Easy Fish and Chips Recipe With Homemade French Fries

Try this easy fish and chips recipe to make this classic comfort food at home.

Ingredients:

- 4 white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or pollock)

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1 cup cold sparkling water

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.

2. In a large bowl, mix the flour and baking powder. Slowly pour in the cold sparkling water, whisking until the batter is smooth and slightly thick.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot. The oil should be hot but not smoking, around 180°C (350°F).

4. Dip each fish fillet into the batter, making sure it is fully coated. Allow any extra batter to drip off.

5. Carefully lower the fish into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Flip halfway through for even cooking.

6. Remove the fish with a slotted spoon and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to remove extra oil.

Serve the fried fish immediately with freshly cooked fries for the best taste.

Homemade fries are the perfect side to complete your fish and chips. They are crispy on the outside and soft inside when cooked properly.

Ingredients:

- 4 large potatoes

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into long, even strips. Try to keep the size the same so they cook evenly.

2. Rinse the cut potatoes under cold water to remove extra starch. This helps make them crispier when fried.

3. Pat the potatoes dry with a clean towel. If they are too wet, the oil will splatter.

4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer. The temperature should be about 160°C (320°F).

5. Fry the potatoes in small batches for 4–5 minutes. They should look soft but not golden yet. Remove and let them rest for a few minutes.

6. Increase the oil temperature to 190°C (375°F). Fry the potatoes again until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes.

7. Place the fries on paper towels to remove extra oil and sprinkle with salt while hot.

Choosing the right fish is very important for a good fish and chips recipe. The best fish should be white, flaky, and mild in flavor. Here are some great options:

1. Cod – The most traditional choice for fish and chips. Cod has a mild taste and soft texture that works well with crispy batter.

2. Haddock – Another classic option, haddock has a slightly stronger flavor than cod. It holds its shape well when fried.

3. Pollock – A budget-friendly choice that still delivers good flavor. Pollock is also commonly used in many fish sticks and fried dishes.

4. Halibut – A firmer fish with a meaty texture. Halibut is less traditional but still makes delicious fish and chips.

5. Tilapia – A lighter option with a mild taste. It cooks quickly and works well with batter frying.

To make your dish taste even better, here are some practical tips for cooking fish and chips at home:

1. Use Sparkling Water for the Batter – Adding sparkling water to the batter helps create tiny air bubbles that expand during frying. This makes the coating lighter, crispier, and more enjoyable with every bite of the fried fish.

2. Fry in Small Batches – When you fry too many pieces at once, the oil temperature quickly drops. This causes the fish or fries to absorb excess oil, turning them greasy instead of crispy and perfectly golden brown.

3. Double Fry the Fries – The first fry softens the potatoes, while the second fry crisps them up beautifully. This two-step method ensures fries that are fluffy inside and crunchy outside, just like authentic chip shop fries.

4. Keep the Oil Temperature Steady – Consistent oil temperature is the secret to even cooking. Using a cooking thermometer helps you maintain heat, so the fish cooks through properly without burning or becoming soggy in the oil.

5. Serve Immediately – Fish and chips taste their best right after frying. If you wait too long before serving, the batter can soften, and the fries may lose their crunch, making the dish less enjoyable overall.

By following these tips, you can create a homemade fish and chips recipe that feels authentic, crispy, and full of flavor.