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Home » Main Dish

Published: Sep 17, 2018 · Modified: Nov 18, 2020 by Kathy

Beer Battered Fish

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Strips of crispy battered fish on a blue and white plate.

With nearly a million page views and over 340 five-star reviews, this Beer Battered Fish recipe is a proven favorite. This contest-winning recipe is perfect anytime when you want a light and crispy batter for your favorite fish.

White fish with a crispy golden coating.

Crispy beer battered fish

With just a handful of ingredients and 5 simple steps, this recipe will make you the star of your kitchen. Find out why people keep coming back to this recipe again and again.

This Beer Battered Fish is a go-to at our annual camping fish fry and a staple at home when we crave delicious fish and chips or fish tacos. The combination of a lightly seasoned batter and the perfect fry creates a delightful crunch that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this Beer Battered Fish recipe is easy to follow and yields consistently delicious results.

⭐ Reader Review

5 stars

This is my new favorite beer batter recipe! The coating was perfect, crisp and delicious. I've tried quite a few others and this is the best so far! ~ Jim

We have a summer fishing/camping tradition. We always spend one weekend on Lake Roosevelt, on the Columbia River camping and fishing.

We have several families that go together. There's a core group that's always there, but we always have a few more families that are able to join us each year. This year there were a total of 15 of us.

Two people fishing from a boat on a river.

We go for the fish - Walleye, but it's also about having a great time and hanging out with everyone.

Walleye are tender fish and need a net in order to be brought into the boat. Otherwise, they tend to fall off the hook just as you bring them out of the water.

Four people sitting on a boat with fishing poles.

Sometimes the fishing gets a bit slow.

Freshly caught walleye fish.

Some years the fishing is better than others, but we always catch enough to have a huge fish fry back at camp.

Most years we also have enough to bring back home and stock our freezers. I use the same recipe for making beer battered fish at home as I do at camp. I also make this pan fried Walleye  and a fish salad with frozen fish. 

Another great recipe that can be made with walleye or other fish is this almond crusted fish.

A large pot filled with fillets of walleye fish.

Rod is always our fish fryer at camp.

Beer battered fish being cooked in camp

And he cooks up a ton!

Platter full of beer battered fish.

At home, we use the same method - just in smaller portions. If you don't have walleye, any light white fish will work - cod, haddock, halibut, and flounder are good choices.

Beer Batter Fish ingredients

White fish fillets with flour and beer behind the fish.
  • Fish - Use a light flaky mild fish like Walleye, cod, halibut or tilapia.
  • Flour - Use regular all-purpose flour.
  • Cornstarch - Cornstarch helps make the batter light and crisp. It’s key to making this beer batter.
  • Seasoning - The seasoning is simple; just salt and paprika.
  • Baking Powder - Used to help give the batter a bit of rise while it’s cooking. It also helps add to the lightness and crispness of the batter.
  • Beer - Any type of beer can be used, but usually a lighter-flavored beer is better. We use a very light pilsner like Bud Light, Pabst Blue Ribbon or Kokanee. The beer adds flavor and helps activate the baking powder making the batter very light.
  • Oil for Frying - Look for a mild flavored oil that is good for frying. Some options include canola, vegetable or peanut oil.

How to make Beer Battered Fish

  1. Mix flour, salt, paprika, baking powder and cornstarch together
  2. Add beer and mix
  3. Mixture should be thick, like pancake batter
  4. If mixture becomes too thick, add a bit more beer
  5. If mixture is too runny, add a bit more flour

If you're looking for a gluten-free version of fish and chips, try this recipe for gluten-free fish and chips.

Making Beer Batter for Fish ahead of time

Since I'm never quite sure how much batter we will need at camp, I mix up all the dry ingredients and place in a zip-top bag. I mix one batch in each bag and I usually bring 3 or 4 bags with me.

At camp you just add beer until the mixture is the right consistency. You could just mix it right in the bag and have one less thing to clean up. We usually dump the dry ingredients into a big bowl since we do so many fish.

Serving suggestions

We keep it pretty simple when eating beer battered fish. We often just have a crisp green salad or a coleslaw or even a couscous salad. Onion Rings would also be delicious with this fish. 

Beer Batter for Fish FAQs

What type of beer is best for beer batter?

You can use any type of beer for beer batter. I like to use a light pilsner-type beer because I don't want a heavy-tasting beer in my batter. 

More delicious Walleye recipes

  • Pan Fried Walleye
  • Walleye Salad
  • Blackened Walleye
A blue and white plate stacked full of fried fish.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop

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Beer Battered Fish

Kathy Berget
Beer battered fish with a crunchy coating and tender flaky fish. 
5 from 344 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people
Calories 295 kcal

Equipment

  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Fry Thermometer
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients
  

Batter

  • 2 cups flour
  • ⅓ cup cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 Tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 - 1½ can beer (12 ounce)

Remaining Ingredients

  • 1 -2 pounds fish fillets
  • corn oil (for frying)

Instructions
 

  • Mix dry ingredients together in a bowl. Add beer and stir. Mixture should be the same consistency like pancake batter. 
    2 cups flour, ⅓ cup cornstarch, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 Tablespoon baking powder, 1 - 1½ can beer
  • Add 1 ½ -2 inches oil to pan. Heat oil to 375 degrees. 
    corn oil
  • Pat fish fillets dry with a paper towel. Dip fish, one at a time, into beer batter. Add to heated oil.  Cook 3-4 pieces at a time so pan is not overcrowded. 
    1 -2 pounds fish fillets
  • Cook 2-3 minutes per side. Place cooked fish on a baking sheet lined with a baking rack.  Place in a preheated 250°F oven to keep warm while remaining fish cooks. 
  • Repeat until all fish is cooked. 

Notes

  • I use Walleye fish, but any light fish will work.
  • Use a light beer.
  • If batter is too thick, add a bit more beer.
  • If batter is too runny, add a bit more flour.
  • This recipe makes a large amount of batter. There is enough to dredge all fillets and there will be extra batter leftover. 

Nutritional Disclaimer:

Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.

Nutrition

Calories: 295kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 19gFat: 6gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 817mgPotassium: 482mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 165IUCalcium: 100mgIron: 2.6mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @BeyondTheChickenCoop or tag #beyondthechickencoop!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Leah says

    June 27, 2020 at 8:23 pm

    5 stars
    Awesome batter! This was like a melt in your mouth kind of beer battered fish

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      June 27, 2020 at 9:01 pm

      Thanks, Leah! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Brandy says

    June 23, 2020 at 2:39 pm

    5 stars
    I love this recipe! First time trying beer battered fish and it turned out great!

    I used an IPA because that’s what I had on hand, but next time will do with a light beer. The batter tasted a little heavy, but I know that was due to the beer.

    Thanks for sharing! Will definitely be using this recipe in the future

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      June 23, 2020 at 3:26 pm

      Hi Brandy,
      Thanks so much for you comment! The type of beer does make a difference. I prefer a lighter beer when making this. I hope you have some on hand the next time you make this fish!
      Thanks,
      Kathy 🙂

      Reply
  3. Rita . says

    June 22, 2020 at 4:11 pm

    5 stars
    I made this recipe using halibut and shrimp. Both were delicious. I would definitely make this again.

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      June 22, 2020 at 4:17 pm

      Thanks, Rita! I love the idea of using shrimp! This batter does work well on so many things!
      Thank you!
      Kathy

      Reply
  4. Dale chase says

    June 13, 2020 at 7:39 pm

    Would let me give 5 stars. This was insanely delicious and very crispy! Thank you, this is a keeper!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      June 15, 2020 at 5:47 am

      Hi Dale,
      Thanks so much for your comment and glad you love this fish! My star rating system was not working and I'm so glad you let me know. I think it's all fixed now!
      Thanks 🙂

      Reply
  5. Ceri Thomas says

    June 07, 2020 at 7:54 pm

    It was tasty, however it was far too thick with the flour and cornstarch amounts. I had add a second bottle of beer to it. Guinness stout sure made it extra tasty. We'll be making it often. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      June 07, 2020 at 8:06 pm

      A Guinness would offer a ton of flavor. Thanks for the note about needing to add more beer to the batter. 🙂

      Reply
  6. Mary says

    May 17, 2020 at 6:40 pm

    5 stars
    Just delicious, light and crispy. Better than most nice fish restaurants we’ve been to.

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      May 17, 2020 at 6:42 pm

      Thanks Mary! I think it is a really great recipe and I'm so glad you think so too! Thank you for leaving a comment and letting me know how much you loved it!
      Kathy

      Reply
  7. Janine Hendricks says

    November 03, 2019 at 10:14 am

    5 stars
    I have never tried to make fish like this but gave it a try. WoW!!! It was amazing. so easy and turned out great. Crispy and crunchy. Making it again tonight for my son and his wife. Thank you so much for sharing.

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      November 03, 2019 at 4:09 pm

      Thanks so much for your comment! I'm so glad you love this recipe as much as we do! We make it again and again! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Laura Kirklin says

    September 03, 2019 at 8:00 am

    5 stars
    Hi Kathy! I love your recipe for beer battered fish! It is delicious!!! I wanted to tell you that I used Swai fish with your recipe and it turned out soooooo good! Even the kids were begging for more! As you probably know, swai is a very inexpensive fish, but it does have great flavor. So for those of us who need to watch our pennies, swai is a great alternative to the more expensive fish. Give it a shot!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      September 03, 2019 at 8:05 pm

      Hi Laura,
      I'm so glad you loved this! I haven't heard of swai before, but now I'll need to look for it! This recipe really does work well with so many types of fish. Thanks for sharing that great tip! 🙂

      Reply
      • Laura Kirklin says

        September 13, 2019 at 10:33 am

        Just wanted to tell you that I used your recipe again to fry fish for fish tacos. Everryone fell in love and wanted more! Thanks again!

      • Kathy says

        September 13, 2019 at 6:48 pm

        Wonderful! I'm so glad everyone loved it!

  9. Sophie Rosso says

    August 11, 2019 at 6:12 pm

    5 stars
    This was amazing. Our new go to. Thanks so much for sharing

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      August 11, 2019 at 7:19 pm

      Thanks! I love that you love it!!! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Linda says

    June 21, 2019 at 4:38 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious recipe! We made some onion rings with the leftover batter 👍

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      June 22, 2019 at 5:13 am

      Thanks, Linda! What a great idea for the leftover batter! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Leonore Garcia says

    June 07, 2019 at 9:26 pm

    5 stars
    Oh my gosh! I made this tonight and it was a big hit!! So yummy in tacos with chipotle sauce. Thank you!
    I'll send a pic on IG.

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      June 08, 2019 at 9:35 am

      Lenore, Thanks so much! It's always a hit in our house and I'm glad it was in yours too. Using in tacos is a perfect idea!

      Reply
  12. Maui Brown says

    April 16, 2019 at 5:24 pm

    Wow! This is restaurant quality beer battered fish. Thank you for sharing

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      April 16, 2019 at 7:22 pm

      Thank you! It's one of our favorites. I'm so glad you love it as much as we do! 🙂

      Reply
  13. Fred G says

    December 01, 2018 at 9:39 am

    5 stars
    Beer and fish. What a good idea. Catch the fish while drinking a beer, then follow your recipe.

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      December 01, 2018 at 4:42 pm

      It all makes for good fun! 🙂

      Reply
  14. Ros says

    September 21, 2018 at 1:42 pm

    Wow these look so delicious! Yum yum yum! Never heard of walleye either! But I'm sure the recipe works for any type of fish. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      September 22, 2018 at 6:16 am

      You can use almost any type of fish as long as it's mild tasting and holds together.

      Reply
  15. Adina says

    September 20, 2018 at 10:41 pm

    5 stars
    How fun! I have only been fishing once when I was about 13. My step father would go almost every weekend, my mother agreed to it once and never again... Too bad, I remember us children having fun. Your beer battered fish looks perfect, better than any fish (and chips) I have ever had when in the UK. And I am so sure it taste like a million times better.

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      September 22, 2018 at 6:17 am

      Fishing is fun, especially when the fish are biting!

      Reply
      • Karen Graham says

        July 30, 2019 at 1:56 am

        5 stars
        HELLO KATHY YOUR RECIPE FOR THE BEER BATTER FISH IS AWESOME, I GOTTA TRY YOUR RECIPE😃 DO YOU HAVE A CHANNEL THAT I CAN SUBSCRIBE TO? I LOVE TO SEE MORE OF YOUR AMAZING RECIPES.

      • Kathy says

        July 30, 2019 at 8:01 pm

        Thanks, Karen! I started a YouTube channel a bit ago, but never did anything with it! You've inspired me to upload some videos and get started! You could be my first follower! 🙂

  16. Fran @ G'day Souffle' says

    September 18, 2018 at 2:53 am

    I have never heard of walleye fish before, but then again, I'm no fisherman. You must get lots of fish filleting experience! Hard to believe that such a simple recipe could be so delicious!

    Reply
  17. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

    September 17, 2018 at 12:49 pm

    5 stars
    I love fishing trips with the family Kathy. Our boys used to go crazy when they were little when they caught a fish! Love this beer battered version. Can't wait to give it a try.

    Reply
  18. Dawn says

    September 17, 2018 at 9:33 am

    5 stars
    Beer battered fish is a classic around here! How freakin' good does this look?! All golden brown and crispy! Cod is the popular choice of fish around here...we don't get walleye. Your fishing trip sounds fun and talk about fresh! You're seriously making me hungry right now 🙂

    Reply
  19. annie@ciaochowbambina says

    September 17, 2018 at 7:13 am

    5 stars
    OH MY GOODNESS! This is a dish I can never resist! So crunchy and flaky! Great post, Kathy!

    Reply
  20. David @ Spiced says

    September 17, 2018 at 5:36 am

    Holy cow, Kathy! Err...holy Walleye, I mean. These fried fish look amazing. I've been wanting to try my hand at a beer-battered fish here at home, but I just haven't gotten around to it yet. I clearly need to move that up the list as now I'm craving a good plate beer-battered fish 'n' chips! And of course I'd have to serve that with a tasty beer. Thanks for sharing, and the photos from the trip were fun, too! 🙂

    Reply
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I'm Kathy, and I love to create delicious recipes from scratch utilizing many ingredients that we grow and raise. I'm a recipe creator, food photographer, and cookbook author!

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