Beer-Battered Halibut: Flaky, Crisp, and Fried in Golden Beer Crunch

This Beer-Battered Halibut is everything you want in a fish fry upgrade — light, buttery halibut in a crisp, airy beer batter that crackles with each bite. The halibut stays juicy and clean-tasting, while the batter puffs and browns around it like a pub-style shell of flavor.

It’s upscale fish in a down-to-earth beer jacket — simple, bold, and made to dip.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Halibut

• 1½ to 2 lbs halibut fillet, skin removed, cut into 4–6-inch portions
• Salt and black pepper
• 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 garlic powder
• ¼ tsp paprika or cayenne (optional)
• ¾ to 1 cup cold beer (pale ale, wheat beer, or light lager — avoid bitter IPAs)

For Frying

• Neutral oil (canola, peanut, or vegetable), heated to 350°F (175°C)
• Lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or malt vinegar for serving

Instructions

Prep the Fish

• Pat halibut dry. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
• Dredge each piece in flour to coat — shake off excess.

Make the Batter

• Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and spices.
• Slowly whisk in cold beer until smooth and slightly thick — think pancake batter with lift. Let rest for 5–10 minutes.

Fry the Halibut

• Dip fish pieces into batter, letting excess drip off.
• Fry in hot oil 4–6 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown and cooked through.
• Drain on paper towels or a wire rack. Salt immediately.

Serve Hot

• Serve with fries, lemon wedges, and dipping sauces.
• Great in baskets, on platters, or wrapped up in soft buns with slaw.

Serving Suggestions

Serve With

• Beer-battered fries or sweet potato wedges
• Tartar sauce, spicy remoulade, or garlic aioli
• Light slaw or grilled corn
• Beer-braised greens or simple salad

Sauce Pairings

• Classic lemon-dill tartar
• IPA mustard aioli
• Sriracha-lime mayo
• Pickle relish + sour cream mashup

Beer Pairing

In the Batter

• Pale ale for light hops and citrus
• Wheat beer for smooth body
• Cream ale or blonde ale for neutral crunch
• Avoid dark beers or high-IBU IPAs — they overpower the halibut

In Your Glass

• The same beer used in the batter
• Kölsch or pilsner for sharp, clean contrast
• Gose or fruited sour to brighten
• Dry cider for a snappy, acidic cut

Final Thoughts

Beer-Battered Halibut is the elevated fish fry — light, crisp, and buttery with the clean flavor of halibut wrapped in beer-crunch armor.

Whether you’re plating it fancy or throwing it in a paper-lined basket, it’s built for dipping, squeezing, and pairing with something cold.

Cheers to crispy halibut, frosty pints, and beer in every golden 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.