Classic Fish and Chips

4.2
(354)

Simple fish and chips made with cod fillets and twice-fried fries. Tastes great as-is or with malt vinegar, lemon, or tartar sauce.

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A wood serving board with classic fish and chips, served with a small dish of tartar
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Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Servings:
4

You don't have to go to London for delicious fish and chips! This pub-worthy recipe will satisfy your next fried food craving.

What Is Fish and Chips?

Fish and chips is a traditional British dish consisting of fried fish and thinly sliced fried potatoes. The potatoes are called "French fries" in the U.S. and "chips" in the U.K. Many food historians think the first fish and chips shop was opened by Joseph Malin, a young Jewish immigrant, in London in the 1860s. His shop was so popular, it remained open until the 1970s.

How to Make Fish and Chips

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

What Fish Is In Fish and Chips?

This fish and chips recipe calls for cod, which is the most traditional choice because of its mild flavor and tender texture. Other popular options include haddock and pollock.

How to Make Homemade Fish and Chips

Here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make fish and chips at home:

· Make the chips by slicing and frying the potatoes.
· Make the batter by mixing the flour, baking powder, seasonings, milk, and egg.
· Dredge the fish in batter.
· Fry the fish until golden brown.
· Fry the potatoes a second time, then serve alongside the fried fish.

How to Store Fish and Chips

If you have leftover fish and chips, transfer the dish to a paper towel-lined storage container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.

How to Reheat Fish and Chips

This dish is best served fresh, as the fish and chips are crispiest straight out of the fryer. If you have leftovers, though, you can make them crispy and delicious again by patting them dry with paper towels and reheating them on the stove instead of in the microwave.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"Easy, nice, and crispy batter," according to dakman. "I would add additional spices like garlic salt instead of just salt, but this one is a keeper."

"This turned out great," raves Sandy Cramer. "I followed the recipe exactly and it was perfect. It was crispy and delicious. I think the key is to make sure your fish is not too wet. I dried the fish thoroughly and it came out just the way we like it."

"Every time I make these, I get the best compliments," says Kathy Tuita Moleni. "Keep fillets cold and make sure they are dry before dipping them in the batter. Keeping the chips in ice water makes them cook crispier."

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into strips

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 1 cup milk

  • 1 egg

  • 1 quart vegetable oil for frying

  • 1 ½ pounds cod fillets

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    Ingredients to make classic fish and chips

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Place sliced potatoes in a medium bowl and cover with cold water.

    A glass bowl with sliced potatoes in water

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper together in a separate medium bowl.

    A large bowl with flour, baking soda, salt, and pepper

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Add milk and egg; stir until batter is smooth. Let stand for 20 minutes.

    A bowl of batter for frying fish

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large pot or electric skillet to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

    A large pot of hot oil fitted with a thermometer, next to a paper towel-lined baking sheet

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  6. Drain and pat dry potatoes. Fry in hot oil until tender, about 5 minutes; drain on paper towels.

    A large pot with sliced potatoes frying in hot oil

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  7. Dredge cod in batter, one piece at a time, and place in hot oil.

    A pair of tongs dredging a piece of cod in batter, next to a large pot with a dredged piece of cod frying in hot oil

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  8. Fry fish in batches until golden brown on all sides; drain on paper towels. Monitor oil temperature, increasing the heat as needed to maintain 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

    A large pot with two pieces of dredged cod frying in hot oil

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  9. Fry potatoes again in hot oil until crisp, 1 to 2 minutes; drain on paper towels.

    A wire skimmer lowering french fries into a pot of hot oil

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  10. Serve and enjoy!

    A wood serving board with classic fish and chips, served with a small dish of tartar

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Editor's Note:

Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of batter ingredients. The actual amount of batter consumed will vary. We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. The exact amount will vary depending on cooking time and temperature, ingredient density, and specific type of oil used.

535 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

782 Calories
26g Fat
92g Carbs
45g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 782
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 26g 34%
Saturated Fat 4g 22%
Cholesterol 125mg 42%
Sodium 861mg 37%
Total Carbohydrate 92g 33%
Dietary Fiber 9g 33%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 45g 89%
Vitamin C 75mg 83%
Calcium 224mg 17%
Iron 6mg 31%
Potassium 2405mg 51%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.