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    You are here: Home / Entree Recipes / Beer Battered Haddock

    Beer Battered Haddock

    Published Apr 12, 2021 by Lauren · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    There's few dishes I like more than a really good, crispy beer battered fish. This beer batter is the perfect balance between light, crispy and decadent. Not much is worse than fish and chips with too much batter, or even worse, a soggy batter. That doesn't fly here. Only crispy, flaky batter can be found in these parts.

    Stop paying $20 for takeout beer battered haddock when you can make it easily and way cheaper at home. It's just a bonus that it's made with very little effort. This beer battered fish recipe ticks all the boxes to impress your friends and family.

    beer battered haddock, lemon wedges and chips on a parchment paper lined baking sheet
    Jump to:
    • Skip Takeout This Week!
    • How to Get the Crispiest Fish
    • FAQ
    • 📖 Recipe

    Skip Takeout This Week!

    This recipe is based off Nagi's "Crispy Beer Battered Fish" from Recipe Tin Eats with more seasonings and corn starch instead of rice flour!

    Forget your typical pan fried fish - beer battered haddock will change the way you do comfort food meals. With the perfect crunch from the golden brown batter, you won't have any leftovers to store (but I do have tips if you need to)!

    The best part? This beer batter recipe can be used for deep frying almost anything! If you have any batter left over, feel free to coat your favourite veggies and fry them up for a side that you can feel good about. Get those nutrients!

    How to Get the Crispiest Fish

    1. Carbonation (beer highly recommended). Carbonation and/or fermentation is the magic behind all kinds of fried foods like tempura, buttermilk fried chicken, fritters and the like. The reason beer is so important for this recipe is that we want the batter to rise (from the yeast) and be crispy (from the carbonation). Other alternatives often only have one of these two elements.
    2. Hot oil. Like really hot! If your oil is less that 375 degrees, it won't crisp up as much and will likely get soggy. Making sure the oil is exactly 375 degrees, if not slightly higher to account for the temperature dropping when the cold fish enters, your batter may disappoint.
    3. Cold beer. Keep your beer in the fridge as long as possible before mixing, and only mix the batter right before frying. The cold batter will essentially be shocked by the hot oil and puff up and firm more quickly than if it was kind of cold, or even room temperature.
    4. Corn starch. Any fried recipe that I've fallen in love with for how crispy it is always has either corn starch, rice flour, tapiocia flour or potato starch as well as the flour. Using all corn starch doesn't yield the best results, but when paired with flour it prevents too much gluten development.
    a close up shot of beer battered haddock with chips

    FAQ

    How do you make batter for fish without beer?

    If you're sustaining from alcohol, the alcohol in the fish evaporates and doesn't remain in the fish. It also doesn't taste much like beer unless you use a very dark and strong beer. However, if you don't have beer, you can use carbonated water, cider, ginger-ale, champagne or other carbonated drinks.

    Keep in mind, some drinks will make the batter more sweet. This recipe was written for beer and may need to be adjusted if you don't have any. IMPORTANT NOTE: beer contains yeast, which aids in the batter remaining thin and not greasy. Substitute beer at your own risk!

    What fish can I use for this beer battered fish?

    I love haddock as it's the perfect balance between light and inexpensive. Cod, halibut, tilapia, catfish or snapper all work! Feel free to try heartier (fishier) fishes like salmon, trout or bass if you're feeling adventurous but know they will be very heavy and rich.

    How do I get the crispiest fish?

    As outlined above, the best way to get your beer battered haddock ultra crispy is: using a blend of flour/corn starch, using very cold beer, making sure your fish is very dry before coating, using oil that's 375°F and making sure to fully de-grease the fish on a paper towel lined drying rack.

    What should I deep-fry my fish in?

    Personally, I use the T-Fal Easy Clean Deep Fryer, but any deep pot (like a dutch oven) or cast iron pan will work.

    How do I reheat leftovers to keep them crispy?

    Although I doubt you'll have any leftover, my favourite way is to throw leftover fish in an 380°F air fryer for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway. If you don't have an air fryer, you can reheat them in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

    This beer battered haddock would pair perfectly with my Taylor Farms Dill Pickle Salad (or any coleslaw style salad)! If you need a summery cocktail idea to pair with this, make sure to try the Dave Matthews or an Elderflower Gin and Tonic.

    If you don't want fries for your fish and chip carb, I love to substitute them with Diner Style Home Fries or even Instant Pot Sushi Rice for a twist!

    Looking for other comfort food recipes to keep you full this spring? Try these!

    • Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla
    • Sriracha Fried Chicken Mac and Cheese
    • Fast Food Burgers at Home
    • Roy Choi's French Onion Soup
    • Ontario Pulled Pork

    📖 Recipe

    Beer Battered Haddock

    Prevent your screen from going dark
    The crispiest, quickest beer battered haddock to ever exist. Golden brown, perfectly spiced and served with homemade tartar sauce.
    4.89 from 17 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: English
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 595kcal
    Author: Lauren

    Equipment

    • Deep Pan (Dutch Oven) or Deep Fryer
    • Paper Towel and/or Cooling Rack
    • Tongs
    • Candy Themometer (if using pot)

    Ingredients

    • 2 lbs haddock fillets or cod, halibut, tilapia or other white fish
    • ½ cup corn starch for dusting

    Batter

    • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
    • ¼ cup corn starch
    • 1 ¼ teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 tablespoon paprika
    • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon white pepper or substitute black pepper
    • 1 12 oz can of beer pale beer - like a lager
    • 4 cups vegetable oil for frying

    Serving

    • lemon wedges
    • tartar sauce
    • french fries optional
    • malt vinegar for french fries, optional

    Instructions

    • Using paper towels, thoroughly dry the fish fillets. This ensures that the dredge batter will stick. Do not skip this step - it's important.
    • Heat oil in a very shallow dutch oven or deep fryer to 375°F/190°C.
    • In a wide shallow bowl, place ⅓ cup of corn starch for dredging.
    • Whisk together all the dry ingredients for the batter (flour, corn starch, baking soda, paprika, garlic powder, salt and white pepper).
    • Once the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined, slowly add in the beer until the desired batter thickness has been achieved. It should be runny but not thin - close to pancake batter YOU MAY NOT NEED THE WHOLE CAN! Clumps are okay, and actually better. Do not overmix.
    • Once the pan or deep fryer has reached 375°F, take your dried fish and sprinkle with salt and white pepper. Dredge in the corn starch, then dip in the batter making sure to shake off the excess.
    • Immediately place the fish into the deep fryer or pot, being sure to not overcrowd it. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the fish is golden brown and cooked through to 145°F.
    • Once fully cooked and browned, place the fish on a cooling rack lined with paper towel to absorb the excess liquid. Serve immediately with tartar sauce, a lemon wedge and fries if desired.

    Notes

    Need a deep fryer recommendation? I love my T-Fal Eazy Clean. 
    Looking for a tartar sauce recipe? Try Natasha's Kitchen amazing tartar sauce!
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 595kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 30g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 943mg | Potassium: 514mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 661IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @MaritimeGlutton or tag #maritimeglutton!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Elizabeth

      April 21, 2021 at 10:43 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my goshhhhhh this is incredible!! I seriously never thought it would be possible to make fish so crispy at home. It's magic!

      Reply
      • Maritime Glutton

        April 21, 2021 at 10:50 pm

        Thanks so much Elizabeth! So glad you loved it!

        Reply
      • Mr. Fox

        January 11, 2022 at 1:26 am

        Ok, so I had a brain toss, have been rebuilding my recipe book from memory and completely spaced on something that used to be second nature to me. Batter... specifically beer batter. So in a panic to plate a meal for our family of 6 I turned to the internet; which led me to Maritime Glutton. From the pit of my internal avocado, you did NOT disappoint! Bravo to you and this magnificently straightforward recipe. You saved my evening without a hitch. Thank you for your continued knowledge and existence!

        Reply
        • Lauren

          January 14, 2022 at 12:09 pm

          I'm so happy that it turned out so well and easy for you! Thank you so much for this kind feedback 🙂

          Reply
    2. Emily Liao

      April 22, 2021 at 12:21 am

      5 stars
      This was my first time making something beer battered, and it turned out perfectly!

      Reply
      • Maritime Glutton

        April 22, 2021 at 12:22 am

        So glad to hear that, Emily!

        Reply
      • Heather Lord

        October 23, 2022 at 9:49 pm

        5 stars
        I made this recipe for the first time and it turned out excellent thank you so much for sharing it!

        Reply
        • Lauren

          November 07, 2022 at 10:41 pm

          I'm so glad to hear you liked it Heather! It's a favourite at our house, too!

          Reply
    3. Biana

      April 22, 2021 at 12:38 am

      5 stars
      Yum! The haddock looks perfect, just like at the restaurant! I bet it would go great with some air fried fries.

      Reply
      • Maritime Glutton

        April 23, 2021 at 3:50 pm

        Thanks Biana - I bet it would, too 😉

        Reply
    4. Sara Welch

      April 22, 2021 at 3:45 am

      5 stars
      Enjoyed this for dinner tonight and it did not disappoint! Perfectly crispy and flavorful; easily, a new favorite dish!

      Reply
      • Maritime Glutton

        April 23, 2021 at 3:50 pm

        Thanks so much Sara - so glad you enjoyed!

        Reply
    5. Emma

      April 25, 2021 at 2:02 am

      5 stars
      I can’t wait to try this! Loving the sound of it. Like all your recipes. Gunna try to make it for my grand parents next weekend 🙂

      Reply
      • Maritime Glutton

        April 25, 2021 at 2:31 am

        Thanks Emma!! You'll have to let me know how it turns out!

        Reply
    6. Jersey Girl Cooks

      May 14, 2021 at 9:07 pm

      5 stars
      Fish and chips is my favorite and this recipe is a delicious one!

      Reply
      • Maritime Glutton

        May 14, 2021 at 10:39 pm

        I’m so glad it passed!

        Reply
    7. Liz

      May 14, 2021 at 9:19 pm

      5 stars
      My husband loves fish and I never know how to prepare it so this recipe is perfect! thank you!

      Reply
      • Maritime Glutton

        May 14, 2021 at 10:39 pm

        Thank you so much, Liz!

        Reply
    8. Claudia Lamascolo

      May 14, 2021 at 10:59 pm

      5 stars
      We loved haddock and order this out all the time up in Central NY this looks better than anything we ever ordered a must make tomorrow!

      Reply
    9. Michelle

      May 14, 2021 at 11:12 pm

      5 stars
      Yum, love beer battered fish and chips -- this was so good! Thanks for all your tips on how to attain crispiness!!

      Reply
    10. Abby

      June 11, 2021 at 8:56 pm

      5 stars
      Made this with Striped Bass as a farewell party for my coworkers and it (along with home-cooked fries) were a massive hit! Highly recommend this recipe!!

      Reply
      • Maritime Glutton

        June 13, 2021 at 3:59 pm

        Thanks for the review, Abby! I'm so glad you guys liked it 🙂

        Reply
    11. Robert

      January 27, 2022 at 12:59 pm

      5 stars
      Great Recipe Lauren. I used a bit of almond flour and coconut flour with a gluten free flour.
      Came out great… 3 dipping sauces and a side of broccoli made for a fantastic tasty treat of a dinner with our neighbor. Sharing your recipe with my family.
      Thanks

      Reply
      • Lauren

        January 27, 2022 at 11:58 pm

        I'm so happy to hear everyone loved it Robert! Thank you for the kind feedback 🙂

        Reply
    12. Kathleen Bryson

      February 27, 2022 at 1:22 pm

      4 stars
      We made the beer batter using Cod in 2x2 pieces. At first I was worried the batter was too thin....listen to directions....pat fish dry, salt &pepper, dredge in flour ( as you should when coating anything) dip in batter ...a few pieces I even double dipped! Not necessary but I love the breading. I felt there was too much paprika and garlic powder for my liking...other than that I will definitely use this recipe again.

      Reply
      • Lauren

        February 28, 2022 at 11:45 am

        So glad to hear you liked it, Kathleen 🙂 Thanks for the feedback!

        Reply

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    Welcome to Maritime Glutton, I'm Lauren and I'm the face creating recipes around here. I'm passionate about supporting local, eating great food and finding new ways to cut back on food waste and save money. Learn more about me here.

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