Traditional British Fish and Chips with Tartar Sauce
Golden deep-fried cod fillets with crispy battered fries and creamy homemade tartar sauce. This british-inspired seafood ready in about 50 minutes layers skinless, cut into 4 pieces cod fillets, baking powder, cold sparkling water 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, skinless, cut into 4 pieces cod fillets
- 1 cup, plus 1/2 cup for dredging all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup cold sparkling water
- 4 large, peeled and cut into thick fries potatoes
- 4 cups for frying vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped dill pickles
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp, chopped capers
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F.
- Step 2: Rinse and pat dry 4 large peeled potatoes cut into thick fries. Fry them in batches for 4 minutes until pale and soft but not colored. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1 cup cold sparkling water until smooth to make the batter. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 4: Lightly dredge each 1 lb cod fillet piece in 1/2 cup flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the batter coating completely.
- Step 5: Fry the battered cod pieces in hot oil for 5-6 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Step 6: Increase oil temperature to 375°F. Return the fries to the oil and fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and season with salt.
- Step 7: For tartar sauce, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp chopped capers in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 8: Serve the fish and chips hot with tartar sauce and lemon wedges on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Traditional British Fish and Chips with Tartar Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (25 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 Traditional British 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 Traditional British 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 Traditional British 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 Traditional British Fish and Chips with 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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