Best Vegan Fish and Chips Recipe for Crispy Delight

When it comes to classic comfort food, few dishes rival the iconic British favorite: fish and chips. But what if you follow a vegan lifestyle or simply want to enjoy a lighter, plant-based version without sacrificing that crispy, golden exterior and flaky “fish” texture?

You’re in luck! This best vegan fish and chips recipe delivers all the nostalgic flavors and satisfying crunch you crave, using wholesome, cruelty-free ingredients.

Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe hits every note—from the perfectly seasoned batter to the crispy fries.

In this post, I’ll walk you through every step to create beautifully battered vegan “fish” fillets made with marinated banana blossom or tofu, paired with crispy homemade chips. Plus, I’ll share handy tips, ingredient swaps, and serving suggestions to make this your go-to vegan take on a beloved classic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan fish and chips recipe is a game-changer for plant-based cooks and anyone seeking healthier comfort food options. First, it uses accessible ingredients like banana blossoms or tofu, which mimic the flaky texture of fish remarkably well.

The batter is light, crispy, and seasoned with traditional herbs and spices, giving you that familiar seaside taste.

Homemade fries are baked or air-fried for a guilt-free crunch that’s far superior to store-bought frozen options. Plus, this recipe is free from dairy, eggs, and fish, making it perfect for vegans, vegetarians, and those with allergies.

You’ll also appreciate how customizable it is—swap the dipping sauces, try different herbs, or use your favorite type of potato. It’s straightforward enough for beginners yet impressive enough to serve at dinner parties.

Ingredients

• 1 can banana blossoms (or 400g firm tofu, pressed and sliced into fillets)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 cup cold sparkling water
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried dill (optional but recommended)
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 4 large potatoes (Russet or Maris Piper for chips)
• Vegetable oil (for frying or air frying)
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Vegan tartar sauce (store-bought or homemade, for serving)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Deep frying pan or deep fryer
• Baking tray (if baking fries)
• Paper towels or kitchen towel
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Slotted spoon or frying basket
• Air fryer (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the banana blossoms or tofu: If using banana blossoms, drain and rinse well, then gently squeeze out excess water. Tear them into fillet-sized pieces. For tofu, press for 30 minutes to remove moisture, then slice into strips resembling fish fillets.
2. Marinate the “fish”: In a bowl, combine the lemon juice and soy sauce. Toss your banana blossoms or tofu in the marinade and let sit for 15 minutes to absorb flavor.
3. Make the batter: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried dill. Gradually whisk in the cold sparkling water until you have a smooth, slightly thick batter. Chill in the fridge while you prepare the chips.
4. Prepare the chips: Wash and peel the potatoes if desired. Cut into thick fries. Soak them in cold water for 20 minutes to remove excess starch, then pat dry thoroughly.
5. Cook the chips: For deep-frying, heat oil to 325°F (160°C) and fry the chips in batches for 3-4 minutes until soft but not browned. Remove and drain on paper towels.
6. Double-fry the chips: Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) and fry the chips again until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. For a healthier option, toss chips lightly in oil, season with salt, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
7. Fry the vegan fish: Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly dust the marinated banana blossoms or tofu with flour, then dip into the batter, ensuring full coverage.
8. Carefully fry the fillets: Fry in batches for 3-4 minutes until the batter is crisp and golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
9. Serve immediately: Plate your vegan fish and chips with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, salt, and your favorite vegan tartar sauce or ketchup.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For an extra fishy flavor, add a dash of seaweed powder or dulse flakes to the batter or marinade. This mimics the ocean taste authentically!

Variation: Swap banana blossoms or tofu with hearts of palm or oyster mushrooms for different textures and flavors.

Tip: Make sure the sparkling water is very cold to create a lighter, airier batter. You can even add ice cubes to the bowl if needed.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan fish and chips dish pairs wonderfully with classic sides like mushy peas, tangy vegan tartar sauce, or a crisp green salad. For an authentic experience, add a wedge of lemon and sprinkle some malt vinegar over your chips right before eating.

If you want to turn it into a full British pub-style meal, try serving it alongside Kansas City Coleslaw or a refreshing Kale Tonic First Watch Recipe. And for dessert, why not try the delightful Marzipan Challah Recipe to round out your meal?

Conclusion

With this recipe, enjoying the classic flavors of fish and chips has never been easier or more compassionate. Whether you’re vegan, allergic to seafood, or just curious about plant-based cooking, this dish offers a crispy, flavorful, and satisfying alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.

The combination of the seasoned batter, perfectly cooked “fish” fillets, and crispy homemade chips will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Plus, it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family who may not even realize they’re eating vegan!

Give this recipe a try, experiment with your favorite sides and dipping sauces, and enjoy a comforting meal that’s kinder to animals and the planet. For more delicious vegan recipes, check out my post on Julie Marie Eats Recipes or explore the hearty Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes for more inspiration.

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