Perfect Homemade Fish and Chips: Affordable and Delicious

Key Takeaway: Discover how to make crispy beer-battered fish and fluffy steak fries at home, all on a budget.

Craving fish and chips without breaking the bank? This recipe shows you how to achieve that crispy, flavorful goodness using inexpensive ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques.

Crafting Your Own Fish and Chips

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sauce:

• 2 serrano peppers (optional: charred)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 cloves garlic
• Splash of water (if needed)
• 1 cup (230g) mayonnaise
• 1 shallot, finely diced (optional)
• 1 dill pickle, finely diced (optional)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp (14g) mustard
• Salt to taste

Steak Fries:

• 4 russet potatoes
• Vegetable oil for frying

Fish:

• 2-2.5 lbs (900-1130g) cod fillets (or another affordable white fish)
• Kosher salt
• All-purpose flour for dredging
• 1 cup (150g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp (5g) kosher salt
• 1 tsp (3g) garlic powder
• 1 tsp (5g) baking powder
• 1.25 cups (240ml) cold light beer

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Making the Sauce

• Optional: Char serrano peppers over an open flame until charred all over.
• Let peppers steam in a covered bowl for 5 minutes, then peel, remove stems, and place in a food processor or blender.
• Add lemon juice, garlic, and a splash of water if needed; blend until smooth.
• In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, diced shallot, diced dill pickle, lemon zest, mustard, and serrano puree.
• Season with salt to taste and set aside.

2. Preparing Steak Fries

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Bake whole russet potatoes for about 1 hour until fork-tender.
• Refrigerate overnight to firm up.
• Cut potatoes into thick wedges (steak fries).
• Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 360°F (180°C).
• Fry potatoes in batches until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
• Drain fries on a wire rack, season with salt, and set aside.

3. Cooking the Fish

• Cut cod fillets into 2.5-3 inch pieces.
• Season fish generously with kosher salt and let rest at room temperature for 8 minutes.
• In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, garlic powder, and baking powder.
• Slowly whisk in cold beer until a thick batter forms.
• Coat each piece of fish in plain flour, shake off excess, then dip in beer batter.
• Fry fish in 350-375°F (175-190°C) oil for 2-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
• Drain on a wire rack, season with additional salt if desired.

Conclusion: Affordable Flavor Delivered

Making restaurant-quality fish and chips at home doesn’t have to be expensive. By using budget-friendly ingredients like cod and russet potatoes, you can create a satisfying meal that rivals any takeout. The homemade beer batter ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the fish moist and tender inside.

Enjoy the crunch of perfectly fried steak fries alongside flaky, flavorful fish. Dip them into the zesty serrano mayo sauce for an extra kick of flavor. This recipe proves that with a little effort and the right techniques, you can achieve delicious results without overspending.

Experiment with different types of fish or adjust seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a family dinner, homemade fish and chips are sure to please everyone at the table. Embrace the joy of cooking and treat yourself to a satisfying meal that’s both affordable and irresistible.

Elevate your home cooking game with this simple yet impressive recipe. Save money without sacrificing flavor and enjoy the satisfaction of mastering a classic dish in your own kitchen. Cheers to delicious and wallet-friendly meals!