Classic British Fish and Chips with Tartar Sauce

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-08 · Updated 2026-05-08

Golden beer-battered cod fillets paired with crispy thick-cut fries and a tangy homemade tartar sauce, embodying a beloved UK street food. This British-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, layers cod fillets, all-purpose flour, cold beer into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 700 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. 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

• 4 pieces (6 oz each) cod fillets
• 1 cup plus 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cold beer
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 4 large potatoes
• 4 cups vegetable oil for frying
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp dill pickle, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp capers, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel and cut 4 large potatoes into thick chips. Rinse in cold water, then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
2. Step 2: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large heavy pot to 320°F. Fry the potato chips in batches for 4-5 minutes until soft but not colored. Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 cup cold beer until smooth to create the batter.
4. Step 4: Increase oil heat to 375°F. Pat dry 4 cod fillets and lightly dust with 1/2 cup flour. Dip each fillet into the beer batter, then carefully lower into the hot oil. Fry for 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and drain.
5. Step 5: Return the chips to the hot oil and fry for another 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain well.
6. Step 6: For tartar sauce, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp finely chopped dill pickle, 1 tbsp capers, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley in a bowl. Mix until combined.
7. Step 7: Serve the crispy cod fillets with hot chips and tartar sauce on the side.