Craft Beer-Battered Fish and Chips with Tartar Sauce

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

Classic pub-style fish and chips featuring flaky white fish dipped in a light craft beer batter, fried golden and served with a tangy homemade tartar sauce. This irish-inspired seafood ready in about 65 minutes layers cod fillets, cut into 4-inch pieces, all-purpose flour, cornstarch 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 650 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: 45 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Irish cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 4 large peeled and cut potatoes into cold water and soak for 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt. Gradually whisk in 1 cup cold craft beer until batter is smooth and thick.
  3. Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F.
  4. Step 4: Drain and pat dry the potato fries, then fry them in batches for 3-4 minutes until soft but not browned. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  5. Step 5: Season 1.5 lbs cod fillets cut into 4-inch pieces with 1/2 tsp salt. Dip each piece into the beer batter, allowing excess to drip off.
  6. Step 6: Carefully lower battered fish into the hot oil and fry for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
  7. Step 7: Return fries to the hot oil and fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until crisp and golden. Drain and season immediately with salt.
  8. Step 8: For tartar sauce, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp dill pickle relish, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped capers, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley in a small bowl.
  9. Step 9: Serve the beer-battered fish and double-fried chips with tartar sauce and lemon wedges on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 65 minutes (45 min prep + 20 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 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 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 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 Tartar Sauce?

Irish 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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