Fish Batter Ingredients:
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 200ml cold sparkling water (or beer for a richer flavor)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Optional: a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper for added flavor
Fish & Chips Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into thick chips
- 4 pieces of white fish fillets (such as cod or haddock), about 150-200g each
- Salt, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Chips:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 160°C (320°F).
- Rinse the potato chips under cold water to remove excess starch. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Fry the chips in batches for about 5-6 minutes until they're just cooked but not browned. Remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels. Let them cool completely.
- Increase the temperature of the oil to 190°C (375°F). Fry the chips in batches for a second time until they're golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels. Season with salt while still hot.
For the Fish Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the sparkling water (or beer) and beaten egg. Whisk until you have a smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Let the batter rest for 15-20 minutes at room temperature. This helps to activate the baking powder and creates a lighter, crispier batter.
For the Fish:
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels and season them lightly with salt.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 180°C (350°F).
- Dip each fish fillet into the batter, making sure it's evenly coated.
- Carefully lower the fish into the hot oil and fry for 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until they're golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the fryer or pot; fry in batches if necessary.
- Once cooked, remove the fish from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Serve your homemade fish and chips with tartar sauce, mushy peas, or your favorite condiments.