Crispy Golden Fried Fish Sandwich Recipe: A Tasty Lunchtime Gem

Seafood enthusiasts crave a deliciously crispy fried fish sandwich that delivers crunch and flavor in every bite.

This classic recipe turns simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that sings with coastal charm.

Golden, perfectly seasoned fish nestles between soft bread, creating a delectable contrast of textures.

Crisp breading locks in tender fish, making each sandwich a delightful experience.

Fresh herbs and a zesty sauce complement the fish’s rich profile.

Salt, pepper, and a blend of spices elevate this sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll want to make this crowd-pleasing dish that transforms an everyday meal into a restaurant-quality feast.

How To Put Together Fried Fish Sandwich

• Set Up Flavor Stations

Create three shallow bowls with seasoned flour, buttermilk egg wash, and crispy panko breadcrumbs. Mix your flour blend with zesty spices like salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Old Bay for a flavor punch.

• Transform Fish Into Crispy Delight

Lovingly coat each fish fillet by first rolling in seasoned flour, then dunking in egg wash, and finally pressing generously into panko breadcrumbs. Ensure each piece is completely and evenly covered for maximum crunch.

• Sizzle to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet until it reaches a dancing temperature around 350F. Carefully slide fish into the hot oil and cook for 3-4 minutes per side. Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown exterior that promises irresistible crispiness. Transfer to a paper towel to absorb extra oil and keep that perfect crunch.

Tips To Try For Fried Fish Sandwich

• Crispy Coating Perfection: Pat fish dry before breading to ensure maximum crunch and prevent soggy breading.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Swap wheat flour for gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko crumbs to make the sandwich celiac-friendly.
• Oil Temperature Control: Use a digital thermometer to maintain consistent 350F oil temperature, preventing fish from absorbing excess oil or becoming greasy.
• Healthier Baking Option: For a lighter version, bake breaded fish on a wire rack at 425F for 12-15 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking, which reduces overall oil content.
• Flavor Boost Techniques: Experiment with adding cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for extra heat or mix herbs like dill or parsley into breadcrumbs for enhanced aromatic profile.

Serve Up Fried Fish Sandwich With Style

• Flavor Fusion Plating: Arrange the crispy golden fish sandwich on a rustic wooden board with a small dish of zesty tartar sauce, fresh lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a restaurant-style presentation that elevates the casual meal.
• Sidekick Selections: Pair the sandwich with crispy seasoned french fries, tangy coleslaw, or a light cucumber salad to balance the richness of the fried fish and create a complete, satisfying meal.
• Condiment Creativity: Upgrade the sandwich with homemade sauces like spicy remoulade, garlic aioli, or a bright citrus-herb mayo to add extra layers of flavor and personalize the classic fish sandwich experience.
• Picnic Perfect Prep: Wrap the sandwich in parchment paper, pack in a cooler with cold drinks, and enjoy as a delicious portable lunch for beach trips, park outings, or summer gatherings with friends and family.

Storage Help For Fried Fish Sandwich

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover fried fish sandwiches in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Wrap individual pieces separately to maintain crispiness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Revive crispy texture by using an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 3-4 minutes instead of microwave, which can make breading soggy. Place on a wire rack to help maintain crunchiness.
• Advance Preparation Hack: Prepare breading stations and coat fish fillets up to 2 hours before cooking. Keep breaded fish on a wire rack in the refrigerator to help breading set and prevent sogginess. Pat dry before frying to ensure maximum crispiness.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Freeze uncooked breaded fish fillets on a baking sheet for 1 hour, then transfer to freezer bags. Store up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before frying, and pat dry to remove excess moisture for perfect golden-brown results.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s Needed For Fried Fish Sandwich

• Flour: Creates a base layer for crispy, even breading that helps other ingredients stick perfectly.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and brings out the fish's natural taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and slight heat to the breading.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a savory, aromatic depth to the coating.
• Paprika: Brings a mild sweet-peppery flavor and beautiful golden color.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Delivers a classic seafood spice blend with signature maritime zest.

• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the fish and creates a tangy, rich base for breading.
• Egg: Acts as a powerful binding agent to help breading adhere perfectly.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Guarantees an extra crunchy, light golden coating with superior texture.

• Vegetable Oil: Provides a neutral cooking medium for achieving perfect golden-brown crispiness.

Gear You’ll Need For Fried Fish Sandwich

• Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy-Bottom Pan: Perfect for even, deep frying and achieving that golden crispy texture.
• Shallow Bowls (3): Essential for creating breading stations with flour, buttermilk-egg mixture, and panko breadcrumbs.
• Whisk: Needed to blend buttermilk and egg smoothly.
• Paper Towels: Great for draining excess oil from fried fish.
• Tongs: Helpful for safely turning and removing fish from hot oil.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise for measuring seasonings and ingredients accurately.

Crispy Fried Fish Sandwich Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy homemade fried fish sandwich delivers classic comfort with golden-brown cod nestled between toasted brioche. Tangy slaw and zesty tartar sauce complete this delectable seafood meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 4 white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia)
• 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp vinegar)
• 1 cup (100 g/3.5 oz) panko breadcrumbs (or cornmeal for extra crunch)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 4 brioche or sandwich buns, toasted
• ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) tartar sauce (or mayonnaise)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp (5 g) salt
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) black pepper
• 1 tsp (5 g) garlic powder
• 1 tsp (5 g) paprika
• 1 tsp (5 g) Old Bay seasoning (optional)
• 1 cup (50 g/1.8 oz) shredded lettuce
• 1 tomato, sliced
• ½ cup (50 g/1.8 oz) pickles or sliced onions (optional)

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Blend dry ingredients to craft a flavorful flour mixture that will enhance the fish’s overall taste and create a robust coating.
2. Liquid Binding: Combine buttermilk and egg into a smooth, adhesive mixture that will help breading adhere perfectly to the fish fillets.
3. Dredging Process: Coat each fish fillet comprehensively in the seasoned flour, ensuring complete and even coverage for maximum flavor absorption.
4. Breading Technique: Dip the floured fillet into the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip off before generously pressing panko breadcrumbs to create a crisp, textured exterior.
5. Oil Preparation: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to the ideal temperature, creating a perfect golden-brown cooking environment for the delicate fish fillets.
6. Frying Method: Carefully submerge breaded fillets into the shimmering oil, cooking each side until achieving a rich, amber color and ensuring thorough cooking – approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
7. Finishing Touch: Transfer fried fillets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, preserving the crispy texture and maintaining optimal flavor and crunch.

Notes

• Manage Flour Coating: Ensure even, light dusting of seasoned flour for maximum flavor absorption without clumping.
• Control Buttermilk Mixture: Pat fish dry before dipping to help breading adhere perfectly and prevent soggy texture.
• Monitor Oil Temperature: Maintain consistent 350-375°F heat for crispy, non-greasy golden-brown exterior without burning.
• Drain Excess Oil: Use wire rack instead of paper towels to preserve crispiness and prevent sogginess during resting.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg