Fish and fries is a classic comfort food that brings together crispy, golden-brown fried fish fillets with perfectly seasoned French fries. This dish is a staple in many households and is especially popular in coastal regions where fresh fish is abundant. The contrast between the tender, flaky fish and the crunchy fries creates a delightful texture combination that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re enjoying it as a casual weeknight dinner or serving it as part of a fish fry gathering, this recipe is sure to please. Pair it with a side of tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and maybe a side of coleslaw for the full experience.
Ingredients:
- For the Fish:
- 4 white fish fillets (such as cod, haddock, or tilapia)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beer (or sparkling water for a lighter batter)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For the Fries:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or any preferred seasoning
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fries: 1.1. Peel the potatoes if desired, then cut them into thin sticks about 1/4 inch thick. 1.2. Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This helps to achieve a crispier texture. 1.3. Drain and pat the potatoes dry with a clean kitchen towel. 1.4. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 1.5. Toss the potato sticks in vegetable oil and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. 1.6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Season with salt and any other desired spices right after removing them from the oven.
- Prepare the Fish: 2.1. Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. 2.2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and paprika. In another bowl, lightly beat the egg and then mix in the beer until smooth. 2.3. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms. Let the batter rest for about 10 minutes. 2.4. Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). 2.5. Dip each fish fillet into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off before carefully lowering it into the hot oil. 2.6. Fry the fish fillets in batches for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve: 3.1. Serve the fried fish hot alongside the freshly baked fries. 3.2. Add lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce on the side.
Enjoy your homemade fish and fries, a comforting dish that brings a taste of the sea right to your table!
