THIS CAFE LIFE

Fish & Chips (GF)

Name: Mussels Dijonnaise
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 lbs fresh mussels, scrubbed and debearded; 2 shallots, finely chopped; 2 tbsp butter; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; Salt and pepper to taste; Crusty bread, for serving

Golden, crispy fish & chips with a gluten-free beer batter — a modern take on a pub classic that’s light, crunchy, and full of flavor.

Prep Time:

20 Minutes

Cook Time:

15 Minutes

Yield:

4 Servings

Ingredients

2 # White fish - Cod, Flounder, Skate, Haddock, cut into 4 portions

1 C. Gluten free or Rice Flour (or a combination)

1/2 C. Cornstarch

1 t. Baking Powder

1 C. Gluten free beer or cider (cold)

1 Egg

Salt & Pepper

Oil for frying - Canola, Peanut, Avocado, Vegetable

Dutch Oven (Deep Frying)

A heavy-base Dutch oven with tall sides maintains steady frying temperature and minimizes splatter, producing evenly crisp results every time.

Wire Rack + Sheet Pan

A raised wire rack allows airflow to circulate under fried foods, keeping coatings crisp while excess oil drains cleanly away.

Instant-Read Thermometer

A fast digital thermometer ensures oil stays within the ideal frying range, helping batters cook light, golden, and never greasy.

Preparation

Step 1 — Prepare the Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Remove 2 tablespoons of the mixture and reserve for dredging. Add the egg and cold cider or beer to the remaining dry mixture and whisk until smooth. Let the batter rest for 10–15 minutes to hydrate and develop structure.

Step 2 — Heat the Oil

In a heavy Dutch oven or deep fryer, heat neutral oil to 350–375°F (175–190°C). To test readiness, drop a small spoonful of batter into the oil — it should rise immediately and sizzle steadily.

Step 3 — Prepare the Fish

Pat the fish fillets completely dry and season lightly with salt and freshly ground pepper. Dust each piece with the reserved dry mixture, shaking off excess.

Step 4 — Batter and Fry

Dip each fillet into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then carefully lower into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid crowding, turning once, until deeply golden and crisp, about 4–6 minutes depending on thickness.

Step 5 — Drain and Serve

Transfer fried fish to a wire rack set over a sheet pan to drain while remaining batches cook. (Hold in a 200°F oven if desired) Serve immediately while hot and crisp.

More New England Favorites to Try

If this classic fish and chips recipe brings you back to the coastal shacks of New England, there are plenty of other regional dishes worth exploring. From creamy chowders to lobster rolls and traditional clambakes, the region’s cooking is shaped by its coastal waters and generations of seasonal, comfort-driven recipes.

Explore a few of our New England staples:

• New England Clam Chowder — rich, creamy, and built on slow-simmered flavor

• Lobster Rolls — warm buttered or classic chilled, both essential coastal favorites

• Sea Scallops with Brown Butter, Capers and Lemon— simple, preparation

• Stuffed Clams (“Stuffies”) — savory, herb-filled shells baked until golden

Together, these recipes capture the straightforward, seaside cooking that defines the New England table.

→ Explore More This Cafe Life Recipes

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