Beer batter has long been a favorite coating for fried fish, producing a light, crisp crust while keeping the fish tender and flaky inside. Popular throughout Britain and North America, beer contributes carbonation that helps create an airy texture, while allowing the batter to brown beautifully during frying. This vintage version takes an extra step by separating the egg and folding whipped egg white into the rested batter, making it even lighter and more delicate than many modern recipes. Simple pantry ingredients combine into a classic batter that's perfect for cod, haddock, pollock, perch, or other mild white fish, making it a timeless favorite for homemade fish fries and family dinners.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 cup flat beer (room temperature)
- 1 egg white
For serving (not on original recipe):
- 1 ½ to 2 lbs fish fillets
- oil ( for deep frying)
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Sift together the flour and cornstarch into a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
- Add the egg yolk.
- Pour in the room-temperature flat beer.
- Whisk until smooth.
Step 3: Rest the Batter
- Cover and let the batter rest for 1 hour.
Step 4: Beat Egg White
- Beat the egg white until stiff peaks form.
Step 5: Fold Together
- Gently fold the beaten egg white into the rested batter until no streaks remain.
- Do not overmix.
Step 6: Coat the Fish
- Dip fish fillets into the batter, allowing excess batter to drip off.
Step 7: Fry
- Fry in 350°F (175°C) oil for 4 to 6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the fish flakes easily.
- Drain on paper towels before serving.
Tips
- Use a light lager for the crispiest texture.
- Let the beer go flat before mixing, just as the original recipe specifies.
- Chill the fish before dipping into the batter.
- Pat the fish dry before coating.
- Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature.
- Excellent with cod, haddock, perch, halibut, or pollock.
- Add ½ teaspoon garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Season with paprika or Old Bay seasoning.
- Serve with homemade tartar sauce or malt vinegar.
- The batter also works well for shrimp, onion rings, or vegetables.
Nutrition
Calories: 126kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 4gFat: 1.5gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 7mgPotassium: 69mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.3gVitamin A: 75IUCalcium: 8mgIron: 1.2mg