Crunchy Seaside Delight: Crispy Fish Sandwich Recipe

Seafood enthusiasts adore this crispy golden fish sandwich recipe that promises a delightful crunch in every bite.

The perfectly seasoned fish fillet sits nestled between soft, pillowy bread slices.

Each golden-brown piece promises restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen.

Tangy tartar sauce adds a zesty kick that complements the delicate fish.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in creating this mouthwatering sandwich.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary lunch.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 565 kcal

Servings: 5

Crispy Fish Sandwich Ingredient List

• Mayonnaise: Creamy foundation that binds all the zesty flavors together, choose a high-quality, full-fat version for best results.
• Pickles: Adds delightful crunch and sharp tang, opt for crisp dill pickles with a bright, briny profile.
• Capers: Tiny flavor bombs that deliver intense salty and slightly peppery notes, select small nonpareils for the most delicate texture.
• Lemon Juice: Brings bright, citrusy freshness that cuts through the richness, use freshly squeezed for the most vibrant taste.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces a subtle heat and complex depth, select a smooth, well-balanced French-style mustard.
• Fresh Herbs: Elevates the sauce with aromatic green notes, choose a blend of soft herbs like parsley or chives for maximum flavor impact.

• Salt: Enhances and balances all underlying flavors, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Black Pepper: Adds warm, subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground provides the most robust flavor.

Tools For Crispy Fish Sandwich

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining tartar sauce ingredients.
• Small bowl: Used for preparing the zesty sauce.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping pickles and herbs.
• Sharp knife: Essential for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure lemon juice and seasonings.
• Whisk or fork: Ideal for mixing sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Spoon or spatula: Useful for scraping and transferring sauce.

How To Make Crispy Fish Sandwich

• Heat the Oil

In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer for accuracy.

• Set Up Breading Station

Prepare three shallow bowls:

In the first bowl, mix flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

In the second bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until smooth.

In the third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and cornmeal for an extra crunchy coating.

• Bread the Fish

Dredge each fish fillet in the seasoned flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Dip it into the egg mixture, then press it into the panko and cornmeal mixture, ensuring the coating adheres well on all sides.

• Fry the Fish

Carefully place the breaded fish into the hot oil and fry for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove with tongs and transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain off excess oil.

Tips To Perfect Crispy Fish Sandwich

• Tartar Sauce Perfection: Let the sauce sit for 15-30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together, creating a more robust taste profile.
• Crunch Maximizer: Pat fish fillets completely dry with paper towels before breading to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy coating.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with gluten sensitivities, maintaining the same delightful texture.
• Herb Swap Strategy: Experiment with different fresh herbs like dill, chives, or tarragon to personalize the tartar sauce and match your flavor preferences.
• Healthier Baking Option: Instead of deep-frying, coat fish in seasoned breadcrumbs and bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes for a lighter version with reduced oil content.

How To Serve Crispy Fish Sandwich Hot

• Coastal Companion Platter: Serve with freshly cut lemon wedges and extra pickles on the side for a zesty, tangy seafood experience.
• Crispy Sidekick Selection: Pair with golden french fries, coleslaw, or a light green salad to balance the rich, crunchy fish sandwich.
• Beer & Brew Buddy: Complement the sandwich with a cold craft beer, light pilsner, or crisp white wine that enhances the flavor profile of the tartar sauce and fish.
• Picnic Perfect Presentation: Pack in wax paper or wrap individually for a delightful beach, park, or outdoor lunch that maintains the sandwich's crispiness and freshness.

Keep Crispy Fish Sandwich Fresh Longer

• Quick Chill Zone: Store tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping its zesty flavor and creamy texture intact.
• Smart Prep Technique: Make the sauce a day ahead to let flavors meld and intensify, creating a more delicious condiment for your crispy fish sandwich.
• Freshness Guard: Cover the sauce surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent air exposure and maintain its smooth consistency.
• Container Choice: Use glass or ceramic containers with tight-sealing lids to prevent flavor absorption from other refrigerator items and maintain the sauce's original taste profile.

Golden Fish Sandwich Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crafting the ultimate crispy fish sandwich requires simple ingredients and precise technique. Golden-breaded cod nestled in a toasted brioche bun delivers classic coastal comfort with zesty tartar sauce that you’ll savor bite after bite.

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Ingredients

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• 4 fillets white fish (cod, haddock, or tilapia)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup cornmeal
• 4 brioche or burger buns
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 medium tomato
• ¼ cup sliced pickles
• 2 tbsps dill pickles, finely chopped
• vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 tbsp capers, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• salt and pepper

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Instructions

1. Tartar Sauce Preparation: Whisk mayonnaise with finely diced pickles, capers, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and chopped herbs, seasoning with salt and pepper until harmoniously blended.
2. Sauce Chilling: Refrigerate the tartar sauce to allow flavors to meld and intensify while preparing the remaining sandwich components.
3. Fish Preparation: Thoroughly pat fish fillets dry, then create a seasoned coating by mixing flour with aromatic spices, salt, and black pepper.
4. Breading Process: Dip each fillet into beaten eggs, ensuring complete coverage, then generously coat with the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off excess.
5. Frying Technique: Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet until shimmering, then carefully lower breaded fish, cooking until each side transforms into a golden, crispy masterpiece with crackling edges.
6. Resting and Draining: Transfer fried fish to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain its crisp texture.
7. Bun Assembly: Lightly toast a soft bun, spreading a generous layer of chilled tartar sauce on both sides, creating a flavourful foundation.
8. Final Composition: Layer crisp lettuce, place the hot, crispy fish fillet on the prepared bun, and garnish with additional pickles or a bright squeeze of lemon for a final flourish.

Notes

• Manage Moisture Perfectly: Pat fish fillets completely dry before breading to guarantee maximum crispiness and prevent soggy texture.
• Select Oil Wisely: Use high smoke-point oils like vegetable or canola for optimal frying temperature and golden-brown crispy exterior without burning.
• Temperature Control Matters: Maintain oil at steady 350-375°F for even cooking, ensuring fish is crisp outside and perfectly cooked inside without absorbing excess grease.
• Herb Infusion Technique: Let tartar sauce rest in refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow herbs and ingredients to blend and intensify flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 565
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 760 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg