Fish and chips is a classic British pub worthy recipe that's now enjoyed by people of all ages around the world. The soft, boneless fish is dipped in batter made with all purpose flour, ice soda and some spices, then deep fried in oil until golden crispy. Serve it hot with your favorite dips like mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, garlic dip or with coleslaw.
Fish and Chips
This classic British recipe which I wanted to try for quite a long time. I used frozen french fries in this because I had a packet of them lying, but you can make your own french fries, see this recipe or you can simply serve it with potato chips. I served with with some spicy mayo, but you can easily whip this gherkin mayo instead.
Actually this is pretty easy recipe to try, when I searched on google, I found every recipe uses beer for their fish and chips. Some recipe calls for milk. But I decided to use soda water which made the batter really light and crunchy.
About Fish and Chips
Fish and chips is one of the popular starters from Britain that everyone loves. It is served in pubs and cafes all over Britain. The fish is coated in a light, crispy batter and fried until golden. The batter is made with plain flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, red chilli powder, pepper powder and ice cold soda. The soda makes the batter airy and helps to achieve a crispy outer layer.
I first tried making this at home on a rainy day when my kids were craving for something quick and delicious. I already had some frozen french fries and fresh boneless fish. So, I decided to give this recipe a try. It turned out awesome and the kids relished it.
The recipe is very easy, just mix the batter, dip the fish and fry. In just a few minutes, you will have a plate full of hot, crispy fish ready to be served. It is perfect to have as a snack, party starters or even as a meal by pairing it with salad.
It is a kid friendly recipe because the fish is mildly spiced. But you can easily adjust the spices according to your taste. Serve the fish with french fries along with dipping sauces like mayonnaise, ketchup or coleslaw.
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FAQ
Q. What variety of fish should I use ?
You can use any variety like tilapia, cod or haddock. Make sure it is firm, white and boneless.
Q. Can I bake or air fry instead of frying ?
Yes, you can. The baked version is healthier compared to frying. But it won't have the same crispy texture as deep frying.
Q. Can I use frozen boneless fish ?
Yes, if you don't get fresh ones. Just thaw the frozen fish completely and pat dry them before dipping and frying.
Q. Why is my fish fry soggy ?
This happens when your fish is wet and the batter is thin. Always wash and dry the fish and lightly dust it with flour before dipping in the batter.
Q. Why is my fish oily after frying ?
This usually happens when you fry the fish in low heat and avoid overcrowding while frying.
Ingredients
Fish - Use a firm, white boneless fish variety. These are easy to cook and stay soft inside.
Oil - It is used to deep fry the fish and fries. Use any oil like canola oil, vegetable oil or groundnut oil. Frying in oil creates a beautiful golden crispy layer.
Flour Mix - I used a mixture of plain flour and cornstarch. You can use rice flour for extra crunch.
Baking powder - a small amount of baking powder makes this super crunchy.
Spices & Seasonings : Chilli powder and pepper powder are added as the main spices to add color and spice to the batter. Adjust the spices according to your liking.
Icy cold soda water : This is the main liquid added to create bubbles in the batter that makes the fry airy and crispy. You can substitute with plain ice cold water.
What to Serve with
Mayonnaise - Mayonnaise is a mild and creamy dip used for serving with fish. You can add crushed garlic, chilli oil along with it to enhance flavor.
Gherkins - Gherkins is a small cucumber kind of vegetable pickled in vinegar. It has a slight tangy and sour taste. Often used for serving with fried dishes and salads. It is completely optional to serve it with. You can also serve the fried fish with coleslaw, lemon wedge or onion rings.
French fries - I made with frozen fries as it saves time. You can make it from scratch using fresh potatoes. You can deep fry it in oil or air fry them.
Step by Step Pictures
1)Now let's makes the batter. Take plain flour and cornstarch in a bowl.
3)Add baking powder, salt and black pepper powder.
4)Add in red chilli powder. You can skip chilli powder if you want.
5)Now take ice cold soda water. Make sure the soda water has to be super cold.
6)Pour the soda water into the flour. The fizz from the soda water will make the batter light and bubbly.
7)Mix this gently until the batter is lightly combined.
8)batter is ready. Keep this cold. You can keep this in fridge until needed.
9)Start by frying the chips or french fries in hot oil. Fry till golden and crispy.
10)Strain and set aside in a paper towel. Sprinkle generously with salt and set aside.
11)Chips ready, keep this warm.
12)Take plain flour in a plate, season with salt and pepper. Now take your fish fillets. Coat in the flour mixture.
13)Coat both side generously. Set aside.
14)take each fish fillet, coat it in the cold batter.
15)Coat the fish in the batter on both sides.
16)Drop the fish in hot oil and fry till golden brown on both sides.
17)Now fish is fried and looking crispy.
18)Strain the fish on some paper towel.
19)Serve fish with fries, sauce and gherkins.
Expert Tips
- Make sure to use cold soda water to create bubbles in the batter, which makes the outer layer crunchy.
- Wash and pat dry the fish using a paper towel.
- The batter should be slightly thick in consistency. If it's too thick, add little water or soda. If it is too thin, add a spoon of flour to adjust.
- Don't overcrowd the fish while frying. This makes them soggy.
- To the batter, add paprika, garlic powder or onion powder for more flavour.
Storage & Serving
Store the leftover fish and french fries separately in an airtight container. It can be put in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. Reheat them using an oven or air fryer.
Serve these crunchy fish and chips with french fries, or pair it with mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, garlic dip.
📖 Get Recipe
Fish and Chips Recipe (Crispy Fried Fish Tips)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 300 grams Firm White Fish (Cod, Tilapia or Haddock)
- ½ cup All Purpose Flour (Plain Flour) for coating fish
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- Sunflower Oil for Deep Frying
For Fish Batter
- 1 cup All Purpose Flour (Plain Flour)
- ½ cup Cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Powder
- 1 teaspoon Red Chilli powder optional
- 1 cup Cold Soda Water or as needed
To Serve Fish
- 200 grams Frozen French Fries
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 6 no Gherkins
Instructions
- Start by frying the chips in hot oil till golden and crispy. Strain onto some paper towel and sprinkle with salt. Set aside.
- Take flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, chilli powder in a bowl and add in cold soda water slowly and mix lightly. Keep the batter cold until frying.
- Heat oil for deep frying.
- Take some flour in a plate and coat the fish in the flour. Now take the fish and dip it in the batter and fry it in oil. Fry till golden.
- Drain onto some paper towel. Serve with fries, mayo and gherkins.
Nutrition
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Anonymous
If u don mind can u pls tell de variety of fish tat u used?
Aarthi
@Anonymousi used tilapia
plasterer bristol
This sounds really delicious and something new to try. love fish and chips, Thank you for sharing this.
Simon
Anonymous
Tried your recipe. The fish was super crispy and yummy. I used Mahi-mahi. Thanks for sharing.