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Fish in beer batter.

Photo: Marina Oliphant

Time
20-40 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Serves
4

Make this batter to order because it's best fresh. Use a full-flavoured ale, well chilled from the fridge. The perfect accompaniment is home-made tartare sauce (and any leftover beer).

Ingredients

  • For the batter
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup plain flour
  • 1 tbsp melted butter
  • 1/2 cup beer
  • For the tartare sauce
  • 1 cup good quality mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp chopped gherkins
  • 2 tbsp baby capers
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 1 tbsp chopped chives
  • For the fish
  • 250ml vegetable oil for frying
  • 600g small flathead fillets
  • Lemon wedges to serve

Method

To make the beer batter, in a medium bowl whisk together the egg, flour and butter and slowly add the beer until the batter is smooth and thick. (You might not need to add all the beer.) Set aside.

To make the tartare sauce, mix all ingredients together and taste. Adjust seasoning if required.

Place oil in a 22-centimetre pan over a moderate flame. If your pan is larger, you might need to add more oil to ensure it is about one centimetre deep. Test the oil by dropping a little of the batter into the pan; it will sizzle when the oil is hot.

Use a fork to dip the fillet into the batter to coat thoroughly, then drain the excess batter back into the bowl. Carefully lay the fish in the pan. Cook a few at a time. Cook for two to three minutes each side until lightly golden. Drain on paper towel. Continue until all the fish is cooked.

Serve with tartare and lemon wedges.

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