Flathead and Chips
Classic Australian fish and chips featuring tender, flaky flathead fillets coated in a crispy beer batter, served alongside thick-cut, golden fries. A quintessential beach town treat.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g Flathead fillets
- 200 g Self-raising flour
- 250 ml Beer
- 1 kg Potatoes
- 2 Lemon
- for serving Tartare sauce
- 1.5 liters Vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- 1 tbsp White vinegar
- to taste Salt and white pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the chips: Peel the potatoes and cut them into thick-cut chips, about 1.5 cm thick. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch, then pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is crucial for crispiness.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
First fry the chips: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot to 130°C (265°F). Carefully add the dried chips in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender and cooked through but not yet colored. They should feel soft when pierced with a fork. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Let them cool completely.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Make the beer batter: In a bowl, whisk together the self-raising flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually whisk in the cold beer and optional white vinegar until you have a smooth, thick batter, similar to double cream consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon but still drip off. If it's too thick, add a splash more beer; if too thin, a little more flour. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Prepare the fish: Season the dried flathead fillets lightly with salt and white pepper. Dust each fillet lightly with a little extra self-raising flour, shaking off any excess. This helps the batter adhere.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Second fry the chips: Increase the oil temperature to 180°C (355°F). Carefully add the par-fried chips back into the hot oil in batches. Fry for 5-8 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on fresh paper towels, and season immediately with salt.
⏱️ 8 minutes - 6
Fry the fish: Ensure the oil is still at 180°C (355°F). Dip each floured fish fillet into the beer batter, ensuring it's fully coated. Carefully lower the battered fish into the hot oil, again working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 4-6 minutes per side, or until the batter is deep golden brown, crisp, and the fish is cooked through and flakes easily. The internal temperature should reach 70°C (158°F).
⏱️ 10 minutes - 7
Serve immediately: Remove the cooked fish from the oil, drain briefly on paper towels. Serve the hot, crispy flathead fillets immediately with the golden chips, lemon wedges, and tartare sauce on the side.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Flathead has a delicate, sweet, and mild flavor that pairs perfectly with a crisp batter.
- ✓Double-frying the chips is key to achieving that perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
- ✓For an authentic beachside experience, wrap your fish and chips in butcher's paper or newspaper (ensure it's food-safe paper if using newspaper).
- ✓Ensure your beer is cold when making the batter; the temperature difference helps create a lighter, crispier coating.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the fryer. Frying in batches ensures the oil temperature remains stable, leading to crispier results.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Substitute flathead with other firm white fish like Barramundi, Snapper, or Whiting.
- For a healthier option, consider baking the fish and chips instead of frying.
- Experiment with different types of beer for subtle flavor variations in the batter.
- Serve with a side of mushy peas for a traditional British twist.