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Golden Brown Beer Battered Halibut

Incredibly crispy, golden-brown beer battered halibut featuring a light, airy crust and perfectly cooked, flaky white fish inside.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, British
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

The Fish
  • 1.5 lbs fresh Halibut fillets skinless, cut into 2-inch wide pieces
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour for dry dredging
  • 1 tsp Kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
Beer Batter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp Kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 1 cup cold beer lager or pale ale
Frying
  • 2 quarts neutral frying oil canola, peanut, or vegetable

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Deep-fry thermometer
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Spider or slotted spoon

Method
 

  1. Pat the halibut fillets completely dry and cut into uniform pieces. Season all sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a Dutch oven to 375°F (190°C). Set a wire cooling rack over a baking sheet nearby.
  3. In a shallow dish, coat the seasoned fish pieces lightly with the 1/4 cup of dredging flour, shaking off excess.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together the batter dry ingredients: 1 cup flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and paprika.
  5. Just before frying, pour the cold beer into the dry batter mixture and whisk gently until just combined (some lumps are fine).
  6. Dip the floured fish pieces into the wet batter, let excess drip off, and carefully lower into the hot oil.
  7. Fry in small batches for 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until deeply golden brown and crispy.
  8. Transfer cooked fish to the wire rack and immediately sprinkle with a tiny pinch of salt. Let oil return to 375°F before the next batch.

Notes

Do not drain the fried fish on paper towels, as the trapped steam will make the crust soggy. Always use a wire cooling rack.