Craft Beer-Battered Fish and Chips with Herb Tartar Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden, crispy fish fillets dipped in a light craft beer batter, served alongside crunchy fries and a bright herb-infused tartar sauce. This british-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes layers cut into 4 pieces cod fillets, cold craft beer, baking powder 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 520 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 British cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F for frying. Rinse and dry 4 medium peeled russet potatoes cut into fries.
  2. Step 2: Toss fries with 1/2 tsp salt and fry in hot oil in batches for 4-5 minutes until tender but not brown; remove and drain on paper towels.
  3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt. Slowly add 1 cup cold craft beer, whisking until smooth to make batter.
  4. Step 4: Lightly dredge 1 lb cod fillets cut into 4 pieces in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, shaking off excess. Dip each piece into the beer batter, allowing excess to drip off.
  5. Step 5: Fry battered fish pieces in hot oil for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy, turning once. Drain on paper towels.
  6. Step 6: Return fries to hot oil and fry again for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy; drain and season with additional salt.
  7. Step 7: For tartar sauce, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped capers, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder until combined.
  8. Step 8: Serve fish and chips hot with a side of herb tartar sauce and lemon wedges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Craft Beer-Battered Fish and Chips with Herb Tartar Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Craft Beer-Battered Fish and Chips with Herb Tartar Sauce?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Craft Beer-Battered Fish and Chips with Herb Tartar Sauce?

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 Craft Beer-Battered Fish and Chips with Herb Tartar Sauce 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 Craft Beer-Battered Fish and Chips with Herb Tartar Sauce?

British 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.

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