Better Homes And Gardens Fish Batter Recipe

Fish fry batter is arguably the most important component of a delicious British fish and chips dinner. Next to the actual fish, of course.

fish and chips on a wood serving board with dipping sauces

Fish Fry Batter Recipe

Fish fry recipes are plentiful, it seems that every family has one and the recipes for the beer battered fish vary between regions.

In the US, fish recipes are often associated with the Easter holiday where "fish fry Fridays" are held every week. My husband's family does this and since in our current area, they aren't as easy to find, I had to create one of our own.

However, most fish fry recipes are really just beer battered fish, mostly whole fish fillets, often served with fries as British fish and chips and served any old day of the week.

In my search for the best batter, I came up with this recipe. It is thin, but still coats the fish, and crisps nicely when fried, but doesn't overpower the actual fish flavor. It defeats the purpose to taste nothing but batter but no fish. I also opted to use fish pieces. They are easier to handle while frying and also easier to dip while eating.

Fish and Chips

British fish and chips are typically made with cod or haddock. However, you can use many other different types of white fish in your fish fry, like plaice, halibut, or flounder. I prefer using cod fillets.

angle view of fried fish with french fries

Traditionally, fish and chips are served with newspaper. This is because newspaper was cheaper than buying any other container or plastic and also absorbed extra oil from frying.

The chips, of course, are actually French fries, not potato chips. Fried to a golden brown along with the fish and served with lemon wedges, it is the ultimate comfort food.

While today, British fish and chips are usually served with a layer of white paper underneath the newspaper, many places still serve fish and chips in a newspaper cone.

Best Fish for Frying

As mentioned above, there are several kinds of fish you can fry. Much will depend on your geographic location and what you can locate. Frozen fish is fine as long as it is has been fully thawed ahead of time.

Regardless of type, smaller pieces are easier to handle and make sure it is dabbed dry with a paper towel before battering.

Cod- any variety
Tilapia- thicker fillets
Catfish- thicker fillets
Perch
Whitefish
Rockfish
Wall-Eye
Local Fish Options

Ingredients

The ingredient list is pretty easy and standard. Any of the seasonings can be omitted or increased based on preference and availability.

The only items that are essential for a great recipe are the fish, flour, egg, beer (or other liquid) and oil for frying.

Fish– I like cod, but any white fish will do.
Oil for frying– canola, peanut or vegetable oil for deep frying.
Flour– both for the batter and to toss the fish before battering, which helps to hold the better on while frying.
Seasonings- garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper
Baking soda– helps it get crispy and a little puffy.
Egg- Binds and creates structure.
Beer- Light beer is best. Non-alcoholic substitutes include apple juice, water and chicken stock. As long as you use the same volume and it is liquid, you are good.
Lemon– There is nothing quite like fresh lemon juice spritzed onto seafood.

How to Make Beer Battered Fish

Making the batter is easy. Simply mix together all dry ingredients for the flour mixture and then add whisked egg and beer until just combined. Do not over mix. Allow the batter to sit for a few minutes to rest. You can even refrigerate it while resting.

After making the batter, toss the fish in flour, shaking off any excess. This helps the batter stick and not slide off while frying.

Frying

While you can make fish fry recipes in a stove top pan, I do highly recommend using an actual fryer. The most important reason for this is that it's safer – it's far too easy for hot oil to splash everywhere in a regular frying pan.

overhead of fried fish platter with fries

The second reason is that a fryer offers better temperature control, which is essential in making sure the fish fry batter gets nice and crispy while the fish gets properly cooked. Also, make sure you use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola or peanut oil.

Heat oil to a temperature of 365°F.

Fry fish until batter is lightly brown, approximately 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove, tapping off excess oil. Place on a wire rack with paper towels underneath. This prevents the pieces of fish from getting soggy while letting the oil drain.
Serve this beer battered fish with fries and tartar sauce , cocktail sauce or hot sauce. Hush puppies are also commonly served alongside.

Make Ahead & Freezing

Fried fish is best served immediately after cooking, while still warm and crispy. It is best reheated in the oven on low heat. I do not recommend freezing this dish.

More fish recipes:

The Best Fish Tacos
Spicy Cedar Plank Salmon
Lobster Stuffed Cod

Grilled Red Snapper

Close up of grilled red snapped on a plate

Grilled Red Snapper- how to prepare and grill whole fish with fresh herbs and lemon, Mediterranean style fish at home! You won't believe how easy it is to make your own whole fish!

Ranch Salmon

A plate of salmon with rice

Looking for an simple weeknight meal with minimal ingredients? This easy Ranch Salmon is it!

Voodoo Shrimp Creole

Voodoo Shrimp Creole is a tomato-based dish using shrimp and beer to make a sweet and spicy broth. Serve over rice or grits for a full meal. #voodooshrimp #shrimpcreole www.savoryexperiments.com

Voodoo Shrimp Creole is a tomato-based dish using shrimp and beer to make a sweet and spicy broth. Serve over rice or grits for a full meal.

Mixing Bowls– make sure to check out my article on Using the Right Mixing Bowl, you'd be surprised how many people aren't!

Electric Deep Fryer – I used to think I was fine pan frying. Then I got a fryer and it made my fried foods SO much more delicious!

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Fish Fry Batter

This beer batter fried fish uses light beer and a few basic ingredients to create the best fish fry batter for British fish and chips. Yum!

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 15 mins

Total Time 25 mins

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: beer battered fish, fish and chips, fish fry, fried fish

Servings: 4

Calories: 401 kcal

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

2 quarts vegetable oil , for frying
24 ounces cod fish fillets , cut into 8 pieces
1 1/2 cups flour , divided
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons fine sea salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 egg , lightly beaten
12 ounces light beer
Tartar Sauce
Cocktail Sauce

Heat oil in a deep fryer to 365 degrees. If you don't have a deep fryer, you can heat oil in a large dutch oven or cast iron skillet, use a candy thermometer to measure.
Rinse fish and pat dry. Leave whole or cut into smaller pieces.
Combine 1 cup flour, garlic powder, paprika, fine sea salt, baking soda, ground pepper in a shallow dish, stirring to combine. Stir egg into dry ingredients.
Gradually mix light beer until a thin batter is formed.
Toss filets in 1/2 cup flour and tap off excess, this helps the batter stick.
Dip fish fillets into the batter and immediately drop into hot oil. Work in batches so you don't crowd the pan.
Turn once to ensure all sides are lightly brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes for each batch, although this will be dependant on the thickness of your filets as well.
Transfer to a wire rack on a baking sheet to drain. Set into a hot oven to keep warm until the rest are completed.
Serve with cocktail or tartar sauce.
If you've tried this recipe, make sure to come back and let us know how you liked it in the comments or ratings.

Meet The Author: Jessica Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and food lover behind Savory Experiments. She is obsessed with butter, salt and bacon and spends all her time in the kitchen and behind a camera. Jessica is a contributor to PopKitchen by Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal Food + Travel and more!