3 Beer-Based Fish Dishes Just in Time For Father’s Day
There’s something undeniably satisfying about cooking with beer—especially when it’s for Dad.
Whether it’s in a crispy golden batter, a fragrant poaching broth, or a bold braising sauce, beer brings depth, flavor, and a relaxed spirit to the table.
This Father’s Day, skip the usual steak and explore three beer-based seafood dishes that are comforting, full of character, and sure to make Dad feel celebrated. From pub-style fish and chips to lighter, elegant plates and bold tacos, there’s something here for every kind of father—and every kind of appetite.
Recipe 1
Classic Beer-Battered Whitefish Fish & Chips
A crispy, golden crowd-pleaser perfect for Father’s Day. Your premium cod, haddock or hake is coated in a light, bubbly beer batter, fried to perfection, and served with thick-cut fries for a pub-style meal Dad will love.
Ingredients (serving 2):
1 lb cod, haddock or hake fillets
1 cup all-purpose flour (plus ½ cup for dredging)
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup cold lager or pale ale (Dad’s favorite!)
1 egg
Cooking oil (for frying)
4 large russet potatoes, cut into fries
Tartar sauce and lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
Prep Potatoes: Soak potato fries in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat dry. Fry at 325°F until soft (5–7 min), then at 375°F until golden (2–3 min). Season with salt.
Make Batter: Whisk 1 cup flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, egg, and beer until smooth. Let rest 10 minutes.
Coat Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry, dredge in ½ cup flour, then dip in beer batter.
Fry Fish: Heat oil to 375°F. Fry fillets 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Serve: Plate fish with fries, tartar sauce, and lemon wedges. Pair with a chilled lager..
Recipe 2
Beer-Poached Whitefish with Lemon-Herb Sauce
A lighter, elegant dish where whitefish is gently poached in a beer-infused broth, then drizzled with a zesty lemon-herb sauce. Perfect for dads who love a refined yet beer-forward meal.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
1 lb cod, haddock or hake fillets
1 cup wheat beer or blonde ale
1 cup fish stock or water
1 shallot, sliced
1 bay leaf
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions:
Poach Fish: In a large skillet, combine beer, fish stock, shallot, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the fish fillets, cover, and poach 6–8 minutes until fish flakes easily. Remove fish and keep warm.
Make Sauce: Reduce poaching liquid by half over medium-high heat (about 5 minutes). Whisk in butter, lemon juice, parsley, and mustard until smooth.
Serve: Plate fish, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with lemon slices. Pair with a wheat beer and a side of roasted asparagus or mashed potatoes.
Recipe 3
Beer-Braised Whitefish Tacos with Slaw
A fun, summery dish for Father’s Day gatherings. Cod, haddock or hake is braised in a spicy beer broth, then tucked into warm tortillas with a crunchy slaw. Perfect for dads who love bold flavors and a cold brew.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
1 lb cod, haddock or hake fillets
1 cup Mexican lager or IPA
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
1 tbsp olive oil
8 small corn tortillas
2 cups shredded cabbage
1 carrot, shredded
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp honey
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges (for garnish)
Instructions:
Braise Fish: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt; toast 30 seconds. Pour in beer, bring to a simmer, and add fish. Cover and cook 5–7 minutes until fish flakes easily. Shred fish in the pan, mixing with the broth.
Make Slaw: Toss cabbage and carrot with mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt.
Assemble Tacos: Warm tortillas, add shredded fish, top with slaw, and garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
Serve: Pair with a Mexican lager or IPA and extra lime for squeezing.
Follow Southstream Seafoods for more real-life inspiration—no fish tales, just good food.
Because Father’s Day meals shouldn’t be complicated—they should feel like a win. For great flavor, great company, and great seafood.
