Beer Battered Fish is an easy pub style recipe made with fresh cod filets dipped in seasoned batter and fried until golden brown and crispy.
My crispy fried fish is a pub-style recipe with the signature light, crispy coating and tender white fish! Serve it up with fries for a classic Dinner, on an Appetizer platter with some Beer Battered Shrimp, or in tortillas as tasty tacos. No matter how you serve them these Beer Battered Fish pieces are sure to be a hit!
Table of contents
Sabrina’s Beer Battered Fish Recipe
Beer Battered Fish is a classic pub food dinner! It’s super easy to prepare and it makes a fun meal when you are craving something restaurant worthy but not overly fancy. You start with fresh cod and dip it into a well seasoned light batter. It’s fried until it’s crispy and golden brown on the outside and flaky on the inside.
Chef’s Note: Why beer in the batter?
What makes this fried fish so tasty is that light and crispy batter, and the magic comes down to the beer. The natural carbonation in the beer adds air pockets and the yeast reacts with the flour to make the coating puffier than normal fried food batters. It also adds a bit of flavor, so make sure to pick a beer you’d like to drink. You can use club soda instead, but if you don’t mind alcohol, I definitely recommend trying it with your favorite pale ale or pilsner.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Cod: Mild, flaky white fish that is perfect for frying due to its neutral flavor and firm texture. Substitute with haddock, pollock, or even tilapia if desired.
- Fish Seasoning: The base seasonings for the fish are a simple 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt and ½ teaspoon Coarse Ground Black Pepper. Freshly ground pepper is ideal for the best flavor.
- 1 cup Flour: Provides structure and helps the batter cling to the fish. All-purpose flour works best here, but for a gluten-free version, you can try rice flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
- Flour Seasoning: 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder and 1 tablespoon Paprika bring a subtle yet delicious flavor to the batter.
- 1 large Egg: Acts as a binding agent and helps create the crispy texture.
- 12 ounces Beer (one regular can): The carbonation in the beer helps create a light, airy batter and adds a little flavor. I’d recommend choosing a mild lager, pilsner, or pale ale. For non-alcoholic versions, club soda or plain sparkling water works well too.
- Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point is needed for deep frying the cod. I usually like using canola oil but regular vegetable oil is a good option too.
How to Make Beer-Battered Fish
Time needed: 35 minutes
- Heat the Oil
Start by heating a deep layer of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or deep fryer until it reaches a temperature of 365 degrees – use a thermometer to confirm.
- Prepare the Fish
Dry the cod pieces with paper towels and season them with your salt and pepper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients
Mix the flour, garlic powder, and paprika in a large bowl and stir until mixed well.
- Add Wet Ingredients
Crack an egg into the dry mixture and stir it in thoroughly. Slowly pour in the beer while whisking consistently to create a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Batter the Fish
Dip each piece of fish into the batter and completely coat. Let any excess batter drip off.
- Fry the Fish
Carefully lower the battered fish into the hot oil and fry until it’s golden brown and crispy – about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Drain and Serve
Once fried to a golden crisp, put the fish onto a wire rack to drain any dripping oil. Serve hot with your choice of sides like Classic Tartar Sauce or fresh lemon wedges.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 2 pounds cod , cut into 5 inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 large egg
- 12 ounces beer
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Heat 3 inches of oil in a Dutch oven to 365 degrees.
- Pat dry the cod well with paper towel, then season with salt and pepper.
- Mix the flour with the garlic powder and paprika, then add in the egg mixing well before whisking in the beer slowly.
- Dip the fish into the batter then carefully into the oil. Fry until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes on each side, then remove to a wire rack to cool (not paper towels or newspapers or it will steam).
Video
Nutrition
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Homemade Tartar Sauce
Homemade tartar sauce is easy! Mix the following ingredients together and refrigerate at least an hour before serving:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons sweet relish
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Can This Be Made Ahead?
Beer Battered Fish is best made fresh due to the crispness of the batter. You can make the batter a day in advance and keep it in the fridge in an airtight container until ready to coat and fry. If you have to, you can put the cold battered fried in the oven and reheat at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes to get them crispy again.
Nutritional Facts
What to Pair with Battered Fish
Serve Beer Battered Fish alongside French Fries for a classic fish and chips dish. Or you can pair it with a cool creamy Coleslaw or crunchy potato chips for a diner style lunch. A big spoonful of tartar sauce, lemon wedges and malt vinegar are classic garnishes!
You could also turn this tasty crispy fish into delicious fish tacos! Either fry smaller portions or chop up the fish into pieces after it’s cooked. Serve it with shredded cabbage and toppings like pico de gallo, spicy mayo, sour cream, crema or Avocado Salsa.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Watch the temperature of the oil carefully while frying because if the temperature is too low you’ll end up with greasy fish, and too high will cook the outside before the inside is done.
- If your fish does turn out greasy, you can try placing it directly onto a baking rack to let the oil drip off.
- If your batter is too runny, whisk in all-purpose flour a little bit at a time until it is the right texture. If the batter is too thick, a little more beer can loosen it.
- A fresh cod fillet will not have a strong fishy aroma, it should smell slightly like the ocean and that’s all. If it smells strong, it is old, not fresh.
How to Store
- Storing: Place any leftover fried cod in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the cod in an oven or toaster oven. Preheat to 350 degrees and place the fish on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy. An air fryer can also be used by heating at 350 degrees for about 5-7 minutes.
- Freezing: Wrap each piece of fried cod individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag. Frozen fried cod can be kept for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Frequent Questions
Canola oil and peanut oil have the highest smoking point, which means you have less chance of burning the oil if it gets too hot. I like to use canola oil, because that’s what I usually have around the house, and it doesn’t impart any flavor to the fish.
Each piece of fish will take about 10 minutes to fry, 4-5 minutes on each side. Work in batches, making sure the fish has enough room around each side to fry properly.
The fish is done when it turns a golden brown color, and the fish will be floating near the top of the oil, while the bubbles from around the sides of the fish will slow down.
A light beer without too much flavor is best. IPAs and dark beers, like stouts or porters, are generally best avoided. Pick a pilsner, lager, blonde, or other light-flavored beer.
The batter doesn’t crisp up if the oil is not hot enough. Cook only a couple at a time, not all at once. And make sure to use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays at 365 degrees.
Variations
- Spicy Fish: Add in ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the batter to give it a little kick.
- Spices: Try adding pungent, strong spices like curry powder, cumin, or smoked hot paprika for a bolder flavor.
- Fish: You can make this with any white fish – try tilapia or grouper.
Related Recipes
More Fried Seafood Recipes
Photos used in previous versions of this post.
Really good. Haven’t been to the pub since COVID-19. This is pretty darn close!
This is a keeper! So much better than store bought! I added a little cayenne to the batter to give it a kick.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Ange. Thanks for the 5 stars.
Just delightfull I’tried the beer batter and its making My cooking more tastfull I get many questions with regards to where did you by these chicken peaces here in Aalborg Den ark and My answer where???? I made Them…… And My friends keep on asking for me to make batter for them when they have friends over just great, and the cajun batter just outstanding I went to Louisiana in 1968 and this batter bringes memories back chefers Guys and thanks
That’s wonderful, Jimmy!
My family loved this batter. It was so tasty. I kept looking for things to fry in it. Thanks so much for this recipe.
That’s amazing, Lori. Thanks for coming back to let me know how much you guys enjoy it.
What can I use if I don’t have a Dutch oven
You just want to use a deep pot like a soup pot or stock pot instead.
This was AMAZING!!! My husband loves fish and chips and trying to save money I gave it a go tonight and it was loved. He said it is better than the local English pub. I also used some of the extra batter and made onion rings and they were great as well. Thanks so much for posting this recipe!
WOW!!! Adapted the recipe to the amount of fresh cod I had…WINNER WINNER WINNER! So good, I will make again, my husband gave it two thumbs up!
Yay!! Thanks for the 5 stars, Traci.
Awesome batter! I used 12oz of beer but also added 1/3-1/2 cup of panko. Also let fish come to room temp.
So crunchy and perfect!
I will keep this in mind next time! It would add some crunch and you can’t go wrong with crunch! Great idea!
Not a big fish person, but decided to try this for dinner tonight. Absolutely delicious!!
Used with walleye and Yeungling.
MMMMMMMM!!!!
The batter is good, add a little baking powder and it will puff up nicely, and replace 1/3 of the flour with panko if you want it crisper. But 4-5 minutes on each side is too long, unless your fish is 4 inches thick. Cooking too long makes the fish mushy. More like 2-3 minutes on each side at 375°, and it will be golden, flaky and cooked through.
Very good
Made this for dinner tonight and it was great! Husband and kids (6 & 4) loved it as well. I used halibut and it was perfect. Saving and will definitely make again. Thank you!
Thanks for the 5 stars, Santana.
How do you fry 4-5 minutes on each side when you are deep frying?
Just carefully flip it over when frying using tongs or a spatula.
I am not familiar with stout beer. CAN you recommend the brand you use, please??
Guinness is probably the most well known and easily available.
1. Your recipe worked well for me with King Mackerel. A dark meat pelagic species.
2. Why do you coat the fish with salt and pepper rather than to just add the salt and pepper to the batter with the other dry ingredients?
3. I know Americans and Mexicans will eat ANYTHING cheap, but why why why promote tilapia within such a nice recipe? I have seen them raised commercially in Mexico on the undigested corn in hog poop. Efficient business plan, but yuck.
I like to coat the fish because I can really tell how much seasoning is on each piece. I have more control over it. Also, I try and do recipes that are easy and delicious and that I know most people are comfortable with. I personally prefer cod, but I know a lot of my readers enjoy tilapia so I try and give them recipes that work for them. I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe with your choice.
My husband & I just made this with cod and tilapia in the deep fryer. Both turned out excellent! Thank you!
You’re welcome, Valerie.
Fish is thawing tartar sauce is in frig (I added so e minced sweet onion) so this is dinner today hope mine turns out as good as your pics.
I don’t usually comment on recipes, but this was the BEST. It was perfect flavor and perfectly crispy. 10 ounces of Guinness was perfect for the batter. Best fried fish I have had… maybe ever. Thanks for a great and easy recipe!!
This just totally made my day, Emily! So glad you loved it enough to come back and let me know.
This was really good. My first piece stuck but oh well, still delish. Popped them in the oven to keep things hot while I finished my chips (fries) and coleslaw. Amazing flavor.
Thanks for coming back to let me know, Dawn. Glad you enjoyed them!
Awesome recipe for beer batter! Think I really impressed my wife. Fish was delicious!
The temperature of the oil, is it C or F?
F
Very delicious recipe! Very light and crispy. I used a Basa fish fillet for my first attempt which I personally don’t recommend. The fish itself was a bit mushy after frying. I think a perch or Halibut would be wonderful! Will be making it again!
Hi, I’m not a beer drinker, but I want to cook a birthday dinner and surprise my step sister who loves fish, and drinks beer occasionally, for her special day. What beer would you recommend best for this recipe?
You can really use any type. Try and find out what her favorite is and use that.
What temperature does the beer need to be?
You want cold beer for this recipe.
Thanks for sharing! I can’t wait to try it.
Awesome recipe! We like more kick and added extra Cayenne pepper. I would definitely try this recipe again but with a darker beer like Guinness
This was an excellent recipie, I will be making it again.Very easy and quick.The tartar sauce is so delish also.
Hi Sabrina! I made this for dinner tonight; it tasted good, although I anticipated the cooked coating to be crispy, yet it was sort of soft. I made sure the canola oil was btwn 350-400F. Any suggestions on how to create a crispier cooked batter? Thanks so much!
I’m glad it was still delicious. Next time, make sure not to overcrowd the fish while frying, giving them enough time to get nice and crispy.
Can I use salmon?
Sure 🙂
OMG was this wonderful!! I even forgot the egg but didn’t even notice a difference. For someone who misses Wisconsin Friday night Fish Fries, this is exactly how I remember the crunchy coating to be. Thank you so much for such an easy and delicious recipe!
Fantastic! So glad you enjoyed it, Laura.
Thumbs up from the family. Great taste. I only used 10 ounces of beer after reading some of the comments. Thanks for sharing.
I followed the instructions exactly I didn’t use the whole can of beer I didn’t want it to runny it looked wonderful when frying then I’d say 1 minute out of the fryer they just went to mush ? and I had them on a frying rack. I put them back in the fryer for a bit longer they got super crispy then went mushy in a matter of a minute I am a seasoned cook and I know there really should not be a reason why it happen we just removed the out side and ate the fish. Bewildered.
Oh no! Next time, try not to overcrowd the pan when frying. It allows the temperature of the oil to stay at the right temperature and should eliminate that issue.
Made this tonight. All 4 of my pieces stuck to the bottom of my cast iron skillet. And yes it was preheated. Also the batter was very thin.
Sorry to hear that! If you want to troubleshoot, shoot me an email at contact @ dinnerthendessert .com
Me mom my batter was very thin as well. I dipped in batter, flour, batter. Came out very good.
Tried this, and used a little less beer in the batter and it was delicious! Thanks for the recipe ? Also, my mom ate it, and she never eats my food.
Love that even mom enjoyed! 🙂
We live in port Dover Ontario. I just made this with fresh yellow perch and I’d was to die for excellent!!!
Fantastic!
Husband APPROVED! I have a deep fryer, so nothing stuck. I had the basket in the oil, slipped each piece in with tongs slowly. The breading was just enough, thin and crispy, the cod was light and fluffy. Ready to try this in an air fryer (when I get one). I did rest on a backing rack instead of paper towels…perfect.
Nice light breading recipe, I threw in some Tony’s seasoning just for some flavor but otherwise did not deviate from your recipe. A++!
I’ll take pictures tomorrow, Hubbie wants this for lunch again tomorrow.
That’s so awesome!!
I guess I did something wrong cause two pieces came out like the photos but others fell apart! They were very tasty tho!
Oh no! I’m glad you still enjoyed it.
Easy to prepare, e en better to eat! Was a hit at the family table! Served with a little tartar sauce on the side, sweet potato fries and a couple of beers!
Yum!
Super super easy and super freakin delish!! OMG! This is as good as our favorite seafood restaurant on our favorite St Simons Island, Georgia. I was so tired after a busy Father’s Day weekend, but had some fresh grouper that I wanted to use quickly. Found this recipe and boy oh boy, Sabrina did NOT disappoint. DH was thrilled and he couldn’t say enough good things about the end result. We don’t eat fried alot, but when we do, THIS will be our go to for certain. THANK you Sabrina!!
Yay!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
Easy and delicious recipe! This was simply delicious… will be trying this again
Thanks for dropping by to let me know! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Hi there, I just made this and it was very tasty. However, the batter lost its crisp extremely quickly.
Oh no! Try and make sure not to overcrowd the pan while you’re frying also that the oil is at the right temperature. Hope this helps for next time. So glad it was still tasty though.
Terrific recipe – simple, easy & fast to execute, and delicious – thank you Sabrina!
So glad you enjoyed it!
This was sooooo good! We gobbled it up! Thank you.
You’re welcome, Amy! I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
My fish kept on sticking to the fry basket
Oh no!! Next time try and hold the fish a bit in the oil to get a good coating before letting it go in the basket.
Tried the recipe i used whiting fish it did get mushy after a few minutes and I used the rack but I loved the taste.
can leftover batter be use the next day I didn’t have any more fish thawed out
My first time trying your recipe I was impressed I was so glad I had all the ingredients I was excited to try the recipe even though it was around 8:00pm had almost decided to forego dinner ??
No, unfortunately it doesn’t keep at all.
I made the batter with 12 ounces of beer per the instructions and the batter was very watery. Is this a mistake in the recipe? I don’t see how it could possible take 12 ounces. I added a bunch more flour, probably another 1/2 cup, to make the batter thick enough to coat the fish. It still was too thin.
Oh no, I’m sorry it wasn’t thick enough to how you like it. Next time perhaps start out with 6oz beer and 1 cup flour, and add in beer and flour until it reaches the consistency you like.
I want to make this but was curious, should the beer be room temperature or does it matter if it’s cold? Also is there a special kind of thermometer for testing the oil temperature?
I prefer cold beer because I think it gives it a lighter, crispier batter but you can use it at room temperature too. Just a preference. Most meat thermometers can be used to check the oil temperature. Hope this all helps!
I made this and it was awesome! We loved the crunchiness and flavor! I didn’t use cod or fish. I battered turkey gizzards. What I love the most about this recipe is you can use other spices to change up the flavor. Thanks for posting it. I will be using this recipe for my go to batter.
So glad you enjoyed it!
Was completely out of beer! Mortal sin on Friday night. I substituted club soda and didn’t miss a beat. Nice tempura texture. I used the batter on dressed out catfish. Fried about 4 min 30 sec per side.
Glad it all still worked out for you! Sounds amazing!
I was wondering about substituting club soda or seltzer water . Thank you for answering my question!
this recipe was amazing!!!! My family really enjoyed our meal. Thank you for another great recipe
Thanks for dropping by to let me know! I’m so glad you guys enjoyed it!
Cannot you do this in a air fryer?
I haven’t tested it using one yet. If you decide to try, I’d love to know how it turns out. Thanks!
Only a guess, but it seems to me that putting battered anything in an air fryer would make quite a mess. Mel Heinrichs
I dont drink beer but what type of beer did you use for this recipe?
I used Strand Brewing Company but if that’s not available you can use Guinness or any other company that offers a dry, stout beer. Enjoy!
What a great recipe! Do you think it could work in an air fryer? I so love all your great recipes, thank you!
I haven’t tested it yet but if you decide to try, I’d love to know how it turns out. Thanks!
you can not do these in an air fryer unless you want all the batter running everywhere and have a huge mess
Hi Sabrina. Love your recipes. Can you tell me please which type of paprika you use for the beer battered fish as I have hot, mild, smoked and sweet.
Mild, definitely mild. Hope you love it and thank you for the kind words!
I don’t drink beer so if you can recommend a beer I can use to make the batter it would be really appreciated. By the way, of all of the food websites I have subscribed to, yours is my favorite one. All of the recipes I have made have turned out excellent. So thank you!
I’ve had great experience using O’douls non alcoholic for friends who don’t drink. Even club soda in a pinch but the amber flavor helps. And thank you so much for the kind words, that is so incredible sweet, I try really hard to make sure the recipes work well for you guys, I’m so glad you’re enjoying them.
Trying this out Friday and I’m going to use O’Douls since I can’t have alcohol.
How many minutes do you cook the fish in the oil? I know you said till its golden brown but how many minutes is that.
It really depends on the size of the fish. I would say about 4-6 minutes. Just keep an eye on it and once it turns golden brown, you’re ready.
Thank you for your wonderful recipes.
You’re welcome, Kelly!
Sabrina,
Thank you for your wonderful posts. I love that each day your blog brings us new recipes to try. I always know I can come here for great recipes that everyone should have in their recipe box. Making your food every week, have tried too many to mention but all with great success. Please keep doing what you are doing, so my family can keep eating. Happy New Year.
So sweet of you to say, Shae! Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and let me know.
I have tried numerous fish batter recipes and this one is by far the best I’ve ever tasted. This is better than going to a restaurant, and ordering fish and chips…a true winner recipe. Thanks for sharing!???
Fantastic!