Healthy Fish and Chips Recipe (2024)

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This healthy fish and chips recipe is a great way to enjoy a chip shop-style meal without the guilt. The fish is lightly coated in breadcrumbs and the chips are hand cut and tossed in a little oil. Both are baked in the oven until crisp and golden brown. Have these healthy fish and chips on the table in just 45 minutes, perfect for a mid week meal that is both easy and healthy.

Healthy Fish and Chips Recipe (1)

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  • 👩🏻‍🍳 Why make this recipe
  • 🥘 Ingredients
  • 🔪 Step by step instructions
  • 💭 Expert tips
  • ❓ Frequently asked questions
  • 🦐 Other fish recipes
  • 📖 Recipe

👩🏻‍🍳 Why make this recipe

Fish and Chips, Britains staple meal. The dish that defines our coastline and makes the food fight against seagulls very, very real (I have first hand experience of this). Its a dish that can satisfy the greediest of mouths and one that will put a smile on your face when remembering sunny days sat on a bench, breathing in the sea air and feeling the slight chill of our relentless coastal winds. But, not all fish and chips need to be eaten at the seaside and it doesn't always need to dipped in batter and deep fried.

This recipe is a healthy version of the otherwise stodgy and oil soaked fish and chips. The fish is lightly coated in breadcrumbs and baked, and the chips are tossed in a small amount of oil and cooked in the oven until golden. The peas are garden peas, crushed and mixed with a bit of butter and mint. Nutritious, but still hits the spot when that chippy craving strikes.

🥘 Ingredients

To make this healthy fish and chips recipe at home you will need:

Healthy Fish and Chips Recipe (2)

Ingredient notes

Measurements: For the amounts required, see the recipe card below and use the toggle button to see the recipe in cups.

Fish:Use cod or haddock for the fish. For best results choose fillets that are thicker rather than longer. Thicker fillets will maintain their moisture better during cooking, so the finished fish will be crunchy on the outside and tender and moist on the inside.

Breadcrumbs: Use store bought standard breadcrumbs or for more of a crunch try with Japanese panko breadcrumbs. I tend to find that compared to panko breadcrumbs, standard breadcrumbs have a darker colour after cooking and are more flavoursome.

Flour and egg: These are necessary to ensure that the breadcrumbs fully coat and stick to the fish.

Potatoes: Use large floury potatoes such as Maris Piper or King Edward, which are good for baking.

🔪 Step by step instructions

  1. Pre heat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line up 3 medium shallow bowls and a baking tray. Put the flour in one bowl, whisked egg in the second and breadcrumbs in the third. Season the flour with salt and pepper
  2. Take the first fish fillet and place in the flour bowl, turn the fillet and fully coat in the flour.
  3. Transfer the fillet to the egg bowl and turn to fully coat.
  4. Then transfer the fish from the egg bowl to the bread crumbs bowl. Turn in the bowl and coat with bread crumbs all over.Healthy Fish and Chips Recipe (3)
  5. Shake the fillet to remove any excess breadcrumbs then carefully place on a baking tray. Repeat with the second fillet. Set the breadcrumbed fish to one side whilst the chips are prepared.
  6. Leave the skins on the potatoes and slice into chip shapes. Place the chips into a bowl and toss in olive oil, salt and pepper.
  7. Transfer the chips to a second tray. Then place both the fish tray and chips tray into the preheated oven and cook for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Turn half way through.
  8. Prepare the peas when the fish and chips have 5 minute left in the oven. Place the frozen garden peas in a small pan, cover with water and simmer for 2-3 minutes or until cooked.Healthy Fish and Chips Recipe (4)
  9. Drain the peas then add dried mint and butter then mix and use a masher to 'smash'.
  10. Serve the fish and chips on a board with peas in a bowl at the side.Healthy Fish and Chips Recipe (5)

💭 Expert tips

  • Try to buy fillets which are thick/fat rather than long.
  • Use floury potatoes for the chips.
  • If you don't want to use flour in this recipe then pat the fish dry with kitchen towel before coating in the egg. However, I do recommend using the flour to ensure a proper coating of egg, which in turn provides the perfect sticky surface for the breadcrumbs.
  • Slice the chips to a similar size so that they cook evenly.
  • line trays with greaseproof paper to help stop the fish and chips from sticking during cooking.
  • Turn the chips and fish a couple of time during cooking to stop the chips sticking to the tray and to ensure even colouring on the breadcrumbs.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Is oven baked fish healthy?

Fish is fantastic source of protein and if its a white fish then its also low in fat. However, the local chippy load the fish with fat by coating in batter and deep frying in oil. Coating in flour, eggs and breadcrumbs and then baking, substantially reduces calories and fat so making this method a lot healthier than the chippy method.

Can you reheat this recipe?

I don't recommend reheating this recipe as the fish is likely to dry out. You can however prepare everything up to the point when it all goes in the oven. Then wrap the trays in cling film (plastic wrap) and place in the fridge until you are ready to bake. Before baking, remove the trays from the fridge and allow to stand on the side for 30 minutes to come to room temperature.

Is this recipe gluten free?

The bread crumb coating in this recipe uses flour and bread crumbs, which both contain gluten. To make this recipe gluten free replace with gluten free flour and gluten free breadcrumbs. You can also leave out the flour if you prefer, see expert tips above.

Healthy Fish and Chips Recipe (6)

🦐 Other fish recipes

  • Classic Fish Pie Recipe
  • Fish Biryani
  • Salmon and Mackerel Fishcakes
  • Salmon and Prawn Linguine
  • Salmon Pasta Recipe
  • Haddock Risotto

If you've tried this recipe, let me know what you think by leaving a star rating in the recipe card or comment section below.I always appreciate your feedback! You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram or Sign up to my email list!

📖 Recipe

Healthy Fish and Chips Recipe (7)

Healthy Fish and Chips Recipe

By: Debbie Jones

This healthy fish and chips recipe is a great way to enjoy a chip shop-style meal without the guilt. The fish is lightly coated in breadcrumbs and the chips are hand cut and tossed in a little oil. Both are baked in the oven until crisp and golden brown. Have these healthy fish and chips on the table in just 45 minutes, perfect for a mid week meal that is both easy and healthy.

5 from 7 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine British

Servings 2 people

Calories 569 kcal

Equipment

  • 3 shallow bowls for flour, eggs and breadcrumbs

  • 2 baking trays

  • Large mixing bowl for chips

  • Spatula

Ingredients

For the Fish

  • 50 g plain flour
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • 1 egg whisked
  • 50 g breadcrumbs
  • 2 white fish fillets cod or haddock

For the chips

  • 2 large potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

For the peas

  • 200 g frozen garden peas
  • 1 teaspoon dried mint
  • 10 g butter

Instructions

  • Pre heat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line up 3 medium shallow bowls and a baking tray. Put the flour in one bowl, whisked egg in the second and breadcrumbs in the third. Season the flour with salt and pepper.

  • Take the first fish fillet and place in the flour bowl, turn the fillet and fully coat in the flour.

  • Transfer the fillet to the egg bowl and turn to fully coat.

  • Then transfer the fish from the egg bowl to the bread crumbs bowl. Turn in the bowl and coat with bread crumbs all over.

  • Shake the fillet to remove any excess breadcrumbs then carefully place on a baking tray. Repeat with the second fillet. Set the breadcrumbed fish to one side whilst the chips are prepared.

  • Leave the skins on the potatoes and slice into chip shapes. Place the chips into a bowl and toss in olive oil, salt and pepper.

  • Transfer the chips to a second tray. Then place both the fish tray and chips tray into the preheated oven and cook for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Turn half way through.

  • Prepare the peas when the fish and chips have 5 minute left in the oven. Place the frozen garden peas in a small pan, cover with water and simmer for 2-3 minutes or until cooked.

  • Drain the peas then add dried mint and butter then mix and use a masher to 'smash'.

  • Serve the fish and chips on a board with peas in a bowl at the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 569kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 179mg | Sodium: 464mg | Potassium: 1762mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1136IU | Vitamin C: 89mg | Calcium: 108mg | Iron: 5mg

Notes

Expert tips

  • Try to buy fillets which are thick/fat rather than long.
  • Use floury potatoes for the chips.
  • If you don't want to use flour in this recipe then pat the fish dry with kitchen towel before coating in the egg. However, I do recommend using the flour to ensure a proper coating of egg, which in turn provides the perfect sticky surface for the breadcrumbs.
  • Slice the chips to a similar size so that they cook evenly.
  • Line trays with greaseproof paper to help stop the fish and chips from sticking during cooking.
  • Turn the chips and fish a couple of time during cooking to stop the chips sticking to the tray and to ensure even colouring on the breadcrumbs.

Is oven baked fish heathy? Fish is fantastic source of protein and if its a white fish then its also low in fat. However, the local chippy load the fish with fat by coating in batter and deep frying in oil. Coating in flour, eggs and breadcrumbs and then baking, substantially reduces calories and fat so making this method a lot healthier than the chippy method.

Can you reheat this recipe? I don't recommend reheating this recipe as the fish is likely to dry out. You can however prepare everything up to the point when it all goes in the oven. Then wrap the trays in cling film (plastic wrap) and place in the fridge until you are ready to bake. Before baking, remove the trays from the fridge and allow to stand on the side for 30 minutes to come to room temperature.

Is this recipe gluten free? The bread crumb coating in this recipe uses flour and bread crumbs, which both contain gluten. To make this recipe gluten free replace with gluten free flour and gluten free breadcrumbs. You can also leave out the flour if you prefer, see expert tips above.

More Fish Recipes

  • Chilli Garlic Prawns Starter
  • Smoked Haddock Risotto
  • Thai Green Prawn Curry
  • Salmon Pasta Recipe
  • Email

Reader Interactions

Comments

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  1. applytofaceblog

    My goodness I can taste that now!!One of my fave meals.This looks yummy and I always buy Sarsons!

    Reply

  2. Recipes Made Easy

    It was so lovely to really meet you (as apposed to virtually) on the tour, it certainly was a fascinating tour wasn't it. And what better way to use Sarsons than on a healthy version of fish and chips!

    Reply

    • Debbie

      So lovely to meet you too Jacqui and I really hope we get to meet again soon. As I said - I'm not against a trip down to London! 😀

      Reply

  3. Eb Gargano | Easy Peasy Foodie

    Oooh - that factory trip sounds fascinating! And I love your homemade fish and chips recipe - I love panko breadcrumbs but I've never had fish coated in them - NEED to try that! Eb x

    Reply

  4. Monika

    It must have been so interesting to see how vinegar is actually made. Thank you for bringing your healthy delicious recipe to #CookBlogShare:)

    Reply

  5. Corina

    Sarsons is an absolute staple in our house too! My husband loves it on chips and my little girl always has a little dipping bowl next to her plate and she dips everything in it - chips, chicken, sausages, even bread! I'd love to have visited the factory and it sounds like you had a great day. The fish sounds lovely too! Thanks for sharing with #CookOnceEaatTwice x

    Reply

    • Debbie

      Haha - that's amazing Corina. I love my sarsons - but maybe not quite that much 😂

      Reply

Healthy Fish and Chips Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Are fish and chips healthy? ›

1. Essential fatty acids. Today, fish is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, known for promoting heart and brain health. These essential fats were not always associated with this classic dish, making it a great choice for a wholesome and healthy fish and chip meal.

What is the best fish for fish and chips? ›

Haddock is the fish that most chefs prefer for fish and chips. The texture isn't as flaky or tender as cod but the meat has more flavor. Haddock has a slight sweetness that pairs well with the buttery flavor of the batter.

Is battered cod healthy? ›

Fish that is steamed, baked or grilled is a healthier choice than fried fish. Frying can increase the fat content of fish and shellfish, especially if they're cooked in batter.

Which is healthier fish and chips or pizza? ›

Fish & Chips on average have 9.42 grams of fat per 100 grams, while the average pizza has 11, chicken korma 15.5 and a donner kebab a whopping 16.2. In terms of calories, fish and chips have 595 in an average portion, an average pizza has 871, chicken korma 910 and a donner kebab 924.

What's the healthiest thing from fish and chip shop? ›

Fish and chip shop healthy option

But Simon suggests ordering the fish without the chips and instead opting for a salad, bringing the calorie total to a moderate 559. Simon adds, "You can always go with the grilled fillet of fish if they have that option and that would reduce the amount of calories."

Why is fish and chips unhealthy? ›

Fish and chips is one of the nation's favourite dishes. But both the fish and the chips are usually deep-fried, so can be high in fat and calories. Even oven chips have usually been fried at some point and can have added salt, too. If you're getting a takeaway, stick to a small portion and ask them to hold the salt.

What is the best oil for fish and chips? ›

Best Oil to Fry Fish. Thanks to its neutral flavor, affordable price, and high smoke point, canola oil is the most popular oil for frying fish. Peanut, cottonseed, and coconut oil are also great fish frying oils.

Is Pollock or cod better for fish and chips? ›

Cod: The Classic Choice

Cod, a classic favorite, offers a mild, clean taste with a slightly firmer texture compared to Pollock. Its versatility shines in dishes like fish and chips, fish tacos, and baked preparations.

Which is healthier battered or breaded? ›

Don't eat all the batter around your fish because it soaks up a lot of fat. If available, have fish coated in breadcrumbs as it soaks up less fat. Fish and chips that are cooked in oil at the right temperature taste better and absorb less fat.

What is the healthiest fish to eat? ›

7 Healthiest Fish to Eat, According to Experts
  1. Sardines. “Sardines are one of the healthiest fish to eat because they're very high in omega-3s,” says Gomer. ...
  2. Mackerel. Mackerel is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, says Sauceda. ...
  3. Anchovies. ...
  4. Salmon. ...
  5. Herring. ...
  6. Trout. ...
  7. Tuna.
Mar 28, 2024

What is the best fish for weight loss? ›

Best: Lean Fish

For example, low-fat fish like tilapia, cod, flounder, and sole have fewer than 120 calories in a 3-ounce serving and give you plenty of protein. If you don't like fish but want to get more seafood into your diet, tilapia and cod can be a good starting point. Neither has much of a fishy taste.

How many times a week can you eat fish and chips? ›

There's nothing intrinsically unhealthy in eating fish & chips weekly. It contains protein, carbs, fats, minerals, and some vitamins. It might not be an ideal daily menu (but it might), but there's no harm in eating it once a week... IF the rest of your diet is balanced.

Can you eat fish and chips everyday? ›

A good plate of fish and chips, with perfectly cooked fish in batter accompanied by good quality fat chips (not french fries) is just lovely and something to be enjoyed in moderation, not to be eaten every day!

Is Chinese take away healthy? ›

Some Chinese takeout options, especially in American-Chinese cuisine, can be high in salt, sugar, and oil. However, you can still have delicious and healthy food by picking items that are baked, steamed, boiled, or sautéed in just a bit of oil.

Is it okay to eat fish and chips once a week? ›

It contains protein, carbs, fats, minerals, and some vitamins. It might not be an ideal daily menu (but it might), but there's no harm in eating it once a week... IF the rest of your diet is balanced. If you're eating deep-fried everything for every other meal, then fish & chips is not the ideal addition.

What's the unhealthiest takeaway? ›

Some of the unhealthiest takeaway items in the UK include:
  • Fried chicken isn't just high in fat, but it's covered in a deep-fried batter which is extremely high in calories.
  • Pizza, while a classic favourite, is often high in fat and salt, and some popular garlic and herb dipping sauces contain almost 700 calories!
Jul 13, 2022

Is fish and chips from the chip shop healthy? ›

Fish and chips represent a nutritious meal which is relatively low in total fat compared to some takeaways. By removing the batter from the fish, health- conscious consumers can enjoy a very low fat meal (fish 0.7% fat).

Is breaded fish and chips healthy? ›

If you're looking for a healthier version of this classic recipe that doesn't sacrifice on taste or texture, then it is better to bake the fish than fry it. Fried, battered fish and chips is not healthy by most standards due to the amount of oil involved in deep frying.

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