Inside Scoop: Lighten up a classic dish with this healthy fish batter with baked fries.
You know that deprivation isn’t really our style, and we can gladly say that we crave a classic fried fish and chips every now and then!
While there’s nothing wrong with ordering a fry up and totally digging in, sometimes we would rather have a night in and lighten up our fish fry instead of going for the full greasy spoon. That’s why we wanted to test out this healthy fish batter –to see if it could hold up to a classic fish and chips recipe, and let us tell you, between the gluten-free flour (or spelt) and the baked fries, we definitely found a way to have a healthier fish and chips and still have it taste like the classic.
THIS HEALTHY FISH BATTER IS MUCH EASIER TO MAKE, AND EASIER ON YOUR BELLY.
Fresh caught fish is a staple around here, especially since our city is right on the cusp of the Great Lakes. You can easily find fresh fish & chip stops in any Ontario city that borders a lake, but, did you know that there are a ton of spots around here where you can buy local, fresh-caught lake fish? It doesn’t really matter what kind of fish you get (white fish works best battered), but what really matters is that it is fresh and wild. Jenni tends to grab her fish from Purdy’s, and this fish and chip recipe always comes out tasting incredibly delicious.
The beer aspect for this healthy fish batter is pretty simple. Any lager will do, but we have found that a hands down, amazing beer to add to your fish fry is Steam Whistle. Not only is their company of quality standards and their green initiatives through the roof, but their beer is made with 4 simple ingredients: spring water, malted barley, hops, and yeast!
You know what you’re getting with Steam Whistle, and that’s why we are all for it. To learn more about this amazing brewery, check out our interview and local feature here.
If you want to go completely gluten-free, make sure you check out your local gluten-free beer selection! This healthy fish batter can be made with sprouted grains or with a gluten-free mix, it totally depends on your preference here.
USE OIL SPARINGLY
The combination of a gluten-free flour, and just a small amount of avocado or olive oil for frying the fish (rather than submerging it in a tub of canola or vegetable oil), works just as nicely to lighten up the recipe without losing that crispy texture we love. Using a stable oil is imperative when it comes to cooking food on the stove-top, check out this article on the best cooking oils for high temps, and why it’s important to do your research on cooking oils before you start frying.
You can also download our Healthiest Oils For Cooking Guide here:
Next time you’re like, ooooh I really want to have fish and chips, but I also want to stay on track, this recipe is so crispy and delicious and is sure to satisfy your craving. Not to mention, the golden brown baked fries taste just as crispy, salty, and craveable as those from any seafood restaurant.
We also tested out this Curried Ketchup recipe. It added a bit of spice, some extra flavor, and all in all, dinner was the bomb! But if tartar sauce is more your style, try the Dijon Caper Tartar Sauce below instead.
If you’re totally digging this Fish & Chips with a healthy fish batter recipe, make sure you check out this Mayo-free Coleslaw recipe, it makes as the perfect side dish!
Tried this recipe already? Tag us on Instagram at #NaughtyNutrition!
Fish & Chips With A Healthy Fish Batter
Ingredients
Fish & Chips
- 1 large Yukon gold potato
- 1 medium sweet potato
- 1/4 cup avocado oil divided (use avocado, ghee, butter or olive)
- 6 pieces fish white fish such as haddock or cod
- 2 1/4 cup Steam Whistle or other lager
- 2 cups spelt flour or gluten-free flour blend some extra aside
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- salt & pepper to taste
Fry Seasoning:
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 Tbsp onion powder
- 2 tsp dried dill
- 1/2 Tbsp paprika
- 1/2 Tbsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Dijon Caper Tartar Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise or full-fat greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 to 3 tbsp dill pickle or dill pickle relish finely chopped. **See where to buy below.
- 2 tsp capers chopped
- 2 tsp grain Dijon mustard
- salt & pepper to taste
Directions
- Cut the potato into thin slices, place in a large bowl with water and set aside. You can do this and leave overnight, the longer they are in water, the better.
- Preheat oven to 420F.
- Mix the fry seasoning and set aside
- Whisk together the spelt flour, beer, garlic, chili, paprika, salt and pepper, thoroughly.
- Drain and dry the fries, toss in 2 Tbsp of oil, and the fry seasoning. Line on a parchment lined baking tray (do not overcrowd or they won’t cook properly) and place in the oven for 25-30 minutes).
- Meanwhile, heat apx. 2 Tbsp of oil on skillet over medium.
- Dry the fish filets, and dredge in flour and then dredge in the batter.
- Place fish filets on the hot skillet and cook 3-4 minutes each side.
- When cooked, remove from heat and place on a paper towel to soak up excess oil.
- 10. Mix together the tartar sauce ingredients.
Recipe Notes
*The fish takes a while to cook because you should do them in batches of 2. In order to keep them warm and crispy, keep in microwave, or place them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
I like your philosophy. A lot of other sites just push their latest cookbook. I’m tired of them. You are just what I’ve been looking for.
Thank you
Thank you Jackie 🙂 It’s years of our own struggles that got us here and we’re happy to be spreading the message and our love for food!