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Home » mid-week » Posh fish and chips with lemon butter sauce (30 minute meal)

Posh fish and chips with lemon butter sauce (30 minute meal)

Posted Jan 05, 2020 | Updated Mar 25, 2020 by Helen | 64 Comments |

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.

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A plate of homemade fish and chips in lemon butter sauce

Fish and chips aren’t usually the healthiest meal. But this homemade version of this amazing British classic is not only quick and easy, but healthy too. It’s also got a delicious lemon butter sauce, so it’s kind of fancy!

A plate of posh fish and chips with peas on a white plate and on a blue checked tea towel

I don’t know about you, but I’m not a big fan of deep frying at home. So let’s leave traditional fish and chips to the experts and have a go at this delicious twist on the classic recipe instead!

Delicious, healthy and easy, but… fancy!

Here are the best things about this version of homemade fish and chips with a twist:

  • You can use any white fish you like.
  • Instead of deep frying your fish in batter, you make a very simple but delicious crumble topping made of just 4 ingredients: bread crumbs (panko or home made), lemon zest, parmesan cheese, basil.
  • You pan fry then briefly grill/broil the fish instead of deep frying it. The entire recipe, including the chips, takes just over half an hour to get on the table.
  • The ‘icing on the cake’ is the lemon butter sauce. You need just 2 ingredients to make it: lemon juice and butter!
Posh fish and chips being cooked in a red frying pan with butter sauce and lemon slices on top

How to make it

This fancy fish and chips meal is super easy to make in just a few simple steps:

  1. Parboil chips.
  2. Prepare quick crumble topping.
  3. Pan fry fish.
  4. Pile topping on fish and grill/broil.
  5. Add ridiculously easy lemon butter sauce.
  6. Serve with homemade chips (and frozen peas if you like).

Pretty healthy too, right?

A close up of a plate of posh fish and chips on a white plate

How to make perfect homemade chips

Homemade chips are one of our staple easy side dishes that I make at least once or twice a week.

I prepare them one of two ways:

  1. Put the sliced potatoes/wedges in cold water and bring to the boil. Boil for another 2 to 3 minutes, then drain. Let steam, then scatter in one layer over a baking tray lined with baking paper or foil. Drizzle with olive oil, toss with your hands, then bake for around 30 minutes or until golden and crispy.
  2. Parboil in water that’s already boiling for around 10 minutes. Drain and let steam dry for a few minutes. Then proceed as above.

Sometimes, I parboil double the amount of potatoes that I actually need for that night’s meal. I let the leftovers cool completely, then I freeze them for a couple of hours in a single layer on a baking tray.

Then throw them into a freezer bag and into the freezer.

Next time I want to make homemade chips for dinner, I simply cook the chips from frozen. They need a little longer to cook, but just keep an eye on them until they’re golden and crispy.

Freezing homemade chips is especially useful if you have lots of potatoes that you don’t think you’ll be able to eat before they go bad.

Other meals you can serve homemade chips with

  • Greek marinated chicken (just 6 ingredients!)
  • 15-minute creamy pesto chicken and mushrooms
  • ‘Magic’ crustless quiche (make with whatever you have)
  • Greek oven baked fish (another delicious, easy and healthy fish recipe!)
  • If you don’t eat meat, try these 15-minute crispy halloumi burgers!

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A plate of posh fish and chips with peas on a white plate and on a blue checked tea towel

Posh fish and chips with lemon butter sauce

An easy, tasty, healthy and fancy twist on a classic fish and chips. The fish is lightly pan-fried and topped with a tasty crumb mixture including parmesan cheese, basil and lemon. Served with a light butter lemon 'sauce' – and oven baked chunky chips and peas, of course! Delicious!
5 from 3 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Cuisine British
Servings (click to change) 2 -4
Author Helen

Equipment (affiliate links)

  • cast iron frying pan

Ingredients (UK/Australia? Click below for grams/ml)

cups/ounces – grams/ml

For the fish

  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs panko breadcrumbs, or make your own in the food processor out of any bread you have
  • grated zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil
  • 1 small handful grated parmesan cheese
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • 2 white fish fillets skinless & boneless (double recipe if dinner's for 4)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or use 1 more tablespoon butter instead)
  • ½ lemon (juice) or the juice of a whole lemon, depending on how ‘lemony’ you’d like the finished sauce to be

For the chips

  • 4 medium potatoes peeled and chopped into chunky chips (or allow around 7 ounces/200 grams/1½ to 2 medium potatoes per person)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • frozen peas to serve (optional)
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 200C. Then put the potatoes into a large pot of salted water and bring to the boil. Boil for 2 minutes, drain and let steam. Alternatively, boil for 10 minutes in water that's already boiling.
  • Tip the drained potatoes onto a large baking sheet lined with baking paper or foil. Drizzle with the olive oil and toss with your hands. Bake in one layer for around 30 minutes or until golden and a little crispy.
  • Meanwhile, combine the bread crumbs, lemon zest, basil, parmesan and salt and pepper in a small bowl and put aside.
  • Heat up an oven-proof frying pan on the stove top with a good drizzle of olive oil. At the same time, heat up the grill (broiler). Cook the fish fillets for 2 to 3 minutes in the pan.
  • Flip the filets over and pile a good layer of the crumbs onto each. Transfer the skillet/frying pan to under the grill (broiler) and grill/broil for another 2 to 3 minutes until the crumbs are golden and the fish fully cooked through.
  • Transfer the frying pan/skillet back to the stove top. Melt the butter around the fish and add the olive oil and lemon juice. Serve immediately with your cooked chunky chips and a side of peas, if you like.

Notes

Adapting the recipe for 4

You could easily make this for four by cooking four fish filets instead of two. You don’t need to double any of the other ingredients – but of course do double your chips!
If you’re making this for just 2 people, you can freeze the remaining breadcrumb mixture for next time if you like. 

What pan to use

Make sure you use a frying pan or other pan that’s oven safe (you’re going to be putting the pan under the grill, remember). A cast iron pan is a good option!

Nutrition

Calories: 760kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 48gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 116mgSodium: 338mgPotassium: 2337mgFiber: 12gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 455IUVitamin C: 63mgCalcium: 182mgIron: 16mg
Tried this recipe?Let me know if you liked it!

By Helen all recipes, Baby & kid friendly, fish, gluten free, healthy, main meals, mid-week

Comments

  1. Ashley says

    29 Oct 14 at 2:31 am

    I’m glad to hear that you are starting to get a little settled!! I can never keep up with all your moves! haha 🙂

    And this sounds wonderful – my husband would LOVE this!

    Reply
    • Helen says

      31 Oct 14 at 10:55 am

      Hahahaha … I can’t keep up with my own moves, to be honest! 😉
      Glad you like the fish n chips … it would be great for a ‘British night’ with friends!

      Reply
  2. cheri says

    29 Oct 14 at 12:30 am

    Hi Helen, so glad Mr Scrummy and yourself are settled in, I have a hard time adjusting from one state to another, not sure how you do it. Love fish and chips, missing it so now that we are in the desert. The butter lemon sauce looks wonderful!

    Reply
    • Helen says

      31 Oct 14 at 10:56 am

      Ooh yes, I bet you don’t get too much fish out there in the desert! I think it’s wonderful that you can travel to such different places and still be in the same country. So glad you like the fish and chips!

      Reply
  3. Allie | Baking a Moment says

    28 Oct 14 at 11:47 pm

    Let’s not forget about chips vs. fries, lol! Honestly, as fun as this all sounds I can see why you are tired. But it’s all so exciting. Fun memories in the making. And this meal is simply delish; love the herbs in the crust!

    Reply
    • Helen says

      31 Oct 14 at 10:57 am

      Thanks so much, Allie … that’s a great way to see things. I’ll definitely have plenty of memories to look back on in the future. Glad you like the fish and chips. I can’t stop eating it at the moment!

      Reply
  4. lori @ TheHealthMinded.com says

    28 Oct 14 at 11:39 pm

    A must feature for one of your first posts coming from the UK – fish and chips! One of my favorites from your neck of the woods as long as it is not too greasy and this looks not! Yum – the lemon sauce sounds divine and simple!

    Reply
    • Helen says

      31 Oct 14 at 10:58 am

      Hi, Lori! I love that this is a healthier version of a classic. I must admit though that the real deal slides down quite well from time to time, too – but you’re right, it can be really greasy.
      P.S. No probs with your comment this time!! 😉

      Reply
  5. [email protected] Eats says

    28 Oct 14 at 10:20 pm

    Oh, I love this!! This is how I make my crumbed fish! Your posts always crack me up. I have visions of your apartment piled high with red kitchenware and Ikea furniture still in the packaging that needs assembling 🙂 This is a fab recipe Helen, I really like it, it is exactly my style for a midweek meal. Thanks for sharing! Pinning!

    Reply
    • Helen says

      31 Oct 14 at 11:02 am

      Hahahaha … well I think your vision does just about sum things up around here! Although we don’t have all that much of the Ikea furniture, perhaps sadly, as we rented the apartment partly furnished. I certainly spent plenty of time in the cushion and throw department of Ikea, though!
      So glad you like the recipe and yes, definitely a mid-week afair. I’m thinking of adding a little pepperoni or chorizo to the crumb mix next time!

      Reply
  6. Mira says

    28 Oct 14 at 9:16 pm

    This fish and chips looks fancy, healthy and delicious. It definitely is the european style fish and chip and I like it even better! It must feel great cooking in your new kitchen. Shopping for the house is usually fun!

    Reply
    • Helen says

      31 Oct 14 at 11:02 am

      Hi, Mira … yes, great description … European fish and chips! Thanks so much for the good wishes … it certainly is a great feeling to get a bit settled in!

      Reply
  7. Shashi @ runninsrilankan says

    28 Oct 14 at 8:25 pm

    You guys have been busy!!! I guess it’s starting all over that warrants all the shopping? A color coded kitchen sounds pretty fantastic – my daughter keeps trying me to buy “aqua” pots and pans and spoon and …you get the picture..I would rather they be red though 🙂
    Your fish and chips look succulent – love the breadcrumbs on top! All this needs are some chocolate chip cookies – or rather chocolate chip “biscuits” 🙂

    Reply
    • Helen says

      31 Oct 14 at 11:04 am

      Hahahaha .. you’re getting the British lingo nailed there, Shashi! 😉
      The red appliances are looking quite snazzy, I have to say. Aqua might be a little more difficult to find, but hey, why not?
      So glad you like the fish and yes, those ‘biscuits’ would be a perfect dessert!

      Reply
  8. Norma | Allspice and Nutmeg says

    28 Oct 14 at 8:18 pm

    Glad you guys are settling in. This fish and chips dish looks fantastic, Helen.

    Reply
    • Helen says

      31 Oct 14 at 11:04 am

      Hi, Norma! Thanks so much! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Meggan | Culinary Hill says

    28 Oct 14 at 6:24 pm

    It sounds so appealing, furnishing a home from top to bottom! Although it’s a lot of work, obviously, and being jet-lagged most certainly won’t help. You poor things! Your fish & chips, posh and all that, look fabulous. I love the simple crumb topping! Fish & chips always make my mouth-water, so even though it’s 9:00 am, I’m craving this as an ideal breakfast. 🙂

    Reply
    • Helen says

      28 Oct 14 at 7:20 pm

      Well, I reckon I could happily eat some fish and chips for breakfast!
      I suppose it has been sort of fun getting our new home all furnished and equipped, but perhaps slightly less so because we had to do it all so quickly – and with not too much money! Definitely a first world problem, I know 😉

      Reply
  10. Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says

    28 Oct 14 at 5:10 pm

    I think fish and chips is definitely a good reason to come back to the UK.
    I love going to the chippy for a treat occasionally, but I do prefer homemade versions like this.

    Reply
    • Helen says

      28 Oct 14 at 7:21 pm

      Hi, Dannii! I thought that all my Brit blogging friends would ‘get’ this post the most. I was very happy that this recipe worked out so well, but i must admit I enjoy letting the chippy make them occasionally, too! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Laura @ Raise Your Garden says

    28 Oct 14 at 2:40 pm

    Where I live everyone order Fish on Fridays, usually minus the chips (it comes with coleslaw) but yours looks a gizzilion times better than anything ordered out. I haven’t had fish in 20 years, but I think it’s time to give it a whirl again, and it’s so nutritious! (Blame it on the bad takeout here) This reminds me of food I see on my favorite British show Pie in the Sky, ha. Scrummy Yummy!!

    Reply
    • Helen says

      28 Oct 14 at 7:28 pm

      Pie in the Sky? Never heard of that but it sounds like I should check it out if it’s your favourite!
      Honestly, you haven’t had any fish for 20 years? At all? Ahhh, Laura, you’re definitely missing out there! I think I might just have had it a bit too often in the last week or so. Glad you like this, though, and if you ever give it a go, please let me know if I’ve converted you!

      Reply
  12. whatjessicabakednext says

    28 Oct 14 at 2:05 pm

    Love this recipe, so much! Posh fish and chips win hands down for me! I do love the fried for a treat, but this classic looks delish! I know what i’m having for dinner on friday now! 😀

    Reply
    • Helen says

      28 Oct 14 at 7:29 pm

      Oh, really, you’re going to make this on Friday? Do let me know what you think. This is one of my new favourite meals!

      Reply
  13. Joanne says

    28 Oct 14 at 1:41 pm

    Moving, especially to a new country, definitely does require lots of shopping. It’s exhausting.

    I love your posh version of fish and chips more than the classic recipe! That crispy fish topping sounds super.

    Reply
    • Helen says

      28 Oct 14 at 7:30 pm

      Thanks so much, Joanne. That’s a compliment indeed!! 🙂

      Reply
  14. Sofia says

    28 Oct 14 at 9:54 am

    Hi Helen! Your latest shopping sounds like nightmare to me. Thank goodness for this fish and chips you cooked, it does look posh indeed. I can’t wait to make my version myself.

    Reply
    • Helen says

      28 Oct 14 at 7:32 pm

      Hi, Sofia! I’m glad you like this and agree that it looks posh! 🙂

      Reply
  15. Tandy | Lavender and Lime says

    28 Oct 14 at 6:01 am

    Glad you have moved in to your own place. This dinner sounds perfectly scrummy 🙂

    Reply
    • Helen says

      28 Oct 14 at 7:34 pm

      Thanks so much for the good wishes, Tandy!

      Reply
  16. Marcie says

    28 Oct 14 at 5:48 am

    Shop till you drop, as the saying goes! You and Mr. Scrummy definitely did that. Haha. And this posh fish and chips? I’ll take it over regular any day — it looks delicious! Pinning.

    Reply
    • Helen says

      28 Oct 14 at 7:35 pm

      Oh yes, we have certainly done that!! Like never before! It is what I would call a shopping frenzy … scary!
      Glad you like the posh fish and chips and … thanks so much for pinning!

      Reply
  17. Isadora says

    28 Oct 14 at 5:28 am

    That is great that you are all settled in! It must not be easy moving around so much! One of my favorite things about moving is that I get to buy all new things for the house! It can get expensive, but it can be so much fun! I love your posh fish and chips, Helen! It really does look so fancy and delicious 🙂

    Reply
    • Helen says

      28 Oct 14 at 7:36 pm

      It’s been fun at times, but our new flat isn’t all that big so it’s getting to be a bit of a challenge fitting all those new things in! Oh well, nothing’s perfect!
      So happy that you think the fish n chips are fancy!! 🙂

      Reply
  18. [email protected] Olives & Garlic says

    28 Oct 14 at 5:25 am

    Love the name you gave this fish. Kurt and I are suckers for fish and chips. I sense I should have a cheat day soon.

    Reply
    • Helen says

      28 Oct 14 at 7:38 pm

      I didn’t realise that fish and chips were popular over there … but of course I’m glad they are!

      Reply
  19. Liz says

    28 Oct 14 at 3:28 am

    Oh, your posh fish looks magnificent!!! I wish this was MY dinner!!

    Reply
    • Helen says

      28 Oct 14 at 7:39 pm

      Well I’m sure you’ve got something equally as yummy cooking up in your kitchen, Liz! So glad you like this!

      Reply
  20. Eva says

    27 Oct 14 at 11:53 pm

    J’aime beaucoup fish & chips, quand j’habité à Londres, j’ai mangé souvent. Ta recette me plaît beaucoup, simple à réaliser et moins gras que la recette original ! Je suis content que vous avez trouvé un chez vous 😉

    Reply
    • Helen says

      28 Oct 14 at 7:42 pm

      Merci pour les bons souhaits, Eva! J’aime encore manger quelquefois du ‘fish and chip shop’ mais comme ca je peux les manger plus souvent … sans aucun regret! 🙂

      Reply
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