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The Taste Edit goes to Nick’s Cove Restaurant and Oyster Bar in Marshall on Bodega Bay for fish and chips for lunch.

Nick's Cove Beer-Battered Fried Fish with Homemade Tartar Sauce

We suggest making the herb-laced tartar sauce a few days in advance. If you decide to make the hand-cut fries, feel free to save the oil that you use to make the fries and use it to also fry the fish. If you do not want to make your own fries, store bought frozen fries will work as well.

Ingredients

For the Tartar Sauce:
  • ¼ cup drained and roughly chopped cornichons
  • 1 tablespoon drained capers
  • 2 sprigs dill, stems removed
  • 2 sprigs tarragon, stems removed
  • 4 fresh mint leaves
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 ½ cups mayonnaise
For the Fish:
  • 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
  • 3 teaspoons baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 ½ cups pilsner beer, such as Lagunitas pilsner
  • 3 teaspoons malt vinegar
  • Canola oil, for deep-frying
  • 1 ½ lb rock cod fillets, cut into 6 equal pieces (about 4 oz each)
  • 2 lemons, quartered, for serving

Instructions

For the tartar sauce:
  • Combine all ingredients except the mayonnaise in a food processor. Process on high for 1 minute, until combined but not liquefied. In a large bowl, fold the mixture into the mayonnaise until all is incorporated, and check for seasoning. May be made ahead of time and refrigerated, covered, for up to 5 days.
For the fish:
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. Add the beer and vinegar and whisk until combined.
  • Fill a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot half-full with oil. Place over high heat and heat until the oil registers 325F on a deep-fry thermometer. Line a large ovenproof plate with paper towels and place near the stove. Preheat the oven to 200F.
  • When the oil is ready, working in batches of two or three pieces of fish to avoid crowding, dip each piec of the fish into the batter, coating it liberally; lift it out, letting the excess batter drip back into bowl; and then carefully slip it into the hot oil. Cook the fish, turning the pieces once or twice, until crispy golden brown and cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes. Using tongs or a slotted spatula, transfer to the towel-lined plate to drain and place in the oven to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining fish. 
  • Serve fish at once, accompanied with the tartar sauce and lemons.