Why Fish and Chips Never Goes Out of Style
Fish and chips isn’t just a meal, it’s a ritual. From seaside holidays to Friday nights at the local, this crispy, golden duo has won hearts around the world. But while the pub classic is legendary, there’s no reason to stop at the traditional version. With a few clever twists, fish and chips can be light, zesty, spicy, or even a little gourmet.
That’s exactly why we’ve pulled together five irresistible fish and chips recipes each with its own personality. Whether you’re craving crunchy beer batter, Mediterranean flair, or fiery fishcakes, there’s something here for every appetite.
And here’s the smarter bit: with Appetise’s free meal planning tool, you can not only plan your week in minutes but also see the real-time cost of each recipe before you buy. Goodbye budget surprises, hello deliciously planned meals.
1. Crispy Fish & Chips with Yoghurt Mint & Garlic Sauce
This recipe is where tradition meets refreshment. The fish is fried to crunchy perfection, but instead of heavy tartar sauce, you get a cooling yoghurt, mint, and garlic dip. It’s lighter, fresher, and feels like the sunny cousin of the classic.
Why you’ll love it:
- That crunch, perfectly golden fish coating.
- A sauce that’s creamy but not heavy.
- Works well as both a main meal or sharing platter.
Pro tip: Serve with cucumber ribbons or a light salad to double down on freshness.
2. Beer Battered Fish & Chips
If you’re going all-in, this is the recipe to beat. Beer batter is the secret to the ultimate crunch, trapping steam inside so the fish stays tender and flaky. It’s indulgent, nostalgic, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Why you’ll love it:
- The ultimate pub-at-home experience.
- Easy to customise, lager for crispness, pale ale for more flavour.
- A no-fail option when you want something indulgent.
Pro tip: Serve with mushy peas and malt vinegar for the full traditional experience.
3. Fish & Chips with Lemon Aioli & Salad
This is fish and chips on the lighter side. You still get the crispy fish and golden chips, but they’re paired with a zesty lemon aioli and a fresh side salad. It’s a balance between comfort and health, perfect for weeknights when you want something tasty but not too heavy.
Why you’ll love it:
- A refreshing spin on the classic.
- Quick enough to make midweek.
- Lemon aioli brightens every bite.
Pro tip: Add capers to the aioli for a tangy punch.
4. Pan-Fried Fish with Salmoriglio & Oven-Roasted Sweet Potato Chips
Ready to give your fish and chips a gourmet upgrade? This version swaps frying oil for a pan-seared fish fillet topped with salmoriglio—a traditional Sicilian sauce of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano. Instead of regular chips, you get oven-roasted sweet potatoes that are crisp, sweet, and nutrient-packed.
Why you’ll love it:
- Mediterranean flavours without fuss.
- Healthier but still feels indulgent.
- Sweet potato chips = addictive.
Pro tip: Don’t skip the oregano in the salmoriglio, it’s what ties everything together.
5. Salmon and Sweet Potato Peri-Peri Fishcakes
This recipe takes fish and chips in a bold new direction. Juicy salmon and mashed sweet potato are seasoned with peri-peri spice, then shaped into golden fishcakes. While not fish and chips in the strictest sense, the “fish-and-chipsi spirit” is there: fish plus something crisp, hearty, and totally satisfying.
Why you’ll love it:
- A fiery twist for spice lovers.
- Great for batch cooking and meal prep.
- Packed with omega-3 goodness.
Pro tip: Pair with a cooling yoghurt dip or simple rocket salad to balance the heat.
These five recipes prove one thing: fish and chips doesn’t have to be ordinary. With a few tweaks, it can be refreshing, spicy, healthy, or downright gourmet.
But making them doesn’t just depend on recipes, it’s about planning. That’s where Appetise makes life easier.
With Appetise, you can:
- Plan your meals in minutes (no more “what’s for dinner?” panic).
- See recipe costs upfront with the unique priced recipes feature.
- Avoid waste by buying just what you need.
- Discover new recipes that suit your budget, taste, and schedule.
Cooking smarter means you enjoy meals more and stress less.
Final Bite: Fish and Chips, Your Way
Classic beer-battered, refreshing with yoghurt mint sauce, fiery with peri-peri, or zesty with lemon aioli, fish and chips is endlessly adaptable. These five recipes are just the start of how creative you can get in your own kitchen.
So, what’s next? Try one tonight, and while you’re at it, make your weeknights simpler too.
👉 Get started with Appetise’s free meal planning tool and discover how effortless (and budget-friendly) cooking can be.
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