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Crispy Beer Battered Fish

  • Makes 2 pounds fish
  • Prep 10 mins
  • Cook 6 mins
  • Total 16 mins
Crispy Beer Battered Fish

If you are looking for a tasty beer-battered fish this recipe fits the bill. Tender cod fillets that are in a wet beer batter and pan-fried till golden brown. Flakey, tender white fish in a savory beer batter breading.

This is the beer-battered cod. A great fish fry recipe that you can use a deep fryer or a pan-fried fish. Whether you plan to cook a little fish or a lot, this beer batter recipe is great with almost all white fish.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Easy batter
  • Simple ingredients
  • Easy Lunch Or Dinner Recipe
  • Most lager beers work great
  • Flavorful and fluffy batter
  • Keeps fish nice and moist as it pan-fries
  • Quick cook
  • Beer batter works great with all white fish fillets (bass, cod filet, catfish, tilapia filet, etc)
spices and flour in a bowl on marble counter

Ingredients Needed

  • White Fish – Tilapia, Cod, Bass, Catfish are all great fish varieties to use. You will find any white fish works great.
  • Cornstarch – Helps bring the batter a light and airy texture
  • Beer – Adjusts the texture and gives a nice flavor to the batter.
  • Creole – This is a Cajun spice to help bring out natural flavors in the fish.
  • Paprika, Garlic, And Onion Powder – Added spices for flavoring.
  • Oil for frying.
skillet with fish being fried

How To Make

  1. In a bowl add your flour, cornstarch, Creole, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until combined.
  2. Next pour in your beer and stir the batter until well mixed. If too thick add a teaspoon of water at a time.
  3. Pat dry your fillets and then season with salt and pepper. Dip into the batter.
  4. Place in a fryer or pan that has 375-degree oil. Deep fry flipping it once. The fish needs to read an internal temperature of 145.
battered fish

What To Serve With Fried Fish

Go for a classic fish and chips, or step out and try some other tasty side dishes to pair with your pan fried cod.

fish on plate with coleslaw by it

Storage

Like any fried food, this fried fish is best when served fresh. If you happen to have leftover fish, go right ahead and place in an airtight container and store in the fridge.

The fish can store for a day or two. Then just reheat in microwave, skillet, or even an air fryer.

Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe

Tartar sauce is the condiment to pair with your deep fried fish. You can make it easily with ingredients you might have on hand.

Go here for a tartar sauce recipe that is rich, flavorful, and tasty when paired with this fish batter recipe. Dill relish, mayonnaise, capers, and more all in one savory sauce.

We hope you enjoy this recipe, we think it is the best white fish recipe, and it is great with tartar sauce, lemon juice, splash of hot sauce or even white distilled vinegar.

Practical notes

What kind of beer do you use for beer battered fish?

You will find using a pale ale style beer. The beer helps to add flavor but alters the texture of the batter. Bud, Miller, Bud light, Do Equis Lager, etc are all great choices.

Can kids eat beer battered fish?

Kids can eat food that has been battered in a beer batter. This beer battered fish and chips can be made and served for all ages. The beer will cook off as it is fried.

Why is beer used in fish batter?

Beer is used often like this pan-fried cod fish recipe. The reason being is the beer adds carbon dioxide and creates a light and crispy batter you can’t get with other ingredients.

How long does it take to fry fish?

You want the oil in the pan to be 375 degrees. Then it can take 3-4 minutes to fry up the fish, depending on how thick or thin your filets are. The fish when done will be golden brown crust, and the fish flakes easily.

best beer batter fish on plate with lemon wedge

Check Out More Easy Recipes

Ingredients

Makes 2 pounds fish

  • 2 pounds fish fillets, I used cod
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 12- ounce beer, light or pale ale style
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Creole spice
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper
  • 3 tablespoons water, optional
  • Oil for frying

Equipment

  • Deep 12 Inch Skillet

Method

  1. Heat oil in a skillet to 365-375 degrees.
  2. Pat dry your fish with a paper towel. Then lightly season with salt and pepper.
  3. In a bowl add your flour, cornstarch, creole, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
  4. Stir in the beer mixing well. If the batter seems too thick add a teaspoon of water a time till it reaches a thinner consistency.
  5. Dip your dried fish into the fish batter and carefully place in the hot oil. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the fish is fully cooked and the batter is golden brown.
  6. If you are pan-frying the fish flip it once so the batter on both sides fully cooks.
  7. Serve up your beer-battered fish with chips, coleslaw, or any other of your favorite side dishes.

Kitchen notes

To reheat your fish air fry at 325, microwave, or even cook in oven till fully warmed. Serve with your favorite sides, a drizzle of lemon juice, or even vinegar. Place cooked cod filets on a paper towel to soak up any excess grease. You can use any white fish you have for this recipe. Make sure to pat fish dry, or the wet batter will not stick well. The fish needs to be fresh, if frozen allow it to fully thaw. Otherwise, the batter will break off the fish.

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