Fried Fish Sandwich Recipe: Crispy and Flavorful Delight

If you’re craving a crispy, flavorful sandwich that’s packed with delicious ingredients, the Fried Fish Sandwich is just what you need. This sandwich features crispy, golden-brown fried cod fillets, a creamy tartar sauce, and a tangy coleslaw—all tucked between perfectly toasted brioche buns. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a summer cookout, this easy-to-make recipe will impress everyone at the table.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the basic recipe, advanced techniques for perfecting your sandwich, tips for storing and maintaining the dish, dietary adaptations, and answer some frequently asked questions. Let’s dive into making the perfect Fried Fish Sandwich!

For more ideas on making your sandwiches even better, check out this collection of sandwich recipes and learn more about preparing seafood at this seafood cooking guide.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions for Fried Fish Sandwich

The Fried Fish Sandwich comes together quickly with these simple ingredients and straightforward instructions. Here’s everything you need to create this crispy, mouthwatering meal.

Fried Fish Sandwich Recipe: Crispy, Flavorful, and Easy to Make

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Fried Fish Sandwich is a crispy, flavorful, and satisfying meal perfect for any seafood lover. The cod fillets are battered and fried to golden perfection, topped with homemade tartar sauce, creamy coleslaw, and served on a toasted brioche bun. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or craving a comforting sandwich, this dish hits the spot every time!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Fish:

• Oil for deep-fat frying

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1–1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 3/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

• 1 cup very cold beer (or nonalcoholic beer)

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

• 4 cod fillets (6 ounces each)

For the Tartar Sauce:

• 2/3 cup chopped dill pickles

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 3 tablespoons finely chopped onion

• Dash of pepper

For the Coleslaw:

• 3 cups coleslaw mix

• 1/3 cup coleslaw salad dressing

Additional Ingredients:

• 4 brioche hamburger buns, split and toasted

• Lemon wedges, optional (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Tartar Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, combine the chopped dill pickles, mayonnaise, chopped onion, and a dash of pepper. Stir until well combined. Set aside in the refrigerator while you prepare the fish and coleslaw.

2. Prepare the Coleslaw:

   • In a separate bowl, mix the coleslaw mix with the coleslaw salad dressing. Stir until the mixture is well-coated. Set aside in the fridge.

3. Make the Fish Batter:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper.

   • Add the cold beer and lightly beaten egg to the dry ingredients. Whisk until the batter is smooth and well combined. The cold beer helps create a light and crispy coating for the fish.

4. Fry the Cod Fillets:

   • Heat oil in a deep fryer or large, deep skillet to about 350°F (175°C).

   • Dip the cod fillets into the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated.

   • Carefully lower the battered fish into the hot oil and fry for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fish from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

5. Toast the Buns:

   • While the fish is frying, toast the brioche hamburger buns on a skillet or in a toaster until golden brown. This adds a nice crunch and prevents the buns from becoming soggy.

6. Assemble the Sandwich:

   • Spread a generous amount of homemade tartar sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun.

   • Place a fried cod fillet on top of the sauce.

   • Add a scoop of coleslaw on top of the fish.

   • Top with the other half of the bun.

7. Serve:

   • Serve the fried fish sandwiches with lemon wedges on the side, if desired, for a refreshing citrusy kick.

Notes

You can substitute the cod fillets with other mild white fish like haddock or tilapia.

For extra crunch, you can add a few extra toppings such as pickles or lettuce.

If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, the nonalcoholic beer works just as well to give the batter a crispy, light texture.

Leftover fried fish fillets can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven for best results.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Deep-Frying, Assembling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sandwich
• Calories: 600 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Fried Fish Sandwich Recipe

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tartar Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the chopped dill pickles, mayonnaise, finely chopped onion, and a dash of pepper. Stir until well combined. Set aside in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld.
2. Make the Coleslaw: In a separate bowl, combine the coleslaw mix with the coleslaw salad dressing. Toss well to coat the mix evenly. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the sandwiches.
3. Prepare the Fish Batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper. Gradually add the cold beer (or nonalcoholic beer) and the lightly beaten egg, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
4. Heat the Oil: In a deep pan or fryer, heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). Make sure there’s enough oil to fully submerge the fish fillets for deep-frying.
5. Fry the Fish: Dip each cod fillet into the batter, ensuring it is completely coated. Carefully lower the battered fish fillets into the hot oil. Fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until the fillets are golden brown and crispy. Remove the fish from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
6. Toast the Buns: While the fish is frying, lightly toast the brioche buns in a skillet or oven until they’re golden brown.
7. Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a generous amount of tartar sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a fried cod fillet on top, followed by a spoonful of coleslaw. Top with the other half of the bun.
8. Serve: Serve the Fried Fish Sandwich immediately with optional lemon wedges on the side for an added zesty flavor.

Advanced Techniques for the Perfect Fried Fish Sandwich

While the basic Fried Fish Sandwich is easy to prepare, there are a few techniques you can use to enhance the flavor and texture.

Use Fresh Cod Fillets:

For the best flavor, use fresh cod fillets instead of frozen ones. Fresh cod will have a firmer texture and a more delicate taste, making the fried fish even more delicious. If you can’t find fresh cod, look for frozen fillets that are high-quality and thaw them properly.

Double-Coating the Fish:

For an even crispier exterior, you can double-coat the cod fillets. After dipping the fillets in the batter, dredge them in a bit of flour before frying. This extra layer will create a thicker, crunchier crust.

Add Herbs to the Tartar Sauce:

For a unique twist, try adding fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives to your tartar sauce. These additions will enhance the freshness and brightness of the sauce, pairing wonderfully with the fried fish.

Experiment with Spices:

Feel free to get creative with the batter by adding your favorite spices. A pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika can add an extra kick of flavor, while herbs like thyme or oregano will lend an herby, savory note to the fish.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips for Your Fried Fish Sandwich

If you happen to have leftovers of the Fried Fish Sandwich, you can store them properly to enjoy later. Here’s how to keep the components fresh:

Storage:

• Fish: If you have leftover fried fish fillets, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fillets on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain the crispiness.
• Coleslaw and Tartar Sauce: Both the coleslaw and tartar sauce can be stored in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to give the coleslaw a good stir before serving, as the dressing may separate.
• Buns: It’s best to toast the buns fresh before serving, as they tend to lose their crispness when stored. If you have leftover buns, store them in a zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Reheating Tips:

If you need to reheat the entire sandwich, place it on a baking sheet in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. If you want to preserve the crispy fish, consider reheating the fish and buns separately, then assembling the sandwich when ready to serve.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions for Fried Fish Sandwich

The Fried Fish Sandwich can be customized to fit different dietary needs and preferences. Here are a few substitutions to make the recipe work for various diets:

Gluten-Free:

• To make the Fried Fish Sandwich gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the coleslaw dressing and beer are also gluten-free. There are several gluten-free beer options available.

Dairy-Free:

• Use dairy-free mayonnaise for the tartar sauce and opt for a dairy-free coleslaw dressing. Ensure that the beer used is also non-dairy (many beers are naturally dairy-free, but it’s worth double-checking).

Low-Carb or Keto:

• For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, you can skip the buns and opt for a lettuce wrap instead. Use almond flour in place of regular flour for the batter, and make sure to check the coleslaw dressing for hidden sugars.

Vegetarian:

• If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, try substituting the fish fillets with a hearty vegetable, like portobello mushrooms or a thick slice of eggplant, and follow the same battering and frying method.

FAQs About the Fried Fish Sandwich

Can I use a different type of fish for the sandwich?

Yes! While cod is a popular choice for its mild flavor and flaky texture, you can substitute other white fish like haddock, tilapia, or pollock. Just make sure the fillets are firm enough to hold up during frying.

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

The individual components (fish, tartar sauce, coleslaw, and buns) can be prepared ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the sandwich just before serving to keep the fish crispy and fresh.

Can I make the fish in advance?

While it’s not ideal to make the fried fish too far in advance, you can prepare the fillets, let them cool, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To reheat, follow the tips above to restore the crispiness.

What can I serve with the Fried Fish Sandwich?

The sandwich pairs wonderfully with crispy fries, sweet potato fries, or a simple side salad. You could also serve it with a tangy pickle or chips for a complete meal.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

The Fried Fish Sandwich is a flavorful, satisfying meal that combines crispy fried fish, creamy tartar sauce, tangy coleslaw, and toasted brioche buns for the ultimate sandwich experience. This dish is perfect for casual dinners, special occasions, or a fun twist on traditional fish and chips.

Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs, whether by experimenting with different fish, adding spices, or adjusting the toppings. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Enjoy every crispy, juicy bite!