Crispy, golden fish. Perfectly salted chips. A squeeze of lemon and a dollop of tartar sauce — nothing says comfort food quite like fish and chips! Whether you’re in the United States, United Kingdom, or Canada, this iconic dish is loved for its crunch, flavor, and pure nostalgic charm.
Today, we’ll show you how to make the best fish and chips recipe ever — right at home. It’s easy, delicious, and tastes just like your favorite seaside café! 🌊
🐟 Why Everyone Loves Fish and Chips
There’s something timeless about fish and chips. It’s hearty yet simple, crispy yet tender — the kind of meal that brings people together.
✅ Crispy, golden batter
✅ Flaky, moist fish inside
✅ Perfectly fried potatoes
✅ Irresistible flavor every time
💡 Hack Inside! The secret lies in cold batter, hot oil, and the right kind of fish — we’ll cover all of it below.
🍽️ Ingredients You’ll Need
🐟 For the Fish:
1½ pounds (700 g) white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or pollock work best)
1 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for coating)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup cold sparkling water (or cold beer for a pub-style twist)
Oil for deep frying (vegetable or sunflower oil)
🍟 For the Chips:
4 large russet potatoes (peeled and cut into thick fries)
Salt, to taste
Optional: vinegar for that classic British flavor
💡 Pro Tip: Keep everything cold — it helps the batter stay light and crispy when fried.
🔪 Step-by-Step: How to Make Fish and Chips
🥔 Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Cut your peeled potatoes into thick, even fries. Soak them in cold water for 30 minutes — this removes excess starch and makes them crispier.
Drain and pat completely dry before frying.
💡 Hack Inside: Double-frying your chips is the secret to perfect texture — crispy outside, fluffy inside.
🍟 Step 2: First Fry the Chips
Heat oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 300°F (150°C).
Fry the potatoes in batches for 4–5 minutes, until soft but not browned.
Remove and drain on paper towels.
Let them cool while you prepare the fish — we’ll fry them again later!
🐟 Step 3: Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl:
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually pour in the cold sparkling water or beer, whisking until smooth and slightly thick (like pancake batter).
💡 Hack Inside: Keep the batter bowl in the fridge until you’re ready to fry — cold batter = crispier fish!
🐠 Step 4: Prep the Fish
Pat the fish fillets completely dry with paper towels.
Lightly coat each fillet in flour — this helps the batter stick.
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid overhandling the fish once it’s battered — gentle movements keep the coating intact.
🔥 Step 5: Fry the Fish
Heat oil to 350°F (180°C).
Dip each floured fillet into the cold batter, letting the excess drip off.
Carefully lower it into the hot oil.
Fry for 6–8 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
Remove and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
💡 Hack Inside: Fry in small batches — overcrowding the pot lowers oil temperature and makes the coating soggy.
🍟 Step 6: Second Fry for the Chips
Now it’s time to get your chips extra crisp!
Raise the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).
Fry the pre-cooked chips for 2–3 minutes, until golden and crunchy.
Drain and sprinkle with salt immediately.
🍋 Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Plate your crispy fish alongside hot, golden fries. Add a lemon wedge, tartar sauce, and a sprinkle of sea salt for the ultimate finish.
💡 Bonus Hack: Want that authentic British taste? Drizzle your chips with malt vinegar before serving!
🌿 Optional Toppings & Sides
Take your fish and chips to the next level with these easy add-ons:
🧂 Tartar Sauce: Mix mayo, chopped pickles, lemon juice, and dill.
🥒 Mushy Peas: Blend boiled peas with butter, salt, and mint.
🍋 Garlic Aioli: A zesty dip for your chips.
🧅 Pickled Onions: Classic British sidekick.
💡 Hack Inside: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or garlic salt over your fries for a flavor boost!
🧑🍳 Tips for Perfect Fish and Chips Every Time
✅ Use the right fish: Cod and haddock have the perfect flaky texture.
✅ Keep your oil hot: 350–375°F (180–190°C) gives the best crunch.
✅ Cold batter = crispier coating.
✅ Dry fish before frying. Moisture makes batter fall off.
✅ Drain properly. Always use paper towels or a rack to prevent sogginess.
🍻 Bonus Hack: Pub-Style Upgrade
For that authentic British pub flavor, replace sparkling water with cold beer (like pale ale or lager). It adds richness, flavor, and an even lighter texture.
💡 Tip: Add a pinch of cornstarch to your flour mix for an extra crunchy crust!
🇬🇧 Fun Fact: The Origin of Fish and Chips
Did you know?
Fish and chips became popular in 19th-century England as an affordable, hearty meal for working families. It soon spread worldwide and remains one of the most loved comfort foods ever! 🍽️
🍟 Final Thoughts
Now you know exactly how to make the best fish and chips recipe ever — crisp, golden, and irresistibly delicious. 🐟🍋
Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a weekend treat, this classic combo never disappoints. So grab your apron, heat up that oil, and recreate a true seaside favorite right in your kitchen. 🌊✨