Homemade fish and chips bring the beloved British pub staple right to your own kitchen with all the flavor and satisfaction of the original. This classic dish pairs golden, crispy battered fish with thick-cut fries for a hearty, comforting meal that’s simple yet incredibly rewarding. While often associated with seaside towns and wrapped-in-paper takeout, making fish and chips at home allows for fresher ingredients, personal touches, and a truly memorable dining experience.
The fish, typically cod or haddock, is coated in a light, airy batter that becomes golden and crisp when fried. The secret to a good batter often lies in using cold, fizzy liquid – like soda water or beer – which helps create that signature crunch without being too heavy. The interior stays tender and flaky, contrasting beautifully with the crackling crust. Fresh fish is essential here, as it elevates the dish from greasy fast food to something truly satisfying.
Thick-cut fries, or “chips,” are equally important. They should be soft and fluffy inside with a crisp exterior, often achieved by parboiling the potatoes before frying them. Double frying helps lock in that texture, giving you fries that are crispy on the outside but light and tender inside. A generous pinch of sea salt immediately after frying makes them irresistibly moreish.
Fish and chips are best served hot, fresh out of the fryer, with a few traditional accompaniments: malt vinegar, tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or even mushy peas for those who like it authentically British. A cold lager or a glass of sparkling water makes the perfect pairing, cutting through the richness of the fried components.
Homemade fish and chips aren’t just a meal – they’re an experience. Whether you’re recreating pub-night favorites or introducing this dish to someone for the first time, the combination of crispy fish, golden fries, and nostalgic comfort is hard to beat.
Ingredients
- 200 grams white fish fillets such as cod or haddock
- 100 grams all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 150 milliliters cold beer or sparkling water
- 2 large potatoes peeled and cut into chips
- to taste salt
- to serve malt vinegar optional
- for frying vegetable oil
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large, deep saucepan to 180°C (350°F).
- Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Lightly dust with flour.
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually whisk in the beer until the batter is smooth.
- Dip the fish fillets into the batter, ensuring they are completely covered.
- Carefully lower the fish into the hot oil and fry for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Increase the oil temperature to 190°C (375°F). Add the chips to the hot oil and fry for 5-7 minutes or until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Season the chips with salt and serve with the fish and optional malt vinegar.
Nutrition
This was super easy to make and tasted amazing! My family loved it. Definitely making it again!
I’m so glad your family enjoyed it! Fish and chips are the best! 🍽️
I don’t understand how people can fry fish at home… it just seems messy and complicated. I’ll stick to takeout.
Yummmmm! ❤️❤️❤️ Love fish and chips like a proud Brit. Def coming back for seconds.
This was a hit at our dinner party! The fish came out so crispy and delicious, just like we had in England! Thanks for sharing!
I don’t understand how the fish get crispy like that. Is it really the beer? Thought that was just a myth.
So glad to hear it turned out well! Fish and chips are my fave. You should try making your own tartar sauce too!
Fish and chips are overrated. I mean, who really likes fish anyway? Just saying.
Fish good; chips meh. Too salty for my taste. Next time I won’t sprinkle so much! Super easy tho.
Is it normal for fish to be that oily? I mean, I love fried food but wow.
Homemade chips are always way better than McDonald’s!
Totally agree! There’s just something about homemade that makes it taste so much better. Plus, you can control the ingredients! 🌟
Are you sure about that? I’ve had some pretty good fries from McDonald’s. But I guess this recipe looks fun to try. 🤷♂️
Not a fan. The chips were too soggy and the fish tasted off. Maybe I messed it up, IDK.
Easy recipe, but I think I overcooked the fish. It turned out a bit dry. 🙁 Will try again!
Not bad but I’d rather stick to frozen stuff, simpler to make.
Dude, add some cayenne pepper to the batter. Takes it to a whole new level!
This was awesome! My husband loved it!
Was expecting better flavors. The fish tasted bland. 🤷♀️
Easy to follow but I used chicken instead of fish and it turned out great! Lol.
Tried making this and the batter didn’t stick to the fish. What did I do wrong? Any tips?
I tried this recipe and the batter was too thick. Kept falling off!
I was really skeptical about using beer in the batter. Do I really need to? Mine came out kinda heavy.
This is the best fish and chips I’ve ever made! The batter turned out so crispy and delicious. My family loved it!
Lovely recipe! I used sparkling water ’cause I didn’t have beer, and it worked fine! Very crunchy!
I dunno, my fish ended up soggy. Is the oil hot enough? Or like too cool maybe? Kinda dissapointed.
I’ve made this plenty of times and my fish always come out crispy! Make sure the oil is super hot before frying. Try using a thermometer if you’re unsure. Don’t give up! 😊
Maybe you’re not frying it long enough or the temp ain’t right. If the oil’s too cold, it’ll absorb into the fish. That’s what’s making it soggy. Just gotta keep experimenting!
Easy peasy! Fish came out so crispy, and the chips were perfect!
This recipe is amazing! I’ve been craving fish and chips for weeks. My family loved it.
Soo simple and delish! I will make it again. Thanks a lot!
It was alright, but the batter didn’t stick to the fish. Maybe I did something wrong?
Perfect for Friday night dinner! Just like the fish n chips we had in England. 😀
Fried some pizza rolls instead of fish, much better! Not sure if this is whatne recipe meant.
Not bad. Would recommend if you know how to fry stuff. Otherwise, good luck! 😂
Haha, true! Frying can be tricky if you’re not careful. But trust me, it’s worth it for that crispy goodness! 🍟