Classic Fish and Chip Recipe

Introduction

There’s a reason the Classic Fish and Chip recipe is beloved worldwide—think impossibly crisp, golden batter encasing tender, flaky fish, paired with satisfying fries for a meal that checks every comfort food box. Not only is this dish crowd-pleasing and easy to make at home, but it also transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy experience. Enjoy this comforting favorite any night of the week for a taste of culinary nostalgia.

Why This Fish and Chips Recipe is a Must-Try

What sets this rendition apart is its reliably light, crunchy batter that stays crisp even after the fish cools, combined with double-cooked chips for the ultimate texture. This recipe respects tradition but keeps things approachable for all skill levels—a fantastic way to bring the feel of a coastal British pub into your kitchen.

Choosing the Right Fish and Making That Perfect Batter

For authentic results, choose a white, flaky fish such as cod, haddock, or pollock. The secret to a light, bubbly batter is using cold sparkling water and a touch of baking powder, giving the fish a delicate but substantial crunch. Mixing the batter just before dipping ensures the carbon dioxide in the bubbly liquid does its magic for maximum crispiness.

Mastering Homemade Chips (Fries)

Slice Russet potatoes into thick fries, soak them in cold water to draw out excess starch, then fry them twice—first at lower heat to cook through, then at high heat to finish crisping. This classic method yields chips with tender centers and crisp exteriors just like a good chip shop.

Serving Your Classic Fish and Chips Like a Pro

Serve your fish and chips with malt vinegar, tartar sauce, and perhaps a side of mushy peas for a true British touch. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and serve piping hot. For an extra-decadent finish, offer lemon wedges and freshly ground black pepper at the table.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes 4 hearty servings. Each serving typically contains 500–600 calories, depending on frying oil absorption and the size of the portions. It provides a good source of protein and can be made lighter by oven-baking the chips.

Classic Fish and Chip Recipe (Recap)

Classic Fish and Chips promise a hearty meal, blending golden, battered fish with crispy fries. The zippy homemade batter and double-cooked chips ensure a dining experience full of texture and tradition—a surefire family favorite.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically create a sorted shopping list—all your ingredients in one place, organized by store section for fast, stress-free grocery runs and effortless meal planning.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chips: Place sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water and soak for at least 30 minutes. Drain, rinse, and pat dry thoroughly.
2. First Fry for the Chips: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 320°F. Fry the chips in batches for 3–4 minutes, until just tender but not golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
3. Make the Batter: In a bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups of flour, baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Gradually whisk in the sparkling water until a thick, lump-free batter forms. Keep the batter cold and use immediately.
4. Prepare the Fish: Pat fish fillets dry and lightly dust with extra flour to help the batter stick. Dip each piece into the batter, letting excess drip off.
5. Fry the Fish: Heat oil to 350°F. Carefully lower battered fish into the hot oil and fry for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and crisp, turning once halfway. Remove and drain on a rack or paper towels; season immediately with salt.
6. Second Fry for the Chips: Turn the oil up to 375°F. Fry the chips again in batches for 2–3 minutes, until golden and crisp. Drain and season.
7. Serve: Plate the fish with hot chips. Add optional garnishes—tartar sauce, malt vinegar, or peas. Enjoy while everything is hot and crispy!

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe is a fantastic addition to any weekly meal plan—it can even be prepped in advance by slicing potatoes or mixing batter ingredients to save weeknight time. Save and schedule this recipe to effortlessly organize your week: CookifyAI’s smart lists consolidate ingredient amounts, group them by grocery section, and help avoid duplicates or missing essentials.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically totals ingredient amounts across all recipes for the week
• Creates a clear shopping list sorted by grocery sections
• Keeps your pantry organized and reduces food waste
• Makes weekly meal prep seamless—just prep, cook, and enjoy!

Pro tip: Plan multiple meals with CookifyAI, and overlapping ingredients—like potatoes or oil—will only get added once to your shopping list, simplifying your grocery run and cutting down on excess.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus potato soaking time)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes