What type of fish is best for frying?<\/h2>\n
This recipe uses cod, a very traditional pick for fried fish. But it’s not the only option on the list of the best fish for frying<\/a>. Tilapia, catfish\u00a0and local panfish\u2014think walleye, perch or bluegill\u2014are also good selections.<\/p>\n Stay away from swordfish, tuna and salmon. These fish do not have the right texture for frying.<\/p>\n First, make sure you’re choosing the right oil for frying<\/a>. Soybean, saffron and peanut oil are all good options. You can also use canola oil.<\/p>\n Heat the oil in an electric skillet or countertop fryer to 375\u00b0F. Make sure you add enough oil so the fish fillets can be submerged.<\/p>\n Editor’s Tip: <\/em>If you don’t have either of these gadgets, you can absolutely use a Dutch oven. Be sure to have a thermometer on hand so you can monitor the temperature of the oil. Getting the right temp and maintaining it is key for properly cooked and crispy fish.<\/p>\n In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and spices. Stir in the egg and cold beer until the batter is nice and smooth.<\/p>\n Editor’s Tip: <\/em>You can use any beer you like in this beer-battered fish recipe, but lighter beers<\/a> are the most popular choice.<\/p>\n Next, grab your cod fillets and pat them dry. This will ensure that the batter clings to the fish. Dip the fish into the batter and allow the excess to drip away.<\/p>\n Carefully place the fish into the oil and fry until golden, about two to three minutes on each side. Remove the fish from the oil and drain on paper towels before serving.<\/p>\n Editor’s Tip:<\/em> Fry in batches. Overcrowding the pan or fryer can cause the fillets to stick together or not cook all the way through.<\/p>\n Beer adds flavor and richness to the batter. And the alcohol burns away during the cooking process. But if you prefer, you don’t have to use beer in this beer-battered fish recipe. Nonalcoholic beer<\/a> or even sparkling water do the trick here.<\/p>\n The reason beer is a popular choice for battered fish is because the carbonation in the beer makes for a light, crispy coating. That same carbonation and the slight acidity of the beer also helps create a tender and flaky batter. You can get these same results with bubbly water or an NA beer. Don’t use sugary sodas or other drinks, though\u2014they are too sweet for this fish recipe.<\/p>\n Excess moisture causes the batter to run off, so the secret here is to pat your fish fillets dry before dipping them in the batter.<\/p>\n The primary reason your fish isn’t getting crispy is that the oil isn’t hot enough. Make sure to wait until the oil hits the right temperature before adding the fish.<\/p>\n At lower temps, the oil will seep right into the coating rather than crisping it up. So have patience as you wait for that oil to heat!<\/p>\n Serve beer-battered fish with plenty of lemon wedges and tartar sauce for dipping. Popular sides for fried fish<\/a>\u00a0include potato pancakes<\/a>, rye bread<\/a> and coleslaw<\/a>. And, of course, don’t forget fries for a classic fish and chips<\/a> combo.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Beer-battered fish is a key part of any good Friday fish fry,\u00c4\u00eeand it’s easier to make at home than you think.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7075,"featured_media":1987741,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[304032,304328,305271,304177,304292,304338,304022,304390,307049,303966,304988,304408,304368,306848,304447,305018,304268,305384,305374,324623,304388,304020,304395,304005,304398,304150,305031,304403],"categories-v2":[308623,308984,308481,309216,309457,308305,308992,308603,308761,310085,308495,308935,308813,308745,309603,308959,259483,309396,309381,309177,308752,308594,308782,308549,308797,309434,308975,308812],"coauthors":[39610],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Broiled Fish","post_link":"\/recipes\/broiled-fish\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Broiled-Fish_EXPS_TOH24_4410_RuthieDarling_11.jpg"},{"post_title":"Beer-Braised Pulled Ham","post_link":"\/recipes\/beer-braised-pulled-ham\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Beer-Braised-Pulled-Ham_EXPS_THFM17_186361_D09_23_4b-3.jpg"},{"post_title":"What Are the Best Types of Fish for Frying?","post_link":"\/article\/best-fish-for-frying\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/fish-fry-entrees-SQ-TOHFM23_PU5328_P2_MD_09_14_1b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Batter-Fried Fish","post_link":"\/recipes\/batter-fried-fish\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Batter-Fried-Fish_EXPS_TOHD24_17029_KristinaVanni_7.jpg"},{"post_title":"Beer-Battered Fish Tacos","post_link":"\/recipes\/fried-fish-tacos\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Fried-Fish-Tacos_EXPS_TOHcom23_272912_P2_MD_04_27_4b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Baked Fish with Cheese Sauce","post_link":"\/recipes\/baked-fish-with-cheese-sauce\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Baked-Fish-with-Cheese-Sauce_exps36135_TH1999449C06_04_1bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Crispy Beer-Battered Fish","post_link":"\/recipes\/crispy-beer-battered-fish\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Crispy-Beer-Battered-Fish_exps134025_SD2401785B12_01_6bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Grilled Fish Sandwiches","post_link":"\/recipes\/grilled-fish-sandwiches\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Grilled-Fish-Sandwiches_EXPS_SDAM18_21426_B12_06_2b-7.jpg"},{"post_title":"Oven-Fried Fish","post_link":"\/recipes\/oven-fried-fish\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps7550_CS0170C8.jpg"},{"post_title":"Baked Fish","post_link":"\/recipes\/baked-fish\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps1770_HFBZ1081941C68.jpg"},{"post_title":"Seafood-Stuffed Rainbow 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Fish","post_link":"\/recipes\/grilled-dijon-fish\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps31746_CFT1437882D54B-2.jpg"}],"acf":{"long_pin":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Beer-Battered-Fish_EXPS_TOHcom23_272889_P2_MD_04_27_5b.jpg","long_pin_file":false,"ncv_override_generic_settings_option":false,"ncv_autoplay_option":"","ncv_stickyplay_option":"","ncv_ads_option":"","ncv_mute_option":"","ncv_comscore_option":"","ncv_autoplay_mobile_option":"","ncv_viewable_threshold_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_option":"","ncv_autopause_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_mobile_option":"","ncv_autopause_mobile_option":"","ncv_sticky_mobile_option":"","ncv_remove_player_option":false,"ncv_moat_option":""},"recipe_schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Recipe","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/beer-battered-fish-recipe\/","name":"Beer-Battered Fish","datePublished":"2024-05-01","dateModified":"2024-05-15","prepTime":"PT10M","cookTime":"PT5M","totalTime":"PT15M","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Beer-Battered-Fish_EXPS_TOHcom23_272889_P2_MD_04_27_5b.jpg","height":1200,"width":1200},"recipeCategory":["Dinner"],"description":"Beer-battered fish is a key part of any good Friday fish fry\u2014and it's easier to make at home than you think.","recipeIngredient":["Oil for deep-fat frying","1 cup all-purpose flour","1-1\/2 teaspoons baking powder","3\/4 teaspoon salt","1\/2 teaspoon garlic powder","1\/4 teaspoon paprika","1\/4 teaspoon pepper","1 cup very cold beer or nonalcoholic beer","1 large egg, lightly beaten","4 cod fillets (6 ounces each)","Optional: Tartar sauce and lemon wedges"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Prep for frying","text":"First, make sure you're choosing the right oil for frying. Soybean, saffron and peanut oil are all good options. You can also use canola oil. Heat the oil in an electric skillet or countertop fryer to 375\u00b0F. Make sure you add enough oil so the fish fillets can be submerged. Editor's Tip: If you don't have either of these gadgets, you can absolutely use a Dutch oven. Be sure to have a thermometer on hand so you can monitor the temperature of the oil. Getting the right temp and maintaining it is key for properly cooked and crispy fish."},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Make the batter","text":"In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and spices. Stir in the egg and cold beer until the batter is nice and smooth. Editor's Tip: You can use any beer you like in this beer-battered fish recipe, but lighter beers are the most popular choice."},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Coat and fry the fish","text":"Next, grab your cod fillets and pat them dry. This will ensure that the batter clings to the fish. Dip the fish into the batter and allow the excess to drip away. Carefully place the fish into the oil and fry until golden, about two to three minutes on each side. Remove the fish from the oil and drain on paper towels before serving. Editor's Tip: Fry in batches. Overcrowding the pan or fryer can cause the fillets to stick together or not cook all the way through.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/How-to-Make-Beer-Battered-Fish-TOHcom23_272889_P2_MD_04_27_2b-3b_gif.gif?fit=700,467"}],"recipeYield":"4 servings","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Lisa Kaminski"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 338 calories","fatContent":"20g fat (2g saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"79mg cholesterol","sodiumContent":"285mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"8g carbohydrate (1g sugars","fiberContent":"0 fiber)","proteinContent":"28g protein."},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":4,"reviewCount":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5},"recipeCuisine":"North America, Midwest","review":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2024-06-02","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Karen9646"},"reviewBody":" Love this recipe!! Whether I'm making it for fish tacos or just battered fish, it's my go to recipe.<\/p>","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2024-06-06","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"dutschd"},"reviewBody":" I'm curious, can you use this same batter & instructions and substitute chicken breast or thighs instead of fish?<\/p>","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2024-09-12","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"slowbob715"},"reviewBody":" your nutrition and carb managers does not match at all you say 8 carbs they say 23 carbs, what gives?<\/p>","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":1,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}}]},"video":{"data":{"status":204},"message":"No shortcode found in recipe"},"rms_legacy_id":"272889","romance_copy_dek":"Beer-battered fish is a key part of any good Friday fish fry\u2014and it's easier to make at home than you think.","enhanced_recipe_title":"Beer-Battered Fish","rms_legacy_data":{"RecipeCategories":null,"Ingredients":[{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"Oil for deep-fat frying","IngredientText":"Oil for deep-fat frying"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 cup all-purpose flour","IngredientText":"1 cup all-purpose flour"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1-1\/2 teaspoons baking powder","IngredientText":"1-1\/2 teaspoons baking powder"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"3\/4 teaspoon salt","IngredientText":"3\/4 teaspoon salt"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/2 teaspoon garlic powder","IngredientText":"1\/2 teaspoon garlic powder"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/4 teaspoon paprika","IngredientText":"1\/4 teaspoon paprika"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/4 teaspoon pepper","IngredientText":"1\/4 teaspoon pepper"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 cup very cold beer or nonalcoholic beer","IngredientText":"1 cup very cold beer or nonalcoholic beer"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 large egg, lightly beaten","IngredientText":"1 large egg, lightly beaten"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"4 cod fillets (6 ounces each)","IngredientText":"4 cod fillets (6 ounces each)"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"Optional: Tartar sauce and lemon wedges","IngredientText":"Optional: Tartar sauce and lemon wedges"}],"FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Beer-Battered-Fish_EXPS_TOHcom23_272889_P2_MD_04_27_5b.jpg","RecipeId":272889,"AttachmentSourceId":null,"AttachmentSource":"Taste Recipes","PhotoCredit":"Beer-Battered Fish Recipe photo by Taste Recipes","VideoCode":null,"RecipeAttachmentFileName":"Beer-Battered-Fish_EXPS_TOHcom23_272889_P2_MD_04_27_5b.jpg","ContributorId":null,"Firstname":"Test","Lastname":"Kitchen","City":"Milwaukee","StateDescription":"Wisconsin","IsCommunityCook":false,"TimeCallout":"Prep: 10 min. 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![\"Overhead](\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/How-to-Make-Beer-Battered-Fish-TOHcom23_272889_P2_MD_04_27_1b.jpg?fit=700%2C467\")
Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n
Directions<\/h2>\n
Step 1: Prep for frying<\/h3>\n
Step 2: Make the batter<\/h3>\n
Step 3: Coat and fry the fish<\/h3>\n
![\"coating](\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/How-to-Make-Beer-Battered-Fish-TOHcom23_272889_P2_MD_04_27_2b-3b_gif.gif?fit=700%2C467\")
Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nBeer-Battered Fish Tips<\/h2>\n
![\"Beer](\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/How-to-Make-Beer-Battered-Fish-TOHcom23_272889_P2_MD_04_27_4b.jpg?fit=700%2C467\")
Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nDo I have to use beer in beer-battered fish?<\/h3>\n
How do I get batter to stick to fish?<\/h3>\n
Why isn’t my fried fish crispy?<\/h3>\n
What can I serve with fried fish?<\/h3>\n