Fish and Chips from King's Family Restaurants feature crispy, golden-battered cod fillets served alongside perfectly fried, thick-cut potato fries, delivering a classic British comfort food experience with a satisfying crunch and flaky, tender fish inside.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry baskets
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Sheet pan
- Wire rack
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Peeler
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Thermometer
- Paper towels
- Plates for serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) cod fillets
- 2 large russet potatoes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup cold beer (or sparkling water)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Choosing fresh, firm cod fillets is crucial for achieving the ideal flaky texture in your Fish and Chips. Russet potatoes are recommended for their starchy quality, which results in crispy, golden fries when fried. The batter's key components include all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder, combined with cold beer or sparkling water to ensure a light and crispy coating. Using vegetable oil heated to the correct temperature (around 350degF or 175degC) guarantees proper frying without greasiness. Your attempt to recreate Fish and Chips from King's Family Restaurants at home will benefit from these ingredient tips to capture the authentic flavor and texture.
Instructions
- Peel and cut russet potatoes into thick fries.
- Rinse and soak potato fries in cold water for 30 minutes.
- Preheat deep fryer with vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Drain and pat dry fries thoroughly with paper towels.
- Fry potatoes in batches for 3-4 minutes until just tender but not colored; remove and drain on wire rack.
- Cut cod fillets into evenly sized pieces.
- Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Gradually whisk in cold beer (or sparkling water) until a smooth, thick batter forms.
- Dredge cod fillets lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip floured cod fillets in batter, coating evenly.
- Fry battered cod fillets in preheated oil for 5–7 minutes until golden and crispy; turn as needed.
- Remove fish and place on wire rack over sheet pan to drain.
- Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Return fries to fryer and cook 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Remove fries and drain on wire rack or paper towels.
- Plate fried fish and chips; serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Substitution
Fish and Chips from King's Family Restaurants mimic the beloved recipe with crispy, golden-battered cod and thick-cut fries, perfect for recreating that classic taste at home. If fresh cod is unavailable, substitutes like haddock or pollock work well without compromising texture or flavor. When beer is not an option for the batter, sparkling water can maintain the light, airy coating you expect. Use a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot with a thermometer to keep oil temperature steady around 350degF (175degC) for optimal crispiness. After frying, drain your chips and fish on a wire rack lined with paper towels to prevent sogginess and keep your meal perfectly crunchy.
Tips
To achieve the perfect crunch on your fish, ensure the cod fillets are completely dry before dredging and battering, as excess moisture can cause the batter to become soggy. Maintain consistent oil temperatures--350degF for the initial fry of the potatoes and 375degF for the second fry, as well as the fish--to prevent greasy textures and uneven cooking. Use a wire rack rather than paper towels to drain fried items, allowing air circulation that preserves crispiness. Your cold beer or sparkling water batter should be thick yet smooth; avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and ensure a flaky final texture.
Nutritions
Fish and Chips from King's Family Restaurants provide a source of high-quality protein from the cod fillets, alongside carbohydrates from the russet potatoes. The dish contains essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals like potassium, though frying increases the calorie and fat content due to vegetable oil absorption. Thick-cut fries and batter contribute to a higher glycemic index and saturated fat levels, so moderation is key for balancing your meal's nutritional impact. You can enjoy this classic meal while considering portion control and complementing it with fresh lemon wedges for added vitamin C.
Storage
To store leftover fish and chips properly, place the cooled pieces in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. Ensure your fries and fish are thoroughly drained of excess oil to prevent sogginess during storage. When reheating, use an oven or air fryer at 375degF (190degC) to restore their crispy texture without drying out the cod fillets.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute sparkling water for beer in the batter to keep the coating light and crisp while accommodating dietary preferences. For a healthier twist, try baking the fries at 425degF (220degC) until golden, rather than deep frying. Consider adding Old Bay seasoning or smoked paprika to the batter for a smoky, savory flavor that enhances the cod. Using duck fat or beef tallow instead of vegetable oil for frying will create a richer, more indulgent taste and crispier texture.
Allergies
Fish and Chips from King's Family Restaurants contain cod, a common allergen that can trigger reactions in individuals sensitive to fish proteins. The batter includes wheat-based all-purpose flour and cornstarch, posing potential risks for those with gluten or corn allergies. Your dining experience may be affected if you have sensitivities to seafood or gluten-containing ingredients, so exercise caution or seek alternative options.
Why this recipe?
Kings Family Restaurants serve Fish and Chips with crispy golden batter and tender, flaky white fish, creating a perfect balance of texture and flavor. The dish is paired with thick-cut fries made from fresh potatoes, providing a satisfying crunch that complements the fish. Their secret seasoning blend adds a unique, savory taste that sets it apart from typical recipes. You can recreate this iconic meal at home to enjoy the authentic flavors and crispy satisfaction that fans rave about.