Grandpa Joe's
Fish and Chips

Another British classic.

About this recipe

I only traveled to England a few times, but each time I was there I planned at least one opportunity to enjoy British Fish and Chips.  This recipe comes as close to the "real" version as anything I've tried – although serving it in a folded section of The (London) TImes newspaper would make it even more authentic!

Ingredients

  • fresh cod
  • russet potatoes
  • 8 ounces all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
  • 12 ounces beer, cold
  • cornstarch
  • kosher salt
  • vegetable oil
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • malt vinegar

Directions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cayenne pepper, Old Bay seasoning, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt.  Whisk in the beer until the batter is completely smooth.  Refrigerate until ready to use.
  2. In a separate bowl, add ¼ cup cornstarch.
  3. Cut the fish into three to four-ounce pieces and set aside.
  4. Slice the unpeeled potatoes about ¼-inch thick.
  5. Cover the bottom of a large sauté pan with olive oil.  Working in batches, add a single layer of potatoes to the pan and fry for about 5 minutes over medium heat, or until the bottoms of the potato slices are nicely browned.  Flip once and fry until the second sides are also browned.  Remove to a rack placed in a rimmed sheet, sprinkle with kosher salt, and keep warm in a 250° F oven.
  6. Meanwhile, heat 8 cups of vegetable oil in a large pot to 350° F.
  7. Working in small batches, dredge the fish pieces in cornstarch, dip them into the batter, and then immerse them into the hot oil.  
  8. Cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes, turning gently every minute or two.
  9. Drain the fish on the warming rack.
  10. Serve with malt vinegar.
Fish and Chips.

Notes

  • Some British recipes suggest the batter should be made an hour in advance.  Others say this is not important.  It is important that the batter be cold, however.
  • Any firm-flesh fish can be substituted for the cod, but cod is the traditional English favorite.
  • I generally plan for one-half pound of fish and one medium potato per person.
Posted: November 2014.