Fish and Chips

Step 1

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, cayenne, paprika, baking powder, and salt and pepper, to taste. Reserve about ¾ cup of the flour mixture (this is used to dust fish). Set aside until ready to dip the fish.

Step 2

Pour oil into a cast iron or skillet, enough for deep frying. Preheat oil to about 375 degrees F.

Step 3

While the oil is preheating, add the beer to the bowl of the flour mixture and whisk until incorporated and the batter is smooth.

Step 4

Then dip each fish strip in the dry flour mixture first, shake off any excess flour, and deep into the beer batter mixture until it’s completely covered. Remove the fish and let the excess batter drip off.

Step 5

Carefully lower into cast iron, fry a few pieces at a time, moving them around so they don't stick. Fry until brown and crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes or more depending on the size.

Step 6

Remove from the fryer with a slotted spoon place on a cookie or wire rack to ensure crispness. Repeat with the remaining fish strips.

Step 7

Pour water into a large bowl, then add ice and vinegar. Set aside.

Step 8

Then scrub the potatoes clean and cut them into a ¼ -½ inch thickness – thin fries are crispier and take less time to cook - make sure they are even for even cooking. A mandolin or French fry cutter works best if you have any.

Step 9

Place them in the bowl of water and let it soak, 2 -3 hours. Soaking the fries gets rid of the starchy content which causes the potatoes to be soggy- not ideal

Step 10

After the potatoes have soaked, drain them, and spread them on paper towels dry thoroughly.

Step 11

If frying the potatoes, thoroughly drain, dry with paper towels if possible.

Step 12

In a large, saucepan or cast-iron pour vegetable oil until it is at least 3 inches and place on medium until the oil is 300 degrees. Fry in small batches, 2-3 minutes or until fries are pale. Remove from oil, drain and allow to cool to room temperature.

Step 13

Increase the heat of the oil to 375°F. Return fries and cook until fries are slightly brown. About 2-3 minutes.

Step 14

As fries come out of the oil season with salt, seasonings, and or parmesan cheese and hold in the oven to keep warm.

Step 15

Bake the potatoes at 400 F for 20-25 minutes, flipping them every 10- 15 minutes with a spatula until they’re evenly browned and crispy, according to preference. After 20 minutes you must check on them often.

Step 16

Toss the fries with seasonings or parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve with fish.