Lakefront Fish Fry with Beer-Battered Cod and Tartar Sauce

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

Inspired by Milwaukee’s iconic fish fry tradition, this recipe features crispy beer-battered cod fillets served with a homemade tartar sauce. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes layers about 6 oz each cod fillets, 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 480 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Slowly whisk in 1 cup cold lager beer until a thick batter forms.
  2. Step 2: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 365°F.
  3. Step 3: Pat dry 4 cod fillets and dredge lightly in flour. Dip each fillet into the beer batter, letting excess drip off, then carefully lower into hot oil.
  4. Step 4: Fry the fillets for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  5. Step 5: For tartar sauce, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp dill pickle relish, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped capers, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder in a small bowl.
  6. Step 6: Serve the hot beer-battered cod with tartar sauce and lemon wedges for a classic Milwaukee fish fry experience.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lakefront Fish Fry with Beer-Battered Cod and Tartar Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Lakefront Fish Fry with Beer-Battered Cod and 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 Lakefront Fish Fry with Beer-Battered Cod and 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 Lakefront Fish Fry with Beer-Battered Cod and 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 Lakefront Fish Fry with Beer-Battered Cod and Tartar Sauce?

American 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.

Related recipes