Flaky white fish fillets (such as cod), cut into strips
Salt
Plain flour, for dredging
Neutral oil, for frying
Chips
Potatoes, peeled and cut into thick matchsticks
A splash of vinegar and salt (for the boiling water)
Batter
Rice flour and all-purpose flour
A tiny pinch of baking powder
Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and curry powder
Very cold sparkling water
Hot Honey
Butter
Cayenne pepper
A splash of hot sauce
Lots of honey
To serve
Spicy parmesan-garlic dipping sauce (optional)
Directions
Salt the flaky white fish and let it sit about 15 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry.
Peel the potatoes and slice into thick matchsticks. Boil in water with a splash of vinegar and salt until just fork-tender, then let cool.
Make the batter: whisk together the rice flour and all-purpose flour with a tiny bit of baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and curry powder. Whisk in very cold sparkling water until it is a smooth, pourable batter.
Make the hot honey: melt the butter in a small pan, toast the cayenne in it, add a splash of hot sauce, then kill the heat and stir in lots of honey.
Dredge the fish in plain flour (this helps the batter stick), then dip in the batter and fry in hot oil until golden and crisp. Spoon any craggly batter bits onto the fish as it fries.
Drain, season with a little salt, then gently brush with the hot honey. Serve with the chips and, if you like, a spicy parmesan-garlic dipping sauce.
