to Use for Fish and Chips

When it comes to frying, you want a nice, firm white fish that can stand up to the process while staying tender and flaky. I’m using halibut in this recipe because it’s got amazing flavor and holds together beautifully, but cod is the traditional choice and works perfectly. You could also use haddock, pollock, or even sea bass. Whatever you choose, make sure your fillets are completely thawed and patted dry before battering. This helps the batter stick and creates that perfect crispy coating you want.

Beer Fry Batter

Let’s talk about this incredible batter that’s going to help you fry your fish (and your fries) to golden-brown perfection. While many traditional recipes use lager cut with water, I’ve found that using straight light beer creates the perfect consistency and adds amazing flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 cups light beer
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup rice flour
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon sugar

Now, you could definitely use other fry batters here (including the awesome one in my Wing Night Kit) but I absolutely love this version because it does double duty on both the fish and the fries. The rice flour helps you get that extra crispy exterior that stays crunchy longer, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can use all regular flour and just reduce the beer a bit.

A hand dipping a fillet in a bowl full of batter.

Twice-Fried Chips

Here’s where we’re going to level up your fry game, friends. Twice-frying might sound like extra work, but trust me, it’s worth every second. The first fry at a lower temperature while your oil warms (325 degrees F) cooks the potato through and creates the foundation for that perfect texture. The second fry, after a dip in our beer batter, gives you this incredibly crispy, golden-brown exterior that’ll stay crunchy long after serving. I’ve got a recipe for fries in my steak frites post or you can make any style you like, but this double-fry method with the beer batter coating is absolutely perfect for fish and chips.

Tartar Sauce for Fish

No fish and chips experience is complete without a generous dollop of homemade tartar sauce. While malt vinegar is the traditional condiment (and definitely worth having on the table), this tangy, creamy tartar sauce takes things to the next level. The combination of briny capers, fresh dill, and pickle brine creates this incredible flavor that perfectly complements the crispy fish. Luckily for you, I’ve got a simple recipe you can make while your fish fry:

  • 1 cup mayo
  • ½ cup dill pickles (diced)
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)
  • 1 Tablespoon capers (chopped)
  • 1 Tablespoon pickle brine
Fish fillets frying in a pan of cooking oil.

How to Make Fish and Chips

This recipe might look intimidating, but I’ll walk you through every step to ensure success:

  1. Cut potatoes. The perfect fry starts with the perfect cut Slice your russet into perfect, even strips using a French fry cutter or sharp knife.
  2. Heat up oil. Heat your oil slowly in a deep, heavy-bottom pan on your preferred grill or stovetop. This step is critical for this recipe, because you’ll fry your potatoes once while the oil heats.
  3. Fry potatoes once. Once your oil gets to around 325 degrees F, get those sliced potatoes in for that first kiss of golden color.
  4. Make batter. You want to create a light, airy batter to give you that perfectly crispy coating. Whisk everything until you have a smooth, even mixture to coat your fish.
  5. Batter and fry fish. Dunk or dip your fillets in the batter, ensuring everything is completely coated before transferring them to your hot oil for 1-2 minutes per side. You’re looking for your fillets to become a gorgeous golden-brown, and to reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F with a reliable food thermometer.
  6. Make tartar sauce. While your fish is getting all crispy and perfect, throw together this quick but incredible tartar sauce. The combination of fresh and briny ingredients creates the perfect accompaniment to our fish.
  7. Batter and refry potatoes. While you give your fish a few minutes to cool, get your fries battered. Then, it’s back in the oil for the secret-weapon second fry. The beer batter takes them from great to absolutely incredible, creating an ultra-crispy exterior that’ll have everyone fighting over the last fry.
  8. Serve and enjoy. Serve each fillet with a generous portion of beer battered fries. Make sure you add a side of creamy tartar sauce, and some malt vinegar to drizzle.
A paper-lined basket filled with fried fish and chips, lemon wedges, and a cup of tartar sauce.

More Awesome Fish Recipes

There are plenty of fish in the sea, and I have a recipe for most of them. From fish tacos to smoky salmon, you’re sure to find your family’s next favorite. Remember, whether you’re firing up the grill or heating up the frying oil, I’ve got hundreds of carefully crafted BBQ recipes waiting for you in the Hey Grill Hey App and your Recipe Library. For now, here are some of my favorite recipes for fish:

Beer Battered Fish and Chips Recipe

After you tackle this incredible Beer Battered Fish and Chips recipe, don’t forget to give it a 5-star rating. Make sure you snag a couple off-the-hook photos of your seafood platter, and tag @heygrillhey on Instagram and Facebook. Sharing your results helps inspire everyone in the Hey Grill Hey community to make some good BBQ for the people we love.

Beer Battered Fish and Chips

By: Susie Bulloch
0 from 0 votes
Tender, flaky fish fillets and crispy fries both fried in a light, golden batter, you can make these Beer Battered Fish and Chips in one pan.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings4 people
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Ingredients
 

  • 4 large fish fillets cod or halibut
  • 4 russet potatoes sliced into thin strips
  • canola oil as needed for frying

Beer Batter

Tartar Sauce

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup dill pickles diced
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh dill chopped
  • 1 Tablespoon capers chopped
  • 1 Tablespoon pickle brine

Instructions
 

  • Cut potatoes. You want to cook your fries the first time while the oil is heating up, so it’s important to have those ready before you start the next step. Using a fry cutter or sharp knife, slice your potatoes into thin, even strips roughly ¼-inch thick.
    4 russet potatoes
  • Heat up oil. In a large, deep pot, heat up your canola oil or other cooking oil over medium to high heat.
    canola oil
  • Fry potatoes once. Check the temperature as your oil is heating up, and add your potato slices when it reaches 325 degrees F. Allow the fries to cook for 4-5 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove fries to wire rack to rest while you make the fish.
  • Make batter. Combine all the dry ingredients for your batter in a medium-size bowl, then pour in the beer. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, consistent batter.
    2 cups light beer, 1 cup all-purpose flour, ¾ cup rice flour, 2 teaspoons Kosher salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Batter and fry fish. Once your oil reaches around 375 degrees F, you’re ready to fry your fish. Dip your fillets in the batter, ensuring the entire surface gets an even coating. Then, place your battered fish in the oil for 1-2 minutes, flip, and cook 1-2 more minutes. You’re looking for the fillets to be crispy and golden-brown, and to have an internal temperature of 145 degrees F using a reliable food thermometer.
    4 large fish fillets
  • Make tartar sauce. While your fish fillets fry, combine the ingredients for your tartar sauce in a small bowl. Stir together until everything is mixed evenly.
    1 cup mayonnaise, ½ cup dill pickles, 1 Tablespoon fresh dill, 1 Tablespoon capers, 1 Tablespoon pickle brine
  • Batter and refry potatoes. Remove your fish to the rack once they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. Next, dip your fries in the beer batter and return them to the cooking oil. Allow to cook an additional 2-3 minutes, or until golden-brown and crispy.
  • Serve and enjoy. Remove your fries to the wire rack, then plate your fish and fries. Serve with a side of the tartar sauce and some malt vinegar.

Nutrition

Calories: 1553kcal | Carbohydrates: 91g | Protein: 171g | Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 27g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 411mg | Sodium: 2277mg | Potassium: 4820mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 442IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 243mg | Iron: 7mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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About

FOUNDER/BBQ BOSS LADY

Susie is the BBQ Brain behind the Hey Grill Hey website. Her passion for smoked meats and developing fun, new recipes have landed her on the Food Network, cooking turkeys with Shaq, and on a couple of Guinness World Records. When she’s not grilling, she is hanging out with Todd and their three kids, preferably outdoors!

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