Beer-battered fish
This classic fish in ale batter recipe delivers golden, crispy fillets with a light, flavorful coating. Perfectly fried and served with chips, it's a comforting pub-style dish made at home.
Updated : 28 July, 2025
Easy
About 20 min.
Ingredients
For the batter
75 grams
Corn flour
200 grams
Flour
1 teaspoon
Sea salt
330 milliliters
Light beer
2 tablespoon
White wine vinegar
For the fish
as needed
Sunflower oil
4 tablespoon
Flour
0.5 teaspoon
Sea salt
800 grams
Fish
Table
Table of volume measurements:
- teaspoon - 5 ml
- dessert spoon - 10 ml
- tablespoon - 20 ml
- glass - 200 ml
Preparation
Step 1
Start by preparing the batter: in a large bowl, combine cornflour, plain flour, and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the ale and vinegar. Using a large metal whisk, beat everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and reaches the consistency of double cream.
Step 2
For frying the fish, heat a deep, heavy-bottomed saucepan filled halfway with sunflower oil to 180C. (Alternatively, use a deep fat fryer set to 180C. Always handle hot oil with care and never leave it unattended.)
Step 3
Place some flour in a large, sturdy food bag, season it with salt, and add the fish fillets one at a time. Shake well until each fillet is evenly coated in the seasoned flour.
Step 4
Once the oil has reached the right temperature, give the batter a good stir. Dip one floured fish fillet into the batter, coating it completely, then carefully lift it out with tongs and lower it into the hot oil. Use caution, as the oil will be very hot.
Step 5
Repeat the process with a second fillet and cook both at the same time for 5–6 minutes, depending on their thickness. The batter should turn golden and crisp, but not brown too quickly - this ensures the fish is cooked through. When done, lift the fillets out with a slotted spoon and place on a paper-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 6
Reheat the oil if necessary and cook the remaining fillets in the same way. Serve hot alongside freshly cooked chips for a truly satisfying meal.