Monkfish Scampi with Tartare Chips

Craving monkfish? Try this easy Monkfish Scampi recipe with tartare chips! It's a delightful twist on classic scampi – posh pub grub without the pub prices. Get the recipe!

June 10, 2025
By Laura Tide.

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Alright, let's get this show on the road! i'm properly buzzing to share this monkfish recipe with you. ever wondered what posh scampi tastes like? well, get ready, because this recipe's about to become your new favourite.

Honestly, think fine dining fish dishes but made easy peasy!

Get Hooked on Monkfish Scampi

Fancy a bit of monkfish fine dining at home? this ain't your average fish supper, love! this monkfish recipe is inspired by classic british scampi.

We're ditching the prawns for chunky monkfish tail recipes . this recipe is medium difficulty. it takes roughly 1 hour and 50 minutes in total (including chilling the batter).

This monkfish recipe makes 2 satisfying portions.

Why You'll Love This Monkfish Recipe

Honestly, monkfish is where it's at! it's got a lovely, meaty texture. some call it " monkfish poor mans lobster .

" it's packed with protein. perfect for a friday night treat or even a fancy date night in. this dish brings a touch of gourmet without the faff.

What makes this recipe special? it's the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and zesty. it's a real crowd-pleaser.

Monkfish Scampi with Tartare Chips presentation

What You'll Need

Before we dive in, let's gather the troops. you'll need some lovely monkfish , obviously! plus potatoes, flour, and the usual suspects for a killer tartare sauce.

Think mayo, capers, and all that jazz.

Okay, so you wanna make some proper monkfish scampi ? let's get down to brass tacks. this isn't your average chippy scampi.

We're going a bit fine dining fish recipes on this one. it's surprisingly easy, promise!

Ingredients & Equipment - Let's get Organised!

Honestly, I used to think monkfish was only for fancy restaurants. But you know what? It's surprisingly versatile!

Main Ingredients - Get the Good Stuff

First off, let's talk monkfish. for this monkfish recipe , you'll need about 1 lb (450g) of monkfish tail . make sure it's trimmed and cut into bite-sized bits.

Aim for about 1 inch (2.5cm) chunks. look for firm, white flesh, none of that grey business.

Then for the tartare sauce: ½ cup (120g) mayonnaise , 2 tablespoons (30ml) capers , 2 tablespoons (15g) cornichons , 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh parsley , 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh tarragon , 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice , ½ teaspoon (3g) dijon mustard , and a pinch of pepper.

For that crispy batter: 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting), 1 teaspoon (5g) baking powder , ½ teaspoon (2g) salt , ½ teaspoon (2g) black pepper , and ¾ cup (180ml) ice-cold sparkling water .

And for those Tartare Chips , you're going to need 2 large potatoes (about 500g total). Maris Piper or Russet are great. Oh, and 2 tablespoons (30ml) sunflower oil .

Seasoning Notes - Flavours all around

For me, this is where this monkfish recipe really shines. the salt and pepper on the chips is essential. the freshness of the tartare is the soul of it all, so dont skip on the herbs.

Don't skimp on fresh herbs! they make all the difference in that tartare sauce. if you're short on tarragon, a little extra parsley will do.

For the batter, a pinch of cayenne adds a lovely kick.

Equipment Needed - Keep it Simple

You don't need a fancy deep fryer for this monkfish recipe , promise. a big, heavy-bottomed pot works just fine.

You'll need a thermometer to check the oil temp. aim for 350° f ( 175° c) . a slotted spoon and wire rack are also essential for draining.

Oh, and paper towels! lots of paper towels.

Some people like to go with air fryer monkfish recipes , I prefer it deep fried, like the good ol' scampi.

Honestly, this Monkfish Fine Dining experience is easier than you think. Now that you have all your kit and ingredients, let's go make some magic! Next is how we cook the baked monkfish and its companions!

Alright then, let's whip up some monkfish scampi with tartare chips ! honestly, you're gonna love this. this isn't your average chippy scampi.

We're leveling up, darling. it is perfect for when you want fine dining fish recipes at home! plus, this monkfish recipe is surprisingly easy.

Monkfish Magic: Prep is Key!

First things first: mise en place, yeah? you know, getting everything prepped and ready to roll. it makes cooking so much easier.

Chop your capers. dice those cornichons. get your herbs finely chopped. then pop them all to the side. honestly, the tartare sauce is what makes this monkfish fine dining experience sing, so make sure all your ingredients are ready to go!

Time-Saving Tip : Make the tartare sauce first. The longer it sits, the better the flavours blend.
Safety Note : When deep frying, keep a close eye on that oil. Never leave it unattended! 350° F ( 175° C) is the goal, and don't overcrowd the fryer.

From Monkfish Tail Recipes to Scampi Heaven: Step-by-Step

Follow these super simple steps:

Tartare Time : Mix mayo, capers, cornichons, herbs, lemon juice, mustard, and pepper. Bam! Done.
Chunky Chips : Toss potato chunks with oil, salt, and pepper. Roast them in the oven, or air fryer monkfish recipes style!
Batter Up : Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in ice-cold sparkling water. Chill for 30 minutes . Crucial!
Monkfish Prep : Dry the Monkfish Poor Mans Lobster pieces. Dust with flour. This helps the batter stick like glue.
Fry time : heat oil to 350° f ( 175° c) . dip the monkfish in batter. fry for 2- 3 minutes .
Until golden. make sure the internal temp is at least 145f.
Drain It : Remove the monkfish scampi to a wire rack. Season with salt.
Serve it Up : Plate those crispy tartar chips and serve a healthy dollop of your sauce

Monkfish Recipe Pro Tips

Crispier Chips? Double fry 'em. First at 300° F ( 150° C) , then at 350° F ( 175° C) . Like a proper chip shop!
Common Mistake : Overmixing the batter. Less is more! Lumps are your friends.
Make-Ahead Magic : The tartare sauce can be made a day ahead. Store it in the fridge. The chips can be fried in advance and reheated to ensure proper crispiness.
Are you looking for Fish Dishes Fine Dining ? Try this with a butter poached monkfish , and it will blow your mind.

And there you have it! honestly, this monk fish recipe baked or fried is a winner. whether you're after monk fish recipe ideas , looking up recipetineats recipes , searching grilled monkfish recipes or you're just after an easier monkfish recipes easy , this monkfish recipe is the way to go!.

Enjoy!

Alright, let's dive into those essential Recipe Notes for our Monkfish Scampi with Tartare Chips !

Recipe Notes: The Devil is in the Details!

Honestly, these notes are like the secret sauce to making this monkfish recipe truly sing. It's all the little tips and tricks I've learned along the way, so you don't have to learn the hard way!

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Forget those boring plates. we're making this monkfish fine dining … well, almost ! think about layering. put down a generous dollop of that amazing tartare sauce.

Then pile on those golden, crispy tartare chips. finally, artfully arrange the air fryer monkfish recipes (or deep-fried ones) on top.

Garnish with fresh lemon wedges. a sprinkle of chopped parsley never hurts either. for sides, a bowl of mushy peas adds a nostalgic touch.

Coleslaw brings a refreshing crunch. and a pint of lager? pure bliss. or, y'know, a crisp white wine if you're feeling fancy.

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh

Right, so you’ve made too much? Happens to the best of us! Here’s the lowdown.

Refrigeration: Store any leftover monkfish tail recipes in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll be good for up to 2 days. Honestly, it’s best eaten fresh though.
Freezing: I wouldn’t recommend freezing the fried monkfish . It will become soggy. However, you can freeze the tartare sauce. Pop it in a freezer-safe container and it'll last for up to a month.
Reheating: The best way to reheat the Baked Monkfish is in the oven. This will help to crisp it up again. Avoid the microwave; it'll just turn it into a sad, soggy mess. Reheat at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

Variations: Make It Your Own

This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to play around. This Fish Dishes Fine Dining meal can be made as follows:

Gluten-Free: Swap out the plain flour for a gluten-free blend. Boom! Gluten-free monkfish recipes .
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter. This is a subtle kick that'll have everyone asking for more.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

Let's be real: this isn't exactly health food. but hey, everything in moderation, right? one serving clocks in at roughly 850 calories, 45g protein, 55g fat, and 50g carbs.

But that monkfish gives you a hefty dose of protein and omega-3s.

The monkfish, poor mans lobster, is a blank canvas. don't be afraid to add your own twist. so get in the kitchen and have a crack at it! you might just surprise yourself.

Now go and make some magic happen! you've got this.

Elevated Monkfish Tail Recipes: Crispy Scampi With Tartare Chips

Frequently Asked Questions

What is monkfish anyway, and why use it in this monkfish recipe?

Monkfish, sometimes called "poor man's lobster", is a firm, meaty fish with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It's great in this scampi recipe because it stands up well to frying, offering a more substantial and satisfying bite than traditional scampi. Plus, it's a sustainable and delicious alternative to some overfished species - a win-win!

Is it difficult to make this monkfish scampi recipe? I'm not exactly Gordon Ramsay!

Fear not, even Delia Smith could manage this! While this monkfish recipe is rated as a medium difficulty, it's more about following the steps than needing fancy knife skills. The most important thing is getting the oil temperature right for the frying. As long as you're patient and pay attention, you'll be tucking into some delicious scampi in no time.

Can I make the tartare sauce ahead of time? What about storing leftovers of this monkfish recipe?

Absolutely! In fact, the tartare sauce benefits from sitting for a while, allowing the flavours to meld - make it a few hours or even a day ahead and keep it chilled. As for leftovers, while the monkfish scampi is best enjoyed fresh and crispy, you can store any remaining monkfish in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to try and regain some of the crispiness, but be warned, it won't be quite the same!

I'm trying to be a bit healthier. Can I make this monkfish scampi recipe healthier?

Of course! You could air fry the monkfish instead of deep-frying to significantly reduce the fat content. Swapping full-fat mayo for Greek yogurt in the tartare sauce is another good shout. Also, don't be afraid to load up on the lemon wedges - they add a zesty flavour without any extra calories, just like mum used to say, eat your greens.

What can I serve with this monkfish scampi besides chips?

While the tartare chips are a star, feel free to mix things up! A classic side of mushy peas is always a winner, or a refreshing coleslaw adds a nice crunch. If you're feeling fancy, a green salad with a light vinaigrette would work nicely. And don't forget the lemon wedges for squeezing - they're essential!

I can't find monkfish. What other fish can I use in this scampi recipe?

No monkfish, no problem! Haddock or cod are both excellent substitutes in this recipe. They have a similar firm texture and mild flavor that works perfectly with the batter and tartare sauce. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the thickness of the fish fillets, and you'll be set for success.