Craving crispy battered fish paired with hot crunchy fries and tangy coleslaw? You’ve likely got fish and chips on the mind. This pub food favourite certainly isn’t unique to Red Lobster. However, the seafood restaurant chain does put its own spin on the classic dish.
Red Lobster first added fish and chips to menus back in the 1990s. Over 20 years later, it remains a staple menu item customers continually come back for. Let’s delve into the details on Red Lobster’s take on fish and chips.
Fish and Chips Standard Menu Offering
Yes fish and chips is readily available on the Red Lobster menu. It’s categorized under the “Classics” section along with dishes like Walt’s Favorite Shrimp and Chicken Tenders.
In the United States, a fish and chips platter costs $16.49. In Canada it’s slightly pricier at $19.99. For the cost, you get a hearty portion of crispy battered white fish along with Red Lobster’s signature Chesapeake fries and coleslaw on the side.
Nutrition-wise, the dish totals 1230 calories in the U.S. and Canada. Sodium content is also quite high at 3210mg and 2910mg respectively. But that’s often expected with fried seafood and potato dishes.
What Type of Fish is Used?
Red Lobster uses wild-caught Atlantic cod for its fish and chips. They batter the fillets in a proprietary blend before frying.
Cod offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor that appeals to a wide range of palates. Its ability to stay moist during frying makes it a smart choice for fish and chips. Prior to cod, Red Lobster used haddock and pollock at times.
Chesapeake-Style Fries are a Signature Side
What sets Red Lobster’s fish and chips apart is the accompaniments. Rather than just regular fries, they serve Chesapeake fries. These are thick-cut Russet potato wedges tossed in Old Bay seasoning.
The iconic seafood spice blend gives these crunchy fries a unique zing customers rave about. It’s a flavor you won’t find with fish and chips at most other restaurants.
Coleslaw Adds Creamy Contrast
To balance the fried elements, Red Lobster plates its fish and chips with a helping of their freshly prepared coleslaw. The thinly sliced cabbage and carrots are tossed in a creamy mayo-based dressing.
Tangy, cooling coleslaw complements the hot seafood and fries perfectly. It brings some veggie nutrition to the dish as well.
How to Upgrade Your Fish and Chips Order
Part of the appeal of Red Lobster is customizing your order. There are a few ways to enhance your fish and chips experience:
- Swap coleslaw for a small Caesar or garden salad
- Add extra Cajun seasoning to the fries
- Order an additional side of garlic shrimp, lobster or snow crab
- Substitute baked cod for fried fish to reduce calories
- Get extra Cheddar Bay Biscuits to soak up cocktail sauce
Taking advantage of these special requests and substitutions is easy. Just ask your server to accommodate your preferences.
Signature Drink Pairings
What should you sip alongside your fish and chips? Red Lobster suggests these perfect pairings:
- Blackberry Long Island Iced Tea – fruity cocktail with vodka, rum, gin, tequila and a splash of cola
- Strawberry Daiquiri – blended frozen concoction with rum and sweet strawberry flavors
- Mango Martini – ABSOLUT vodka, Passoã passion fruit liqueur and mango puree
Starting off with a chilled cocktail enhances the whole fish and chips experience. The sweet fruity flavors contrast the salty, savory seafood beautifully.
Availability Can Vary by Location
One thing to note is that availability of fish and chips may occasionally vary by location or season. Supply challenges over the past couple years have caused temporary outages for some ingredients and menu items.
Your best bet is calling ahead to check on fish and chip availability if it’s a must-order item for your meal. Guests also have the option of substituting fried shrimp or chicken tenders when needed.
Fish and Chips Have Staying Power
Despite rising costs for seafood and cooking oils, Red Lobster has no plans to remove this classic from menus permanently. It continues satisfying cravings for generations of guests.
Part of fish and chips’ consistent popularity stems from its flexible customization. Guests can tweak their order based on preferences and dietary needs, from picking novel sides to skipping the deep fry and getting baked cod instead.
For Americans and Canadians alike, Red Lobster’s take on fish and chips remains a go-to for family meals, game day get-togethers, and anytime cravings for piping hot seafood with crispy fries on the side. Don’t be surprised if you see this staple sticking around for another 20 years and beyond.
Red Lobster® | Fish & Chips | Taste Test & Review | JKMCraveTV
Does Red Lobster have fish and chips?
It comes with coleslaw and tartar sauce, and you also get to choose a side. Naturally, we’d opt for the fries (or “chips”) every time, but it’s up to you if you want to sub them in for something else. It’s pretty hard to mess up fish and chips, and we’re lucky that Red Lobster was able to deliver.
Does Red Lobster sell seafood?
*Available while supplies last. Price and participation may vary. Click here for full terms. so much more than how we catch our seafood. Discover Red Lobster seafood restaurants, find locations, browse our menus and more.
Does Red Lobster have the best seafood?
Red Lobster is the United States’ home of moderately priced seafood, even in the dead center of the country. For so many, it’s a chain favorite. Does it offer the best seafood you can find in a restaurant? Of course not. But it is reliable, offering many of the same menu items in distant corners of the country (as well as some secret menu hacks ).
What to eat at Red Lobster?
Admiral’s Feast If you’ve ever wanted to order a big plate of beige at a restaurant, then head to Red Lobster right away and order the Admiral’s Feast, which is perhaps the least appetizing entree on the Red Lobster menu. You’ll get fried shrimp, fried flounder, fried clam strips, and fried bay scallops. And don’t forget the fries, of course.