Craft Beer-Battered Fish and Chips with Lemon-Dill Aioli

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

Crisp beer-battered cod paired with golden fries and a tangy lemon-dill aioli makes for a classic pub-style meal at home. This british-inspired seafood ready in about 60 minutes blends cod fillets, cut into 4 oz pieces, cold craft beer, baking powder into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 600 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 40 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 British cuisine 600 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 4 large peeled potatoes cut into fries in cold water for 30 minutes to remove starch, then pat dry thoroughly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F.
  3. Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 cup cold craft beer until smooth to make the batter.
  4. Step 4: Toss cod fillets (1 lb) with 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to coat lightly. Dip each piece into the beer batter, letting excess drip off.
  5. Step 5: Fry battered cod in hot oil for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  6. Step 6: Fry potato fries in batches for 4-5 minutes until tender but not browned. Remove and drain. Increase oil temperature to 375°F and fry potatoes again for 2-3 minutes until crisp and golden. Drain on paper towels and season with 1/2 tsp salt.
  7. Step 7: For aioli, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder until combined.
  8. Step 8: Serve crispy fish and chips hot with lemon-dill aioli on the side for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Craft Beer-Battered Fish and Chips with Lemon-Dill Aioli take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (40 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Craft Beer-Battered Fish and Chips with Lemon-Dill Aioli?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Craft Beer-Battered Fish and Chips with Lemon-Dill Aioli?

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 Lemon-Dill Aioli 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 Lemon-Dill Aioli?

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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