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Beer Battered Fish

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  • 23 inches of vegetable or canola oil (neutral oil with high smoke point)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: beer battered fish, crispy fish recipe, fried fish, fish and chips, easy seafood, gluten-free fried fish