No need to go down to your local chippy or search for a restaurant that makes the best beer-battered fish and chips. This British Fish and Chips recipe produces that perfectly crispy and flavorful result you’re craving!
Serve your homemade fish and chips with our authentic British Mushy Peas followed by a traditional British dessert like Sticky Toffee Pudding or Treacle Tart!
This homemade British fish and chips recipe has been a long time coming. Though I lived in England for several years it wasn’t until our two most recent trips to the UK that I was able to finally perfect the batter and technique. And so the time has come to share with you Great Britain’s most iconic dish: Fish and Chips!
Where Did Fish and Chips Originate?
What we know as fish and chips today originated in England but its earliest origins can be traced back to Sephardic Jewish immigrants from Spain and Portugal where a popular dish known as pescado frito had been enjoyed at least a couple of centuries earlier and was made using a technique of battering and and frying fish in oil. And as for the chips, the credit goes to Belgium.
One of the earliest references to fish and chips in England comes from none other than my favorite author, Charles Dickens, who in 1838 noted the “fried fish warehouses” in Oliver Twist. The famous Victorian chef, Alexis Soyer, also noted in his 1845 cookbook a recipe for “Fried Fish, Jewish Fashion,” a nod to its Sephardic Jewish origins.  The first reference to the term “chips” for fries also came from Charles Dickens in A Tale of Two Cities, where he referred to them as “husky chips of potatoes, fried with some reluctant drops of oil.” The first known fish & chips shop was opened by Joseph Malin, a Jewish immigrant, in London in the 1860’s.
Originally a dish of the working classes, fish and chips have remained a cultural icon in the UK for going on two centuries. An article in the Express a few years ago noted some interesting WWII history about the UK’s favorite dish: “During the Second World War Winston Churchill recognised the crucial role of fish and chips, referring to them as ‘good companions’. Fish and chips were two of the few foods not subject to rationing because the government feared the dish was so embedded in the nation’s culture that any limit would damage morale.  British soldiers identified one another during the D-Day landings by calling the word fish. The response was chips, signifying an ally.”
How to Make the Perfect Fish Batter
This is a divisive question that has probably led to more than a few fist fights. Opinions run strong in this arena and everyone has their own. Some say the coating should be thin and light and shatter into crispy shards when you bite into it (that’s what you get with a tempura-style batter but remember friends, tempura is Japanese, not British). Others argue the coating should be thick and puffy and the crispiness should be followed by a touch of chewiness. Some insist the batter should be dry while others are emphatic that if it isn’t seeping a bit of oil then it isn’t worth eating. In the end it all comes down to personal preference.
I lived in England for seven years and we go back every year to visit. From the northern to the southern tip of England, we’ve hit more fish and chip shops than I can number. Based on my experience of eating at dozens upon dozens of chippies throughout the country, the best fried fish is perfectly crispy and isn’t overly greasy or dripping with oil. It’s the kind of batter where you both hear and feel it crunch when you bite into it followed by your teeth sinking into the tender white flesh of the fish.
Fish Batter Ingredients
To make the best fish batter you’ll need flour, beer, baking power and salt. The beer and baking powder are key ingredients to achieving a light and airy batter.  Plus the beer gives the fish that indisputably irreplaceable traditional British flavor.
Some recipes call for adding an egg but unless you prefer a chewier, “cakier” texture, avoid it. (If you do prefer that, use this recipe and beat an egg into the batter). But we’re omitting the egg because what we’re aiming for is crispy perfection.
For the BEST tasting fish and chips, when it’s time t0 fry use beef tallow! Check out my tutorial on How to Make Beef Tallow.  It’s super easy!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Fish Batter
There are a few key elements for achieving the best fish batter:
- To achieve the best texture the beer must be very cold and you must use the batter immediately. If you let it rest for a while like some recipes recommend the fried coating will be heavier and denser.
- For the same reason, if possible chill the flour before using it to coat the fish.
- Absolute key is the correct temperature of the oil.
Oil Temperature for Fish Batter
I address this in my Schnitzel post where the same rule applies, only in the case of fish it cooks more quickly so you can raise the temp up a bit. The key is making sure the oil is hot but not too hot. If the oil is too hot the crust will burn before fish is done, and if the oil isn’t hot enough you’ll end up with a soggy, greasy coating. When the oil temperature is just right (this is beginning to sound like the story of the Goldilocks and the Three Bears) you’ll achieve that perfectly crispy coating with a tender and moist interior. The right temperature for fish batter should be between 350ºF and 375ºF. I usually aim for somewhere in the middle. If you’re not using a deep fryer with its own temperature gauge, test it with a thermometer.
Other Uses for Fish BatterÂ
You’ll likely have some fish batter left over or you can make a separate dedicated batch for other fried foods. Besides using the batter for your fish and chips you can also use it to make:
and you can use it to also make most amazing fried onions rings, calamari and shrimp. Feel free to throw in some other things and see what yummy battered-and-fried creations you come up with!
- Fish Tacos: cut your fish into bite-sized pieces, dip them in batter, and fry until cooked through, using the same guidelines. Serve on warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings.
- Fried Shrimp, Clams, Scallops and Calamari:Â simply dip and fry.
- Vegetable Fritters:Â cut up your favorite vegetables, like broccoli, zucchini, or cauliflower and dip them in batter before frying.
- Onion Rings: thinly slice the onions, dip them in the batter, and fry. This beer batter makes the best fried onion rings!
Where to Find the Best Fish and Chips?
Tell us in the comments below where you’ve had the best fish and chips! There are many great fish and chip shops and I’d be hard-pressed to narrow it down. My husband Todd used to live in Liverpool and his vote goes to a chippy there that sadly closed down a couple of years ago and he’s been on the lookout for a new favorite.  (If anyone can recommend a great one in Liverpool specifically he would be elated.) But aside from once having had the best fish and chips, Liverpool is a great city with a rich history. One of our favorite things to do is to walk along the Albert Docks at dusk. And Todd and I are lifelong Beatles fans so there’s that connection too. (On a side note, growing up in Liverpool Paul McCartney was a huge fish and chips fan. Until he became a vegetarian. But that’s another story.) When I lived in England our family had a tradition of visiting Liverpool and while there would eat at the Harry Ramsden restaurant. Ramsden’s restaurant actually earned the Guinness Book of Records title for having served 10,000 portions of fish & chips in a single day!
WHERE HAVE YOU HAD THE BEST FISH AND CHIPS? TELL US IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!
Fish and Chips Recipe
How to Make the Chips
Heat the oven to 200 F. Heat the oil in a deep fryer or a large heavy pan or Dutch oven until the temperature reaches over high heat until it reaches 325 degrees F. For the BEST tasting fish and chips, use beef tallow!  Check out my tutorial on How to Make Beef Tallow – it’s super easy!
Thoroughly drain the sliced potatoes and blot them with paper towels to remove excess water. Once the oil is 325 F carefully fry the potatoes in small batches to avoid overcrowding and fry for 2-3 minutes until pale and softened. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and let them cool to room temperature.
Increase the temperature to 375 degrees F. Carefully add the fries again, frying in small batches, until they are golden brown and crispy, another 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, place them on a baking sheet or roasting rack, sprinkle with salt while they’re still very hot, and place them in the warmed oven while you’re frying the fish.
How to Make the Fried Fish
Combine the flour, baking powder and salt in a large flat bowl. Pour in the cold beer and whisk until smooth. In another large flat bowl add some extra flour for dredging.
Blot the fish with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Thoroughly dredge all sides of the fish in the flour and shake off the excess.
Dip the fish into the beer batter to thoroughly coat all sides, allowing some of the excess batter to drip off (but not too much!). If you prefer an extra thick coating you can repeat the process of dredging the fish in flour followed by the batter.
For Frying: You can either use a deep fryer or you can use a medium-sized skillet and fill it with oil to a depth of at least an inch.
Heat the oil to between 350 F and 375 F, using a thermometer. Carefully lower the fish into the oil, waiting a few seconds before releasing it to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. Fry the fish in the deep fryer for 5-8 minutes or until nicely golden. If using a frying pan fry the fish for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until nicely golden.
Remove the fish with a slotted spoon, letting the oil drop off, then place the fried fish on paper towels for a few seconds and serve immediately. If you wait too long to serve it the batter will lose its crispiness.
Serve the fried fish with the chips. It’s traditional to shake some British malt vinegar over everything.
The traditional side is mushy peas. Check out our recipe for authentic British Mushy Peas!
Serve hot while the fish is nice and crispy. Enjoy!
Prefer some tartar sauce with your fish? While it’s not traditional in the UK, feel free to serve it with our best homemade Tartar Sauce.
Watch How to Make It
For more authentic British recipes try our:
- Yorkshire Pudding
- Cornish Pasties
- Bangers and Mash
- Scotch Eggs
- Crumpets
- Sticky Toffee Pudding
- Beef and Guinness Stew
- Spotted Dick
- Toad in the Hole
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Pickled Onions
- Scottish Shortbread
- Treacle Tart
BEST British Fish and Chips
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups light beer , VERY COLD **See NOTE
- extra flour for dredging , chilled
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh cod, haddock or halibut , (or other firm-fleshed white fish), cut into 4 pieces and patted dry (important for enabling the batter to adhere)
- oil for frying
- use beef tallow instead of oil for the best traditional flavor (click link for recipe - it's super easy to make!)
- For the Chips:
- 4 large Russet potatoes or other high starch/low moisture potato , peeled, sliced thickly and put in a large bowl of cold water until ready to fry
- salt for sprinkling
- oil for frying
- quality British Malt Vinegar , for serving
Instructions
- *See blog post for details on pro tips. To Make the Chips: Heat the oven to 200 F. Heat the oil in a deep fryer or a large heavy pan or Dutch oven until the temperature reaches over high heat until it reaches 325 degrees F (I use this instant read thermometer). Thoroughly drain the sliced potatoes and blot them with paper towels to remove excess water. Once the oil is 325 F carefully fry the potatoes in small batches to avoid overcrowding and fry for 2-3 minutes until pale and softened. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and let them cool to room temperature. Increase the temperature to 375 degrees F. Carefully add the fries again, frying in small batches, until they are golden brown and crispy, another 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, place them on a baking sheet or roasting rack, sprinkle with salt while they're still very hot, and place them in the warmed oven while you're frying the fish.
- To Make the Fried Fish: Combine the flour, baking powder and salt in a large flat bowl. Pour in the cold beer and whisk until smooth (use the batter immediately, do not let it rest for a while). In another large flat bowl add some extra flour for dredging.Blot the fish with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Thoroughly dredge all sides of the fish in the flour and shake off the excess.Dip the fish into the beer batter to thoroughly coat all sides, allowing some of the excess batter to drip off (but not too much!) If you prefer an extra thick coating you can repeat the process of dredging the fish in flour followed by the batter. Â
- To Fry the Fish: You can either use a deep fryer or you can use a medium-sized skillet and fill it with oil to a depth of at least an inch. Heat the oil to between 350 F and 375 F, using a candy thermometer. Carefully lower the fish into the oil, waiting a few seconds before releasing it to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. Fry the fish in the deep fryer for 5-8 minutes or until nicely golden. If using a frying pan fry the fish for about 2 minutes on each side or until nicely golden. Remove the fish with a slotted spoon, letting the oil drop off, then place the fried fish on paper towels for a few seconds and serve immediately. (If you wait too long to serve the batter will lose its crispiness.)Serve with the chips, a sprinkling of quality British malt vinegar and if desired a serving of authentic British Mushy Peas. Though not traditional in the UK, you can also eat the fish with our homemade Tartar Sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published on The Daring Gourmet August 3, 2019
Daniel says
We loved your recipe and will use it again! Also the tartar sauce recipe was fantastic – by far the best I have had. Thank you for such an informative and entertaining post. Keep up the great work!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
I’m thrilled to hear that, Daniel, thank you so much!
Gary says
Excellent. I added 2 tsp of corn starch to add more crunch. Not sure it made a difference but end result was perfect. I used freshly caught Yellowtail and this was better than most fish and chip shops in San Diego.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Thanks, Gary, I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Kimberly Teglas says
This was absolutely delicious! I made the tarter sauce as well! My family raves about it!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
I’m absolutely thrilled to hear that, Kimberly, thank you! :)
Anita Carlson says
What kind of beer do you recommend for the fish batter? I bought Guinness but the recipe calls for a light beer and I wouldn’t call Guinness light.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Anita, you can certainly use Guinness but the flavor of the batter will be strong, but that’s not a problem if you really like the flavor of Guinness. For a light beer you can use something like Beck’s, Miller, Heineken, Bud, etc.
Danielle says
Hi, what can I use in place of beer, since my family don’t drink beer? This looks delicious and we would love to try your recipe.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Danielle, you can use fizzy seltzer water instead (see the “notes” section at the bottom of the recipe).
Danielle says
Aw ok, I’m sorry I didn’t see the notes at the bottom. My bad
Steve Austwick says
The best fish and chips in the world can be found in Grimsby and its adjoining town Cleethorpes. From trawler to plate in a matter of hours, is as fresh as you can get. Grimsby fish is in demand all over the UK and is the best in the world. Cod or Haddock is the only choice you need to make.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
That’s sounds perfect, Steve, thanks for the recommendation.
PeteM says
Born and raised in Wales, on the coast, I enjoyed the Fish and Chip shop belonging to an Italian, Ernie and his family, who settled there after the war. Fresh fish daily and had the crunchiest batter on their cod, my favourite. Used to enjoy walking along the Promenade eating fish and chips wrapped in newspaper, soaked in vinegar and leaking through onto my fingers. Now it’s all cardboard boxes! The old days, 60’s were the best! Will try the recipe soon.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
I believe it, PeteM! I’ve heard others say exactly the same thing about those vinegar-soaked newspaper days. And I’ve actually yet to see a cardboard box which would at least be preferable over the styrofoam boxes that seem to be far more common!
PeteM says
Kimberly, to me, that was the ONLY way to eat fish and chips! However, those spoilsports banned newspaper as the wrapping! When I was there 3 yrs ago, all I saw was the cardboard boxes, but I preferred to sit and eat at the chip shop for my cod and chips and mushy peas! That’s the chip shop at the roundabout at the bottom of Mill St in Aberystwyth. By the way, it’s a shame chip shops don’t supply real mint sauce for the mushy peas! Absolutely delicious!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
PeteM, we were in North Wales two years ago and last year we visited South Wales. After spending some time in Brecon Beacons and at Caerphilly we spent the bulk of the time in Pembrokeshire and then headed north to St. David’s and Fishguard. A friend of ours had recommended Aberystwyth but we ran out of time. We’re looking forward to heading back to Wales next year and exploring more areas. What part of Wales are you from? I have great+ grandparents from both North and South Wales.
PeteM says
Born and bred in Aberystwyth. Parents both gone now and I’ve lived in LA since 1986. Say hello to Alex at the chip shop. Filipino and a very nice guy!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
I sure will, PeteM! :)
Anonymous says
This is by far the best fish and chips I have ever eaten!! We followed the recipe and added a bit of truffle oil and garlic powder to the fries. Outstanding!
Ola says
just made these for lunch!! came out absolutely amazing! Especially the batter.. so cripsy, just right! I’m afraid however that this was much more than 419 calories haha.. :D I guess it depends on how much oil goes into the fish and chips (which depends on how/how long/at what temp you fry it).
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Ola, thank you! Correct, and it also depends on how thickly you coat the fish.
Kam says
Love the flavour. Best fish and chips so far
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
I’m so glad you enjoyed them, Kam, thank you!
Hollie says
Best fish and chips recipe! Family loved it! Came out perfect. Thanks for sharing:)
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Thanks so much, Hollie, I’m so happy it was a family hit!
Phil says
I recently found that microwaving the potatoes in their skins for around 4/5 minutes takes a lot of the moisture from the potatoes,afterwards allow them to cool for a while,before carefully slicing them into chunky chips and fry.you will get the crispiest fries ever,
Make sure you scrub the potatoes well before you wave them
Jenny says
Fantastic! I used regular vegetable oil and it was amazing. I think next time I will add a bit more salt. I used the same batter for onion rings and they were fantastic too.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Wonderful, Jenny, I’m so glad it was a hit, thank you!
Curtis Wade says
Made it, my neighbors raved…total hit!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Fantastic, Curtis, thank you!
mervyn Van Arkadie says
I am a cockney by birth, for me the best fish and chips came from a chippies in Kentish Town. north London. For me the best fish was skate, but this has not been available for some considerable time. I’ve reached the age of 92 and don’t expect to return to my homeland. So I will be using your recipe to see if I can replicate
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Thanks so much for those insights, Mervyn, and I would love to hear what you think once you’ve tried this!
Pauline says
Oh my goodness Mervyn – I’m from Tufnell Park . . . one tube stop over!!!!
I’m trying this for tonight’s dinner for my fish-and-chip-loving husband and kids, who are as American as you can get. We were all looking for something different, and luckily I had everything I needed. Don’t have a candy thermometer though, so hoping for the best!
Pauline says
We made it that night and just again this week – thought I’d update: YUM! That’s all I can say. I don’t really like fish, but even I couldn’t deny it was delicious. We used avocado oil to fry, and for my portion I used a gluten-free flour/beer combo and it worked out fine. I don’t own a thermometer so I eyeballed it til it was golden brown and then turned it (didn’t use a deep fat fryer, just a pan with about an inch of oil). So good and thumbs up from everyone. Thank you for a great recipe!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Woohoo!! Thanks, Pauline, I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I rarely use a deep fryer either, usually just a pan with an inch of oil as well.