Fish and Chips


 Cuisine: British  Type: Entree

Fish and Chips : Entree in British cuisine - Recipe, Calorie Info, Healthy alternatives & more on EatM3
 Representative image. Recipe yield may differ

 Amounts


 Ingredient
 Amount (g)
Fish
2 fillets (400)
Potatoes
4 large (800)
Flour
1 cup (120)
Baking Powder
1 teaspoon (5)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Milk
1 cup (240)
Beer
1 cup (240)
Vegetable Oil
2 cups (480)
Lemon Wedges
4 pieces (80)
Tartar Sauce
0.5 cup (120)
 Totals
88 oz (2,495 g)

 Calories 


 Ingredient
 Calories (kcal)
Fish
250
Potatoes
350
Flour
100
Breadcrumbs
150
Eggs
70
Vegetable Oil
120
Salt
0
Pepper
0
Vinegar
0
Tartar Sauce
100
 Totals
1,140 kcal

 Steps 


1. Start by preparing the fish fillets. Ensure they are fresh and boneless. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

2. In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each fish fillet in the flour mixture, coating both sides evenly. Shake off any excess flour.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to around 180°C (350°F). Make sure there is enough oil to submerge the fish fillets completely.

4. Carefully lower the coated fish fillets into the hot oil, one at a time. Be cautious to avoid any splattering. Fry the fish for about 4-6 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

5. While the fish is frying, prepare the chips (fries). Peel and cut potatoes into thick rectangular strips, about 1 cm (0.4 inches) wide. Rinse the cut potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch.

6. In a separate pot, heat vegetable oil to around 160°C (320°F). Fry the potato chips in small batches for about 5-7 minutes until they are lightly golden and slightly soft. Remove them from the oil and let them cool on a paper towel-lined plate.

7. Once the fish fillets are cooked, carefully remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

8. Increase the heat of the oil to around 180°C (350°F) again. Return the partially cooked chips to the hot oil in batches and fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel.

9. Season the fish and chips with salt and vinegar to taste. Serve them together on a plate, traditionally accompanied by mushy peas or tartar sauce.

10. Enjoy your homemade British-style fish and chips while they are still hot and crispy.

 Substitutions 


Substitutions/Alterations for Fish and Chips:

1. Fish:
- Instead of traditional white fish (such as cod or haddock), you can use salmon, tilapia, or any other firm white fish fillets.
- Adjust cooking time as needed based on the thickness of the fish.

2. Batter:
- If you don't have beer, substitute it with sparkling water or soda water for a lighter batter.
- Adjust the amount of liquid used to achieve the desired consistency.

3. Flour:
- Replace plain flour with self-rising flour by reducing the amount of baking powder used in the batter.

4. Potatoes:
- Use any type of potato available, such as russet, Yukon gold, or red potatoes.
- Adjust cooking time based on the size and type of potato used.

5. Oil for frying:
- Vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil can be used instead of traditional beef dripping or lard.
- Ensure the oil is heated to the appropriate temperature for deep frying.

6. Tartare Sauce:
- If you don't have all the ingredients for tartare sauce, a simple alternative is mixing mayonnaise with chopped pickles or relish.
- Adjust the amount of pickles or relish based on personal preference.

Note: Quantities for substitutes may vary based on personal taste and the number of servings desired.

 Pairings 


- Tartar sauce
- Malt vinegar
- Mushy peas
- Coleslaw
- Lemon wedges
- Pickled onions
- Curry sauce
- Ketchup
- Mayonnaise
- Beer (such as a light lager or pale ale)

 Upgrades 


1. Improve presentation:
- Serve the fish and chips on a wooden board or a slate plate for a rustic touch.
- Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of microgreens or fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a pop of color.
- Serve the chips in a small metal cone or a mini fry basket for a playful presentation.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a light beer or sparkling water to the batter for a crispier and lighter texture.
- Incorporate a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper into the batter for a subtle smoky or spicy flavor.
- Enhance the flavor of the fish by marinating it in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before frying.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use a more premium fish like halibut or sea bass instead of the traditional cod or haddock for a more refined taste.
- Create a homemade tartar sauce using high-quality mayonnaise, capers, cornichons, and fresh herbs.
- Serve the fish and chips with a side of truffle aioli or saffron-infused mayonnaise for a touch of luxury.

 Diet Restrictions 


- Use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free alternative instead of white flour for the batter to make it suitable for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
- Choose a lean fish like cod or haddock instead of fatty fish like salmon or mackerel to reduce the overall fat content.
- Opt for baking or grilling the fish instead of deep-frying to cut down on excess oil and calories.
- Replace regular potato chips with homemade baked sweet potato fries for a healthier alternative that is lower in fat and higher in fiber.
- Use a healthier cooking oil like olive oil or avocado oil instead of vegetable oil for frying or baking to improve the overall nutritional profile.
- Serve a side of mixed greens or steamed vegetables alongside the fish and chips to add more vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the meal.
- Consider serving a smaller portion of fish and chips to control calorie intake, especially for those watching their weight.
- For individuals with high blood pressure, reduce the amount of added salt in the batter and avoid adding additional salt while cooking or seasoning the dish.
- Provide a variety of dipping sauces, including low-fat options like yogurt-based sauces or homemade tomato salsa, for those who are watching their fat intake.
- Offer a grilled or baked fish option for individuals who prefer to avoid fried foods altogether.

 Healthy Choices 


- Use whole wheat flour or a mixture of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for the batter to increase fiber content.
- Instead of deep-frying, opt for baking or air-frying the fish for a healthier cooking method.
- Choose a lean fish like cod or haddock and remove the skin to reduce saturated fat.
- Cut the fish into smaller portions to control portion size and reduce calorie intake.
- Use a light coating of cooking spray or brush with a small amount of oil instead of submerging the fish in oil.
- Instead of traditional chips, make oven-baked sweet potato fries or roasted vegetables for a nutrient-rich side dish.
- Reduce sodium content by seasoning with herbs, spices, and lemon juice instead of salt.
- Serve with a side of mixed greens or a fresh salad to add more vitamins and minerals to the meal.
- Opt for homemade tartar sauce using low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt and adding fresh herbs and lemon juice for flavor.
- Lastly, enjoy your meal mindfully, savoring each bite and paying attention to portion sizes to maintain a balanced diet.

 Shortcuts 


1. Opt for frozen fish fillets: Using frozen fish fillets can save time as they are already cleaned and portioned. Look for quality options like cod or haddock for an authentic taste.

2. Pre-made batter mix: Instead of making the batter from scratch, consider using a pre-made batter mix. It saves time and ensures consistent results. Just follow the package instructions for best results.

3. Oven-baked chips: Instead of deep-frying chips, try oven-baking them. Cut potatoes into thick slices, toss with oil, salt, and desired seasonings, and bake at a high temperature until golden and crispy. This method is quicker and requires less oil.

4. Use a deep fryer: If you prefer deep-frying, invest in a deep fryer. It heats up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature, resulting in faster cooking times and crispier fish and chips.

5. Serve with store-bought tartar sauce: Save time by using store-bought tartar sauce instead of making it from scratch. Look for quality options with a tangy flavor to complement your fish and chips.

6. Opt for frozen peas: Instead of shelling fresh peas, use frozen peas. They are already blanched and ready to cook, saving you time and effort.

7. Serve with lemon wedges: Instead of making a separate sauce, serve your fish and chips with lemon wedges. It adds a refreshing citrus flavor and eliminates the need for additional condiments.

8. Consider alternative fish options: Explore budget-friendly fish options like pollock or coley. They have a similar texture to traditional choices and can be more economical.

9. Bulk buying: Purchase fish fillets and potatoes in bulk when on sale. Freeze any excess portions for future use, saving money and ensuring you always have ingredients on hand.

10. Plan ahead: Prepare the batter and chop the potatoes in advance. Store the batter in the refrigerator and the potatoes in water until you're ready to cook. This way, you can save time during meal preparation.

Remember, while these tips can help save time and money, it's essential to prioritize the quality of ingredients and cooking techniques to maintain the authentic taste of fish and chips.