Never Fail Fish Chips Recipe

Get ready to experience the ULTIMATE fish and chips! This recipe delivers flawlessly crispy, light batter and fantastic fries (using Emeril Lagasse's legendary method!). Prepare for perfectly golden fish and fluffy, twice-cooked chips that will leave you craving more. This isn't just a recipe; it's a fish and chips experience.

Prep Time 45 mins
Cook Time 65 mins
Calories 172.2 kcal
Protein 8g
Rating 5.0 (2 Reviews)
Never Fail Fish Chips

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Never Fail Fish Chips

  • 1 lb cod or haddock fillets
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Oil
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Active Dry Yeast
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • Bread Flour
  • Lemon Juice
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Pepper
  • Cayenne
  • Chili Powder
  • Celery Salt
  • Onion Powder
  • Garlic Powder
  • 2 lbs potatoes

How to Make Never Fail Fish Chips

  1. **Prepare the Potatoes:** Slice 2 lbs potatoes into even wedges or straws.
  2. **Soak the Potatoes:** Submerge the potato wedges in warm water for at least 30 minutes.
  3. **Fry the Potatoes (First Fry):** Heat 3 cups vegetable oil in a large, deep pot to 325°F (160°C). Carefully add potatoes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry until lightly golden (about 8-10 minutes), then remove and drain on a wire rack.
  4. **Rest the Potatoes:** Let the fries rest for 10-15 minutes.
  5. **Fry the Potatoes (Second Fry):** Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Re-fry the potatoes in batches until golden brown and crispy (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and drain on a wire rack, season generously with salt.
  6. **Prepare the Batter:** Warm 1 cup milk and 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan until the butter melts. Do not overheat.
  7. **Activate the Yeast:** In a small bowl, combine 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast and 1 tbsp sugar with the warm milk mixture. Let stand in a warm place for 15 minutes until frothy.
  8. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt. Make a well in the center.
  9. **Make the Batter:** Pour the yeast mixture into the well and gradually whisk in the flour from the sides, creating a thick batter – similar to double cream. Add a little more milk if needed to reach the desired consistency.
  10. **Prepare the Fish:** Pat 1 lb cod or haddock fillets dry with paper towels.
  11. **Coat the Fish:** Dredge the fish fillets in a mixture of 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup cornstarch.
  12. **Batter the Fish:** Dip the floured fish generously into the prepared batter, ensuring it's fully coated.
  13. **Fry the Fish:** Carefully place the battered fish into the hot oil (375°F/190°C, you may need to do this in batches). Fry until golden brown and cooked through (about 3-5 minutes per side).
  14. **Drain and Serve:** Remove the fish with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack. Serve immediately with the crispy fries, tartar sauce, coleslaw or peas, and malt vinegar.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

2 g

Sugar

4g

Fat

14g

Carbs

9g