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The Ultimate Family Guide to Homemade Fish and Chips

Hey there, fabulous foodie families! Are you ready to dive fin-first into the crispy and golden world of homemade fish and chips? Whether it’s a cozy family night in or you’re looking to bring a bit of British charm to your dinner table, our guide is bubbling with tips and tricks to make your fish and chips a splashing success!

Why Homemade Fish and Chips are the Best

Forget about soggy takeaways! Homemade fish and chips can be healthier, fresher, and a fun meal to prepare with your little sous-chefs. By choosing your own ingredients and cooking methods, you can control the quality and nutrition of your family feast!

What You’ll Need to Get Started

• Fresh Fish: We’ll cover the best types of fish for frying and how to ensure your fillets are top-notch.
• Batter Basics: Achieve that perfect, crisp coating with our scrumptious batter recipe.
• Chipping In: Learn how to make those irresistible, fluffy-on-the-inside, crisp-on-the-outside chips.
• Equipment Essentials: From the right frying pan to safety tips, we’ve got you covered.
• Tasty Toppings and Sides: Zesty sauces and delightful sides to complement your dish.

Choosing the Perfect Fish

The foundation of great fish and chips is, unsurprisingly, the fish! These are some of the best fish to fry:

• Cod: The classic choice with mild flavor and flaky texture.
• Haddock: Another favorite known for its slightly sweet taste.
• Halibut: For a thicker, meatier option.
• Tilapia: A fantastic budget-friendly alternative that’s easy to find.

When shopping for fish, freshness is key. Look for bright, clear eyes, clean smell, and firm flesh. If you can, buy from a local fishmonger or check the sustainability ratings to ensure you’re making an eco-friendly choice for your family meal.

Making the Batter from Scratch

Now, let’s whisk our way to that golden coating – the batter! A great batter is light and airy yet durable enough to stand up to frying. Here’s a sneak-peek of our go-to recipe:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 cup of cold sparkling water or beer (for that extra oomph!)
• A pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning

Combine the dry ingredients, and slowly mix in your cold liquid to maintain the batter’s fluffiness. The full, step-by-step recipe further down will have your fish swimming in a batter sea of happiness!

Prepping the Perfect Chips

Chips are more than just a side, they’re the crispy, comforting companion to your fish. The secret? Choosing the right potatoes. Floury potatoes like Russets or Maris Pipers work wonders for chips. Remember to cut them evenly for consistent cooking and soak them in water to remove excess starch. Oh, and we’ll let you in on the double-frying method – it’s a game changer!

Let’s not forget about a sprinkle of salt and a splash of vinegar for that authentic British flair. It’s not just about the taste—it’s about the whole fish and chips experience!

Dipping and Diving into Toppings and Sides

No fish and chips dish is complete without its trusty sidekicks. From homemade tartar sauce to a fresh pea purée, we’ll help you load up your plate with mouthwatering extras. We’ll even walk you through a quick pickled onion recipe that’s sure to add a tangy kick to your meal.

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5 Things Parents Should Know When Preparing Fish and Chips

1. Safety First: When frying, it is crucial to supervise the kitchen. Keep children at a safe distance from the hot oil, and never leave the frying pan unattended. Safety extends to the fish you choose—ensure it’s boneless to avoid choking hazards.
2. Healthier Options: You have the power to make this dish as healthy as you desire. Opt for baking instead of frying, use whole wheat flour for the batter, and consider serving with sweet potato fries for an extra nutrient boost.
3. Get the Kids Involved: Involving your children in the cooking process can be a delightful learning experience. Have them help with safer tasks like whisking batter, seasoning fish, or even arranging the chips on a baking sheet. They’ll beam with pride when they eat the meal they helped to create!
4. Meal Prep: Prepping in advance can ease the cooking stress—cut the potatoes beforehand, make the batter ahead of time, and have all your utensils ready. This way, you’ll have more time to focus on frying to perfection and less on scrambling for ingredients or tools.
5. Allergies and Dietary Requirements: Always consider allergies when choosing your fish and batter ingredients. Gluten-free flour can be used, and be aware of any guest’s seafood allergies. Providing alternative options ensures everyone at the table can enjoy the meal with peace of mind.

The Step-by-Step Fish and Chips Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 large fish fillets (such as Cod or Haddock)
• 1 1/2 pounds of floury potatoes (like Russet or Maris Piper), peeled
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 cup of cold sparkling water or beer
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Frying oil (canola, peanut, or vegetable oil)

Instructions:

1. Begin by cutting the peeled potatoes into roughly 1/2 inch thick chips. Rinse and soak them in water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This ensures ultimate crispness!
2. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large, deep pan to 320°F (160°C). Pat the chips dry with a towel before frying them in batches for about 3-4 minutes per batch—they should be soft but not colored. Remove and drain on paper towels. Let them cool and dry as you prep the fish.
3. Mix flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add the cold sparkling water or beer gradually while whisking until you get a smooth batter. Rest the batter in the fridge for around 15 minutes.
4. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C) for the second frying of the chips. While the oil is heating, coat the fish fillets in a little seasoned flour, then dip into the batter to coat completely.
5. Deep fry the fish in the hot oil until golden and crispy (usually about 5-7 minutes, depending on thickness). Remove and drain on paper towels. Season lightly with salt.
6. Once the fish are done, finish the chips by frying them until golden and crispy, about 7 minutes. Drain and season with sea salt.
7. Serve everything piping hot with your favorite sides like mushy peas, tartar sauce, and a wedge of lemon. Don’t forget to invite the kids to douse their chips with vinegar—just like a proper British chippy!

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See more great Things to Do with Kids in New Zealand here. For more information see here

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