Father’s Day Celebration Irish Ale-Battered Fish and Chips

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

Golden Irish ale-battered cod served with crispy fries and homemade tartar sauce, a festive dish perfect for Father’s Day gatherings. This irish-inspired seafood ready in about 70 minutes turns cod fillets, skin removed, Irish ale beer, baking powder into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 700 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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: 30 min Serves 4 Irish cuisine 700 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 3 large potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch thick fries. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then pat dry thoroughly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large heavy pot to 325°F. Fry the potatoes in batches for 4-5 minutes until pale and soft but not browned. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 cup Irish ale beer until smooth and thick.
  4. Step 4: Pat dry 1.5 lbs cod fillets and dust lightly with 1/2 cup flour.
  5. Step 5: Increase oil temperature to 375°F. Dip each cod fillet into the batter, letting excess drip off, then carefully lower into hot oil. Fry for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  6. Step 6: Return fries to the oil at 375°F and fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and season with salt.
  7. Step 7: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp finely chopped dill pickle, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped capers, and 1 tbsp fresh parsley to make tartar sauce.
  8. Step 8: Serve the crispy battered cod with double-fried fries and a side of tartar sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Father’s Day Celebration Irish Ale-Battered Fish and Chips take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (40 min prep + 30 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 Father’s Day Celebration Irish Ale-Battered Fish and Chips?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Father’s Day Celebration Irish Ale-Battered Fish and Chips?

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 Father’s Day Celebration Irish Ale-Battered Fish and Chips 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 Father’s Day Celebration Irish Ale-Battered Fish and Chips?

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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