Beer-Battered Cod with Fries
Crispy cod in a golden beer batter, served with a side of Brussels-style fries. This belgian-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs (900g), skinless cod fillets, (120ml) Belgian pale ale, (60g) flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lb (900g), skinless cod fillets
- 1/2 cup (120ml) Belgian pale ale
- 1/2 cup (60g) flour
- 1 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 1 lb (450g), cooked until golden fries
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shallow dish, whisk beer and eggs. In another, mix flour and salt. Dip cod in beer mixture, then press into flour until coated.
- Step 2: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry cod in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy, then drain on paper towels.
- Step 3: Serve cod with fries, garnished with a sprinkle of paprika.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Beer-Battered Cod with Fries take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Beer-Battered Cod with Fries?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (900g), skinless cod fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Beer-Battered Cod with Fries?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Beer-Battered Cod with Fries for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Beer-Battered Cod with Fries?
Belgian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
