Beer Battered Fish
This Beer Battered Fish recipe delivers a crunchy, golden, and delicious seafood experience with a light, airy batter made from cold beer and simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, it’s quick to prepare and adaptable for different tastes and dietary preferences.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American / Pub-Style
- Diet: Can be made Gluten-Free
Fish and Batter
- 1 lb fresh white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or pollock)
- 1 cup cold beer (lager or pale ale)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Frying
- 2–3 inches of vegetable or canola oil (neutral oil with high smoke point)
- Prepare the Batter: Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Slowly pour in the cold beer while stirring until the batter is smooth and thick but still slightly runny enough to coat the fish evenly. Set aside for a few minutes to allow the bubbles to activate for perfect crunch.
- Prep the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut larger fillets into smaller pieces if desired for easier frying and serving.
- Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a deep pan or fryer to a depth of 2-3 inches and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining the right temperature is key to a crispy crust without greasy fish.
- Coat and Fry: Dip each fish fillet into the batter ensuring full coverage. Carefully place the battered fillets into the hot oil, frying a few pieces at a time without overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fish is cooked through.
- Drain and Serve: Remove fish with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately for maximum crunch and best flavor.
Notes
- Keep the beer cold to keep batter light and crispy.
- Pat fish dry to help batter stick and prevent splattering.
- Maintain oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) with a thermometer for optimal frying.
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding and maintain steady oil temperature.
- Use fresh oil for best flavor and crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: beer battered fish, crispy fish recipe, fried fish, fish and chips, easy seafood, gluten-free fried fish