Traditional Fish and Chips

Traditional Fish and Chips is a beloved British classic featuring crispy, golden-battered cod served with thick-cut chips. The fresh cod fillets are coated in a light, airy batter and fried to perfection, creating a crunchy exterior with tender, flaky fish inside. Served with a side of hand-cut chips, mushy peas, and tartar sauce, this dish embodies the comforting flavours of the seaside. Whether enjoyed at a local chippy or homemade, Fish and Chips is the ultimate British comfort food, best paired with a splash of malt vinegar and a pint of ale.
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Keyword: Fish, Batter, Deep-Fried, Chips, French Fries
Category: Fish, Main Courses
Course: Mains, Fish
Cuisine: English
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 26 minutes
Soaking Chips: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 36 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 275kcal
Author: MJF
Cost: £10

Equipment

  • 2 Mixing Bowls and a Whisk
  • 1 Baking Tray

Ingredients

  • 4 each Fillets of Cod 150g / 5 Oz Each
  • 200 g 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 each Egg
  • 60 g ½ Cup Cornflour/Rice Flour
  • 1 Tbsp Baking Powder
  • 300 ml 10 fl. oz Cold Beer
  • Salt & Pepper
  • 4 each Large Potatoes cut into 1 cm (½”) chips (800g / 1 Lb 12 oz)
  • Vegetable Oil or Beef Dripping for Frying

Instructions

  • Peel and cut the potatoes.
  • If you have time, soak the chips in water overnight to remove excess starch.
  • Drain and dry in a kitchen towel.
  • To prepare the batter, mix the flours, egg, baking powder, salt, and beer until smooth.
  • Let it rest for 10 minutes.
  • Heat the oil to 160°C (320°F).
  • Fry the potatoes until soft, then remove and drain.
  • Increase the oil temperature to 190°C (375°F) and fry the chips again until crispy. Set aside.
  • Dredge the fish fillets in flour, dip in the batter, and fry at 190°C (375°F) for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
  • Drain on paper towels and serve with the chips, malt vinegar and tartare sauce.

Notes

Beef dripping is the original fat used for deep frying and makes a noticeable difference in flavour.
The fish can be seasoned with salt and a little lemon for 15 minutes prior to cooking, to firm it up.
The batter can be seasoned with additions such as paprika or herbs for variety.

Nutrition

Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 324mg | Potassium: 83mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 187mg | Iron: 3mg