Beer-Battered Cod: Crispy, Light, and Fried to Golden Beer Glory

This Beer-Battered Cod is everything classic fish fry dreams are made of — flaky white fish in a shatter-crisp shell of beer-bubbled batter, golden and airy on the outside, juicy on the inside.

It’s a pub classic taken up a notch with the right beer, the right oil temp, and the right dipping sauce on the side.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Fish

• 1½–2 lbs cod fillets, cut into 3–4 inch portions
• Salt and pepper to season
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)

For the Beer Batter

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp paprika or cayenne
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¾ to 1 cup cold beer (lager, cream ale, or wheat beer — light, crisp, not bitter)

For Frying

• Neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or peanut), heated to 350°F (175°C)
• Optional: lemon wedges, tartar sauce, malt vinegar

Instructions

Prep the Fish

• Pat cod dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
• Lightly dredge in flour to help the batter stick.

Make the Batter

• In a bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, spices, salt, and pepper.
• Slowly whisk in cold beer until batter is thick and smooth but pourable. Chill while oil heats.

Fry It Up

• Dip each cod piece into the batter, letting excess drip off.
• Carefully lower into hot oil and fry in batches for 4–5 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crisp.
• Remove to a wire rack or paper towels. Sprinkle with salt while hot.

Serve Hot

• Plate immediately with lemon, tartar sauce, or vinegar.
• Serve over fries, in a sandwich, or as part of a full fish fry platter.

Serving Suggestions

Serve With

• Fries or beer-battered chips
• Tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or malt vinegar
• Coleslaw or pickled veg
• Soft buns for a fish sandwich build

Side Sauce Ideas

• Beer aioli with garlic + Dijon
• Jalapeño tartar sauce
• Spicy IPA ketchup
• Curry mayo or remoulade

Beer Pairing

In the Batter

• Lager (clean and crisp)
• Wheat beer (light citrus, good body)
• Cream ale or blonde ale for smooth flavor
• Avoid IPAs or stouts — they overpower the cod

In Your Glass

• The same beer used in the batter
• Kölsch or pilsner to keep it sharp and bubbly
• Pale ale for mild hop balance
• Dry cider for acidic contrast

Final Thoughts

Beer-Battered Cod is fried comfort food perfected — light, crispy, and unapologetically beer-soaked in the best way. Whether you’re building a platter, stuffing it in a bun, or just dunking and devouring, this is fish that fries like a champ and drinks like a pint.

Cheers to golden crusts, flaky fish, and beer in every bite! 🍺🐟🔥

🐟 Explore More Beer-Battered Fish Recipes

Light, crispy, golden batter with a malty bite — these beer-battered classics go beyond fish and chips to cover tacos, sandwiches, shrimp, and even chicken. Fry night just got legendary.

🍺 Beer-Battered Fish (Main Guide) – Our go-to recipes for classic pub-style fried fish.
🌮 Beer-Battered Fish Tacos – Crispy fish, zesty slaw, and bold flavor in every bite.
🧂 Beer-Battered Cod – Flaky cod fillets with a crunchy, airy crust.
🌊 Beer-Battered Halibut – Meaty halibut wrapped in a light golden batter.
🐠 Beer-Battered Tilapia – A budget-friendly favorite with great texture.
🎣 Beer-Battered Walleye – A Midwest classic, fried to perfection.
⚓ Beer-Battered Perch – Delicate lake perch in a crispy beer shell.
🌬️ Beer-Battered Haddock – Light, flaky, and pub-ready.
🦐 Beer-Battered Shrimp – Juicy shrimp with a golden beer crunch.
🐓 Beer-Battered Chicken – A crispy twist on fried chicken with beer batter flair.
🐟 Beer-Battered Catfish – Southern-style catfish meets beer-battered crisp.
🥪 Beer-Battered Fish Sandwich – Piled high, crispy and saucy between buns.

Explore Our Top Cooking-with-Beer Recipes 🍺 🍺

From crispy beer-battered classics to bold mains, cheesy dips, breads, and even desserts — these roundups bring together the best of beer-infused cooking. Whether you’re hosting a game day, planning a backyard BBQ, or just experimenting in the kitchen, there’s a beer recipe collection for every craving.

• 🍽️ Cooking with Beer (Main Hub) – Your ultimate guide to cooking with beer, from mains to apps and desserts.
• 🥨 Beer-Battered Appetizers and Sides – – Crispy onion rings, fried pickles, mushrooms, zucchini, & more pub-style favorites with a golden beer crunch.
• 🍞 Beer Bread Recipes – From 2-ingredient quick breads to jalapeño cheese loaves.
• 🧀 Beer Cheese & Dips – Beer cheese soup, queso, nachos, ranch dip & more.
• 🍖 Beer Can Chicken & Grilled Mains – Bold, juicy recipes straight from the grill.
• 🌶️ Beer Infused Chili’s – Hearty, bold, and slow-simmered beer-infused chili.
• 🍻 Beer Mac & Cheese – Creamy, quick& easy, made to impress.
• 🍰 Beer-Infused Desserts & Sweets – Sweet treats made better with beer.
• 🎉 Oktoberfest & Seasonal Ideas – Perfect pairings for parties, fall feasts, and festive gatherings.