The Best Fish and Chips
That’s right – a classic British fish and chips recipe! This easy to make at home fish and chips will transport you to the enchanting seaside of Britain with our fresh thick-cut salted chips and flakey beer battered fish, served with malt vinegar and tartar. It’s crispy, light, golden brown, and only the slightest bit greasy (which all good fish and chips should be!). We love it because it’s versatile enough to be a snack for a crowd (think game day!) but a meal for a few.
If you’re really missing the UK, make a feast and serve these Bangers and Mash With Caramelized Onions, Oat Scones, and a refreshing Pimm’s Cup.
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What is Fish and Chips?
Contrary to popular belief, and although it is the national dish of Britain, fish and chips did not originate in England, but rather from Spanish and Portuguese refugees! Brought to England separately, the fish and the chips later were combined into a dish, sold in shops and pubs all around, and rose to fame and admiration in the 1860s. Nowadays, the beloved dish of chips and fish is a staple in the UK. We love the idea of traditional fish and chips with crispy light breading, moist tender fish, and crunchy, fluffy potatoes. If you’re wondering what kind of fish is used for fish and chips, the delicious dish is usually made from cod, haddock, or another thick-cut white fish.
What is in Fish and Chips?
Russet potatoes
Pale ale (or other light beer)
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Sea salt, plus more for serving
Cayenne
Garlic powder
Vegetable oil or refined peanut oil
Freshly cracked black pepper
Fresh cod
Malt vinegar
Tartar Sauce
How to Serve Fish and Chips
While English fish and chips are served alongside tartar sauce and malt vinegar for a quick snack, we like to serve it with tart, punchy Pickled Onions or Quick Pickled Vegetables and Classic Coleslaw. Make it into a meal by serving it alongside a Butter Lettuce Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette, Cucumber Salad, or Chopped Salad With Herb Yogurt Dressing. It also pairs beautifully with Split Pea Soup, Roasted Cauliflower, or Perfectly Roasted Broccoli and Roasted Beets.
How to Make Fish and Chips
Follow these easy step-by-step instructions for light and crispy fish and chips:
Prep the chips! Potatoes are extra starchy so giving them that first rinse in cold water removes the excess starch, perks them up, and stops them from going brown due to oxidation!
Make the batter! We suppose you could call this beer battered fish and chips because we add a can of light or pale beer to achieve a fluffy, airy batter resulting in the perfect crispiness! For the fish, you’ll also create a dry flour mixture before dipping it into the batter.
Start the chips! Yes – we will be double frying (just like in our ultimate Homemade French Fries!). This allows the water to escape so the inside is soft and the outside gives you that crunch!
Fry the fish! Dry the fish to avoid extra moisture, then season with salt, dip into the flour mixture, then into the batter! Pro Tip: to ensure they’re not greasy, allow the extra batter to drip off! The fish will cook for about 6-7 minutes and turn a nice golden brown color.
Finish the chips! Avoid crowding but working batches to return the chips to the oil. Cook for about 5 more minutes until they start to turn a rich golden brown! Salt them as soon as you pull them out of the hot oil.
Serve! We like to be extra and serve them in little baskets with parchment, sides of malt vinegar, and fresh tartar sauce, just like in the pub!
Tools You’ll Need For The Best Fish and Chips
Pie pan or rimmed plate
Frying spider or slotted spoon
Our Easiest (& Tastiest!) Fish Recipes!
From fresh Grilled Tilapia Tacos to hearty Fish Puttanesca, we’ve got a variety of interesting and healthy ways to enjoy fish! And don’t fret if you only have tinned, we have an entire guide on What to Do with Tinned Fish! Check out our favorite recipes:
Now You Can Make Fish & Chips At Home!
Don’t wait till the next time you travel to have Fish & Chips! Impress your friends and family with this Fish & Chips recipe! Tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper to show us how they came out! Happy eating!