Beer-Battered Cod with Hand-Cut Potato Fries
Golden beer-battered cod fillets paired with thick, crispy homemade potato fries, delivering a classic pub-style fish and chips experience. This british-inspired father’s day ready in about 65 minutes pairs cod fillets, cold beer, baking powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cod fillets
- 1 cup, plus 1/2 cup for dusting all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cold beer
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 large russet potatoes potatoes
- for frying, about 4 cups vegetable oil
- for serving lemon wedges
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel 4 large russet potatoes and cut them into 1/2-inch thick fries, then soak in cold water for 30 minutes to remove starch.
- Step 2: While potatoes soak, in a large bowl whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Gradually whisk in 1 cup cold beer until the batter is smooth and thick; refrigerate.
- Step 3: Preheat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 325°F for frying the fries.
- Step 4: Drain and pat dry the potato fries, then fry in batches for 4-5 minutes until soft but not browned. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Step 5: Increase oil temperature to 375°F for frying fish and finishing fries.
- Step 6: Pat 1 lb cod fillets dry and season with 1/2 tsp salt. Lightly dust each fillet with 1/2 cup flour.
- Step 7: Dip floured cod fillets into the chilled beer batter, coating evenly, then carefully lower into hot 375°F oil. Fry for 4-5 minutes until golden and crisp, turning once.
- Step 8: Return fries to the 375°F oil and fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and season immediately with remaining salt.
- Step 9: Serve the beer-battered cod over fries, garnished with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Beer-Battered Cod with Hand-Cut Potato Fries take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (45 min prep + 20 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 Hand-Cut Potato 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 cod fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Beer-Battered Cod with Hand-Cut Potato 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 Hand-Cut Potato Fries for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Hand-Cut Potato Fries?
British father’s day 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
- ★★★★★
Simple, impressive, and family-approved. My kids begged for the fries to be served extra crispy—definitely a new go-to for weekend dinners.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The subtle beer flavor in the batter elevated the cod without overpowering it. Served with a side of peas for the perfect British Sunday roast feel.
- ★★★★★
Best cod recipe ever. The batter stayed light even after frying, and the hand-cut fries were worth the extra effort. My husband even asked for seconds!