Beer Battered cod Recipe – Easy British Pub Food

Experience the heart of British pub culture with the iconic Beer Battered Cod Recipe. Savory cod fillets served with french fries, lemon wedges, and a tangy tartar sauce. 

In cozy, historic pubs, locals gather for lively conversations over perfectly battered cod and golden fries. It’s a tradition that blends flavorful bites with the warm camaraderie of a classic British pub setting. Cheers to the timeless delight of fish and chips in the heart of a pub’s welcoming atmosphere!

Ingredients for this Beer Battered Cod Recipe

Each ingredient in this beer battered cod recipe plays a pivotal role in creating a symphony of flavors and textures, promising a satisfying and authentic experience reminiscent of the charming pubs of Britain.

• Cod Fillets: The key protein in fish and chips, cod fillets provide a mild, flaky texture. Their neutrality allows the beer batter to shine, creating a harmonious balance in the dish.
• Oil for Frying: Essential for achieving the crispy, golden exterior of the beer-battered cod. The choice of oil contributes to the authentic taste and texture, making it a crucial element in the traditional preparation. I use canola oil.
• Ground Black Pepper and Salt: These seasonings enhance the flavor profile of the cod and the batter. Black pepper adds a subtle kick, while salt brings out the natural taste of the fish and contributes to the overall savory experience.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the beer batter, creating a crispy coating for the cod. It plays a vital role in achieving the iconic texture that defines traditional British fish and chips.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that introduces lightness to the batter. It contributes to the airy and crispy texture of the coating, ensuring a delightful crunch with each bite.
• Pale Ale or Light Beer: Adds flavor and effervescence to the batter, creating a distinct taste. The bubbles in the beer contribute to the lightness of the coating, making it a key element in the traditional pub-style preparation.
• Water: Adjusts the consistency of the batter to achieve the desired thickness. It ensures that the coating adheres well to the cod while maintaining a light and crispy texture.
• Lemon Wedges: Served alongside the dish, lemon wedges offer a burst of citrus that cuts through the richness of the fried fish, providing a refreshing contrast.

Optional Garnishes and accompaniments

• Malt Vinegar [paid link]: A classic condiment for fish and chips, malt vinegar [paid link] adds tanginess and acidity, enhancing the overall flavor. It’s a traditional accompaniment that elevates the dining experience.
• Tartar Sauce: A creamy and tangy condiment, tartar sauce complements the fried cod, adding a rich and flavorful element. It’s a popular choice for dipping and enhancing the overall taste.
• Mushy Peas: A traditional side dish, mushy peas provide a contrast to the crispy fish and chips. Their soft texture and slightly sweet flavor balance the meal, creating a well-rounded and authentic pub-style experience.

How to Prepare Beer-Battered Cod Recipe

Gently dry fresh cod, craft a golden beer batter, and master the art of frying for a crispy delight.

• Heat the Oil. Heat the oil to 365 degrees F. The temperature will decrease once the first filets are added to the oil. After that, you want the oil to stay at 350 degrees F for even frying.
• Prepare the Batter. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cayenne, beer, and water, if needed. The batter should have the consistency of pancake batter.
• Season and Prepare the Fish. Pat the fish dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper on both sides. Lightly dust fish on both sides with flour making sure to lightly shake off any excess. This light coating helps the batter stick to the fish.
• Fry the Fish in batches. One at a time, dip two of the fillets in the batter and turn to coat well. Allow excess batter to drip off. Gently add the fillets to the oil, placing the fish into the oil with the end you are holding facing away from you so that any oil splashes will land behind the pot and not on you.
• Drain the Excess Oil. Transfer the fillets to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain and then transfer to the baking sheet in a 225-degree F oven to keep warm. Let the oil return to 350 to 375 degrees F and repeat with the remaining fillets.
• Serving Immediately. Serve the fish with chips, tartar sauce, lemon wedges, mushy peas, and malt vinegar [paid link].

Why this Beer Battered Cod recipe works

The magic of this beer battered cod recipe lies in the meticulously crafted beer batter, its effervescent from the pale ale, and the delicate balance of seasonings that elevates each bite. From the first crispy crunch to the succulent tenderness within, experience the perfect fusion of tradition that captures the essence of British pub culture in every delicious mouthful.

1. Beer Batter Magic: The use of a beer batter, made with pale ale or light beer, introduces effervescence and flavor to the coating. The bubbles contribute to a light and crispy texture, elevating the overall eating experience.
2. Perfectly Balanced Seasonings: Ground black pepper and salt are carefully balanced to enhance the natural flavors of the cod without overpowering. This ensures a well-seasoned dish that appeals to a wide range of taste preferences.
3. Crispy Exterior, Tender Interior: The combination of all-purpose flour and baking powder in the batter results in a crispy exterior while maintaining the tenderness of the cod fillets inside. The leavening agent contributes to the airy texture of the coating.
4. Traditional Touch: The inclusion of malt vinegar [paid link], lemon wedges, and tartar sauce pays homage to traditional British accompaniments. These condiments add layers of flavor, from tangy to citrusy, enhancing the authenticity of the dish.

Recipe Tips and Kitchen Tricks

1. Chilled Batter Rest: Allow the beer batter to rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before dipping the cod fillets. This resting period not only enhances the flavors but also gives the batter time to thicken slightly, ensuring a better adherence to the fish and a crispier texture upon frying.
2. Temperature Control for Frying: Maintain an optimal frying temperature of 375°F (190°C) for the oil. This ensures that the beer-battered cod cooks evenly, achieving a golden brown exterior while keeping the fish inside tender. Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor and adjust the oil temperature as needed.
3. Patting Dry the Cod: Before dipping the cod fillets in the beer batter, pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the batter adhere better to the fish, resulting in a crisper coating during frying. This step also prevents the oil from splattering excessively when the cod is added to the hot oil.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Beer-Battered Cod: Add finely chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the beer batter for a spicy kick. Enhance the heat by incorporating cayenne pepper into the flour mixture. Serve with a spicy aioli or hot sauce for dipping.
2. Herb-infused Beer-Battered Cod: Mix chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, dill, or chives) into the flour mixture for added freshness. Infuse the beer batter with a hint of garlic powder or onion powder. Garnish with additional fresh herbs before serving for a burst of flavor.
3. Gluten-Free Beer-Battered Cod: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the beer chosen is gluten-free (many gluten-free beer options are available). Adjust the baking powder and water proportions to maintain the desired batter consistency without gluten.

Serving Suggestions

1. Classic Fish and Chips:
   • Serve the beer-battered cod alongside a generous portion of golden, crispy fries for a traditional British fish and chips experience.
   • Accompany with malt vinegar [paid link], tartar sauce, and lemon wedges for dipping.
2. Fish Tacos:
   • Flake the beer-battered cod into smaller pieces and use them as the main filling for soft tacos.
   • Top with shredded cabbage, salsa, and a drizzle of creamy lime-cilantro sauce.
3. Fish Sandwich:
   • Create a beer-battered cod burger by placing a fillet on a soft bun.
   • Add cheddar cheese slice, lettuce, tomato slices, and a dollop of tartar sauce for a delightful fish sandwich.

Storing, freezing, and reheating instructions

Storing:

1. Refrigeration: Store leftover beer-battered cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Ensure the fish is completely cooled before refrigerating.
2. Separation: If possible, store any accompanying fries or sides separately to maintain their crispiness.

Freezing:

1. Individual Portions: For longer storage, freeze individual portions of beer-battered cod. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper [paid link] and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the portions to a freezer-safe bag or container.
2. Avoid Overlapping: Ensure the portions are not overlapping during freezing to prevent them from sticking together.
3. Labeling: Clearly label the container with the date to track freshness.

Reheating:

1. Oven Method:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Place the frozen or refrigerated beer-battered cod on a baking sheet.
   • Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through and the exterior becomes crispy.
2. Air Fryer Method:
   • For a quicker option, use an air fryer.
   • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
   • Air fry the frozen or refrigerated cod for 8-10 minutes until heated and crispy.
3. Avoid Microwave for Crispy Texture:
   • While a microwave can be used, it may result in a loss of crispiness.
   • If using a microwave, heat in short intervals, checking and flipping the cod until warmed through.
4. Reheat Sides Separately:
   • If reheating accompanying fries or sides, consider reheating them separately in the oven or air fryer for optimal texture.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Wine & Cocktail Pairings

Wine Pairings:

1. Sauvignon Blanc:
   • The crisp acidity and citrus notes of Sauvignon Blanc complement the fried and crispy texture of beer-battered cod. Its bright flavors enhance the overall dining experience.
2. Chardonnay:
   • A well-balanced Chardonnay with notes of green apple and a touch of oak can complement the richness of the beer-battered cod. It provides a smooth contrast to the dish.
3. Sparkling Wine or Champagne:
   • The effervescence of sparkling wine or Champagne works well with the fried and flavorful elements of the cod. It cleanses the palate between bites, creating a delightful pairing.

Cocktail Pairings:

1. Classic Gin and Tonic:
   • The botanicals in gin and the effervescence of tonic water offer a refreshing contrast to the beer-battered cod. The crispness of the cocktail complements the dish’s texture.
2. Moscow Mule:
   • The zesty combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime in a Moscow Mule provides a lively and flavorful accompaniment to the beer-battered cod. The ginger adds a subtle spice.
3. Margarita:
   • A classic Margarita with tequila, triple sec, and lime juice brings a tangy and citrusy profile that pairs well with the fried fish. The acidity enhances the overall dining experience.

Disclosure, Copyright & Privacy Policy

British Pub-Style Fried Fish

Ronda Eagle | Kitchen Dreaming

Savory, golden brown, beer-battered cod fillets served with french fries, coleslaw, lemon wedges, and tangy tartar sauce. #British #PubFood #GlobalStreetFood #FriedFish #30MinuteMeals #KitchenDreaming

5 from 4 votes

Print Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 minutes mins

Total Time 12 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Entree, main meal

Cuisine British

Servings 4 servings

Calories 930 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz. each), or haddock, thick end
• 4 cups canola oil for frying
• ground black pepper to taste
• salt to taste
• cayenne pepper optional

Fry Batter:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour plus a little extra for lightly dusting the fish
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 12 oz pale ale or other light beer [See Note 1]
• water , as needed to thin batter
• 1/2 tsp salt , more or less to taste
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper , optional

Optional Garnishes:

• 1 lemon , cut into wedges
• malt vinegar [paid link]
• tartar sauce
• mushy peas

Instructions

 

• Fill a heavy-duty 6-quart pot about one-third full with oil. Using a candy or frying thermometer, heat the oil to 350 to 375 degrees F over medium-high heat.
• In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cayenne, beer, and water, if needed. The batter should have the consistency of pancake batter.
• Pat the fish dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (optional) to taste on both sides. lightly dust fish on both sides with flour making sure to lightly shake off any excess flour. This light coating helps the batter stick to the fish.
• One at a time, dip two of the fillets in the batter and turn to coat well. Allow excess batter to drip off. Gently add the fillets to the oil, placing the fish into the oil with the end your holding facing away from you so that any oil splashes will land behind the pot and not on you.
• Fry the fish until crisp, turning once with tongs or a slotted spoon about half-way through the cooking time, about 5 to 7 minutes total.
• Transfer the fillets to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain and then transfer to the baking sheet in a 225 degree F oven to keep warm. Let the oil return to 350 to 375 degrees F and repeat with the remaining fillets.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the fish with chips, tartar sauce, lemon wedges, mushy peas, and malt vinegar [paid link].

Notes

1. The pale ale may be replaced with a dark lager or omitted altogether and replaced with an equal amount of water or seltzer. It should be noted that replacing the beer with water or seltzer will significantly change the flavor of the fish fry batter.

Nutrition

Serving: 1filetCalories: 930kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 164gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 387mgSodium: 784mgPotassium: 4114mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 360IUVitamin C: 23mgVitamin D: 8µgVitamin E: 6mgVitamin K: 3µgCalcium: 289mgFolate: 128µgIron: 5mgZinc: 4mg

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