Southern-Style Crispy Fish & Chips
Indulge in a delightful spin on the classic British dish with this Southern-Style Crispy Fish & Chips recipe. Featuring tender cod fillets coated in a flavorful, crispy batter and golden, crunchy russet potatoes, this dish makes for a perfect meal any day of the week. The inclusion of Old Bay seasoning adds a distinctive touch that pays homage to the rich culinary traditions of Louisiana, giving your taste buds a hint of the Cajun region. Serve this dish piping hot, with a splash of malt vinegar or alongside zesty tartar sauce, and if you're feeling adventurous, use any leftover batter to create scrumptious onion rings. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
1/2 cup (sifted)
cornmeal
1/2 cup (fine-ground)
beer
4-6 ounces (cold)
salt
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Old Bay Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon (for flavor)
vegetable oil
4 cups (for frying)
russet potatoes
4 large (cut into finger-sized pieces)
cod fillets
2 lbs (cut in half crosswise)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) to keep the fried items warm.
2
Start by preparing the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, Old Bay seasoning, and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
3
Gradually pour in the beer while continuously stirring until the batter reaches a smooth, thin consistency. Set aside.
4
In a deep fryer or large heavy skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Be cautious not to overfill the oil; leave enough space to prevent overflow when the potatoes and fish are added.
5
Cut the russet potatoes into even, finger-sized pieces and towel dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture. This ensures they fry up crispy.
6
Fry the potatoes in batches, cooking about a quarter of them at a time. Fry until they turn golden brown, which should take around 4 to 6 minutes. Remove them using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, then place in the warm oven to keep them hot.
7
Once all the potatoes are fried, season with salt and pepper to taste.
8
Next, dip the prepared fish fillets into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Carefully place the battered fish into the hot oil in batches, frying until golden brown, around 5 to 8 minutes.
9
Remove the fried fish from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Keep the fish warm in the oven until all pieces are cooked.
10
Finally, season the fish with salt and pepper, and serve hot with a sprinkling of malt vinegar or tartar sauce on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern-Style Crispy Fish & Chips?
It is a delightful spin on the classic British dish, featuring cod fillets coated in a flavorful cornmeal batter and served with crunchy russet potatoes.
What kind of fish is recommended for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 2 lbs of cod fillets, cut in half crosswise.
What gives this recipe its Southern-style flavor?
The use of cornmeal in the batter and the addition of Old Bay seasoning provide a Cajun touch characteristic of Southern culinary traditions.
What type of potatoes are used for the chips?
The recipe uses four large russet potatoes, which are known for their ability to become golden and crunchy when fried.
How do I prepare the batter for the fish?
Combine sifted flour, fine-ground cornmeal, Old Bay seasoning, and salt, then gradually stir in cold beer until smooth.
What is the secret to making the potatoes extra crispy?
Thoroughly drying the potato pieces with a towel to remove excess moisture before frying ensures they fry up crispy.
At what temperature should the oven be set to keep items warm?
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) to keep the fried items warm while you finish cooking the remaining batches.
What kind of oil should be used for frying?
The recipe suggests using 4 cups of vegetable oil for deep frying.
How long should I fry the potatoes?
The potatoes should be fried in batches for approximately 4 to 6 minutes until they turn golden brown.
How long should the battered fish cook in the oil?
The fish fillets take about 5 to 8 minutes to fry until they reach a golden brown color.
Should the beer used in the batter be cold or room temperature?
The recipe specifies using 4-6 ounces of cold beer for the batter.
How should I cut the potatoes for this recipe?
The russet potatoes should be cut into even, finger-sized pieces.
What is the purpose of Old Bay seasoning in this dish?
Old Bay seasoning adds a distinctive Cajun flavor that pays homage to Louisiana culinary traditions.
Can I use the leftover batter for anything else?
Yes, if you have leftover batter, you can use it to create scrumptious onion rings.
How should I drain the fried fish and chips?
Remove the items from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
What condiments go best with this meal?
It is recommended to serve the dish with malt vinegar or a zesty tartar sauce on the side.
Why is it important to fry the potatoes in batches?
Frying about a quarter of the potatoes at a time prevents the oil temperature from dropping and ensures they cook evenly.
What amount of flour and cornmeal is needed for the batter?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of sifted flour and 1/2 cup of fine-ground cornmeal.
Should I season the food before or after frying?
The salt and pepper seasoning should be added to both the potatoes and the fish after they have been fried and drained.
How much cod is needed for this recipe?
You will need 2 lbs of cod fillets for this preparation.
Is the flour used in the recipe sifted?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of sifted flour.
What consistency should the fish batter be?
The batter should be stirred until it reaches a smooth, thin consistency.
How much salt is included in the batter mix?
The batter includes 1/8 teaspoon of salt, though you can add more to taste after frying.
What is the best way to handle the oil level in the skillet?
Be cautious not to overfill the oil; leave enough space to prevent overflow when the food is added.
Does this recipe include any tags for dietary searching?
Yes, it is tagged with keywords like seafood, cod, southern-style, comfort food, and home-cooked.
What is the cooking order for the fish and the potatoes?
The potatoes are fried first in batches, followed by the battered fish fillets.
How many large russet potatoes are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 large russet potatoes.
Can I prepare this for a family gathering?
Yes, the description notes it is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.
What preparation is needed for the fish before battering?
The fish fillets should be cut in half crosswise before being dipped into the batter.
Is this a traditional British recipe?
It is a Southern-style spin on the classic British dish, incorporating Cajun influences like cornmeal and Old Bay.