Homemade Fish and Chips Recipe For Two

You most likely have noticed that there has been an increase in advertisements lately for fish specials in fast food restaurants, sit down restaurants and even in local clubs and churches promoting their fish sandwiches and fish and chips specials.

That is because between Ash Wednesday and Easter many people around the world abstain from eating meat on Fridays. Therefore, those restaurant establishments that most often serve beef or chicken are looking for ways to entice those individuals to maintain their dietary needs with their best fish deals.

However, the cost of those menu items is increasing significantly. When we head out to eat, even when it is just the two of us, we are looking at spending around $40 just for a complete meal, drinks and a tip.

So this year we have decided to save money and make our fish dinners at home. Not only is it easy to do, but it also tastes just as good, and it is a little healthier as well!

What Type of Fish To Use To Make Fish and Chips

When it comes to making fish and chips, the type of fish that you use does matter. It is best to use a thick, mild white fish such as cod, pollock, or haddock.

Just be sure that you use fish that is at least 1 inch in thickness so it can easily hold the batter and not fall apart during the cooking process.

Beer Battered Fish

There is nothing like classic beer batter to coat your fish. When the dry ingredients are added to the liquid, the carbonation activates and allows the batter to become light and airy.

However be sure to use a light, beer with a mild flavor. Any cheap pilsner beer would work best and save the more flavorful beers for drinking.

Beer Substitute: If you aren’t one who cooks with alcohol, no worries. Club soda or sparkling water can be substituted. Although the end result will taste a little different than if you use beer, the bubbles in the carbonated drinks will still allow pockets of air to be trapped in the batter creating a light crispy exterior coating.

Use A Thermometer To Test Oil Temperature

For best results be sure to use an instant read digital thermometer to test the temperature of the oil that your fish and chips will be cooked in. This is a crucial step because if the oil is too hot the batter will become too dark. And if it isn’t hot enough the batter won’t stick to the fish.

The oil temperature needs to be between 350°- 375°F when you add the fish. Then, if you have to cook your fish in a couple of batches, be sure that the oil temperature heats back up to the correct temperature.

However, it is important to make sure that when testing the temperature that the probe isn’t touching the bottom or side of the pot. Instead, it needs to be placed in the middle of the oil.

Gluten Free Fish and Chips

If you want to enjoy classic fish and chips but are on a gluten free diet, it is best to make this dish at home. Substitute gluten free all-purpose baking mix for the flour. And then use a gluten free beer or club soda.

How To Store & Reheat

Although this recipe is designed as a small batch recipe, there may be times that you have extra fish that you want to cook. Although traditional fish and chips is best served fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To Freeze: Let the fried fish fillets cool completely then store in a freezer safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

To Reheat: Place the fish in the oven or air fryer set at 380°F and bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Quick & Easy Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe

Classic fish and chips is most often served with tartar sauce. If you don’t have any on hand, it is easy to make a homemade version with a few simple ingredients that you most likely already have in your kitchen.

• 1⁄4 cup mayonnaise
• 1⁄2 teaspoon sweet pickle relish
• 1⁄4 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
• 1⁄4 teaspoon lemon juice

Mix everything in a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Fish and Chips Recipe For Two

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• oil for frying
• 3⁄4 lb. white fish fillet (see above for suggested fish varieties)
• 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour, plus additional flour for dredging fish
• 1⁄4 cup cornstarch
• 3⁄4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1⁄8 teaspoon paprika
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt, more to taste
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, more to taste
• 1⁄2 cup cold beer

INSTRUCTIONS (Fish and Chips)

Add enough oil to a deep pot to fill it about 1-2 inches full. Then place the pot over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature so that it remains between 350-375°F.

Cut the fish in long strips that are at least 1 inch wide. Lay the fish filets on a paper towel and pat them dry on both sides. Season them generously with salt and pepper and then dredge each filet in flour, being sure to coat both sides. Set aside.

In a large bowl, mix the 1/2 cup flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Whisk in the beer into the flour mixture and continue mixing until no clumps are visible. The batter should be thick, but if it is too thick, whisk in a little more beer.

Check The Oil Temperature

Before you put the fish in the oil check the temperature to make sure it is between 350-375°F. Then dip the fillets into the batter and use a spoon to coat the top of each one.

Work in small batches so you don’t overcrowd the pot. Then carefully lower the battered fish one at a time into the hot oil. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the batter is crispy and golden brown in color and the fish is cooked through.

Once done, remove the fillets from the hot oil and place them on paper towels to drain.

If you are cooking the fish in batches, make sure that the oil returns to 350°F before putting more fish in the pot.

As the fish cools, cook the French fries in the hot oil based on package directions. Or before you begin to cook the fish cook the fries in the Air Fryer or in the oven based on the package instructions.

However, if you want to keep this dish 100% homemade, make Homemade Air Fryer French Fries from fresh potatoes.

Serve the fish and chips warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

Enjoy! Mary

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