Fish and chips is one of Britain’s most iconic dishes, consisting of battered and fried white fish served with thick-cut potato chips. Mary Berry’s version focuses on achieving crisp, golden batter and soft, fluffy chips cooked to perfection, without excessive oil or fuss. The result is a homemade version that rivals any fish shop.
For the fish:
4 white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or pollock)
125g plain flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 tsp baking powder
150ml sparkling water (cold)
1 tsp salt
Vegetable oil, for frying
Lemon wedges, for serving
For the chips:
800g Maris Piper or King Edward potatoes, peeled and cut into thick chips
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt, to taste
Optional sides:
Mushy peas or tartar sauce
Cut the peeled potatoes into thick chips. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch, then pat them dry with a clean towel.
Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Spread the chips on a baking tray, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of oil, and toss to coat. Bake for 35–40 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
Pour oil into a deep frying pan or pot until it reaches a depth of about 5cm. Heat it to 180°C, or until a small piece of bread turns golden in 30 seconds.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add cold sparkling water while whisking until you get a smooth, slightly thick batter.
Lightly dust each fish fillet with flour to help the batter stick. Dip the fish into the batter, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
Carefully lower each fillet into the hot oil and fry for 4–6 minutes until golden and crisp. Turn halfway through for even cooking. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve the crispy fish alongside the hot baked chips. Add a squeeze of lemon and a side of mushy peas or tartar sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Find it online: https://maryberrycooks.co.uk/mary-berry-fish-and-chips/