Beer Battered Cod
The origins of fish and chips can be traced back as early as the 15th century; thought to be created by Spanish and Portuguese Jewish immigrants in the U.K. A simple batter consisting of flour, baking soda, and water was whisked together, with the fish being dipped in it, then fried in either beef fat or lard. Fish and chips is considered to be the national dish of England; once boasting 35000 fish and chip shops across the entire U.K. Now there are less than 10000 shops left of this emblematic dish.When making battered fish, using beer instead of water will make the batter lighter and crispier. You can use any type of lager, pilsner, or an ale. I’m partial to Bell’s Two Hearted IPA. Cod and haddock are the two most commonly used fish for traditional fish and chips, but you can also use tilapia, pollock, hake, halibut, whiting, or flounder. If you’re from MN, we will use walleye. Malt vinegar and tartar sauce are the two most popular accompaniments.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs cod
- 1/2 cup flour
- salt
- vegetable oil for frying
- malt vinegar
Beer Batter
- 1 cup flour
- 1 1/3 cup beer lager, pilsner, or ale
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Whisk together the flour, garlic, and onion powder in a bowl.
- Whisk in the beer until the batter is smooth. Set aside.
- Cut the cod into 2” pieces. Season with salt.
- Dredge the cod in flour. Shake off any excess.
- Assemble an assembly line of the cod and beer batter.
- Dip the cod into the batter.
- Heat up 3” of vegetable oil in a wok or pot over medium high heat. Gently place the battered cod into the oil.
- Fry for 4 minutes a side, carefully turning.
