BEER-BATTERED FISH AND CHIPS

Beer-Battered Fish and Chips image

Here's my twist on classic fish and chips. The challenge of making a batch of this pub favorite is timing it so both elements (fish and potatoes) get out hot on the plate without the cook having to set up two fryers. My trick is to blanch the chips in boiling water to precook them, then fry and hold the chips in a warm oven while I fry the fish.

Provided by Jet Tila

Categories main-dish

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

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Ingredients

Canola oil, for frying
4 to 6 golden potatoes, peeled
Fine salt
2 pounds skinless white fish fillet, such as cod, sablefish or halibut, cut into 6 to 8 palm-size pieces
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/3 cups cold beer
Malt vinegar, tartar sauce or HP Sauce for serving, optional

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
For the chips: Fill a 6- to 8-quart Dutch oven with oil to a depth of about 5 inches. Heat to 365 degrees F on a deep-fry thermometer.
Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise, then cut each half into thirds lengthwise, making wide strips. Place the potatoes in a medium saucepan with enough cold water to cover by about 1 inch. Salt the water generously and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes. Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a sheet pan lined with paper towels to dry for about 10 minutes. Once the potatoes are very dry, working in 2 batches, gently transfer them to the oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, 3 to 6 minutes.
Transfer the chips to a rack set over a baking sheet and sprinkle immediately with 1 to 2 teaspoons salt. Keep warm in the oven while you fry the fish. (You can also reheat them with a quick second fry while fish is cooling slightly.)
For the fish: Place the fillets on a small baking sheet or large plate, blot dry with paper towels and sprinkle on all sides with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Move the fish to one side and place 1/2 cup of flour on the other side (this flour is for dusting the fish just before dipping it in batter). Season the flour with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper.
To make the batter, place the remaining 1 cup flour, garlic powder, paprika, baking powder, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper in a medium bowl. Stir together with a fork until combined. When ready to fry, pour in the beer and whisk until smooth. The batter should be the consistency of fairly thin pancake batter.
Dredge the fish on all sides in the flour on the baking sheet. Shake off any excess. Working in 2 batches, coat one fillet at time in the batter, letting excess drip back into the bowl. Gently lower the fillet into the hot oil. Repeat with the remaining fillets. Fry until GBD (golden brown and delicious), 4 to 6 minutes, turning over midway through cooking.
Drain the fillets on a rack set over a sheet pan. Serve immediately with the chips. Classic condiments to serve alongside include malt vinegar, tartar sauce or HP Sauce.