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Tasty Fried Cod Fish Sandwich

Featured in Easy Sandwiches Done Right.

This homemade crispy cod sandwich takes a fast-food favorite and makes it gourmet. The cod is coated in a bubbly batter for crunch, paired with freshly made tartar sauce full of pickles and herbs, and topped with melted cheese on a soft steamed bun. It's the comfort food you love, but way better!
Emily Watson
Updated on Tue, 25 Feb 2025 14:30:13 GMT
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Homemade Crispy Cod Sandwich with Tartar Sauce | thefamilycooks.com

Experience the ultimate homemade Fish Sandwich featuring flaky cod in a golden, crispy coating. This recipe elevates a simple fish fry into a memorable meal, combining fresh ingredients with classic cooking techniques for professional-level results.

This recipe represents years of fine-tuning the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The combination of fresh cod, seasoned coating, and homemade sauce creates exceptional results.

Key Ingredients

  • Fresh cod: Select thick, white fillets
  • Peanut oil: Provides ideal frying temperature
  • Seasoning blend: Traditional seafood spices
  • Club soda: Creates extra crispiness
  • Fresh herbs: Enhances sauce flavor
  • Dill pickles: Adds traditional tang
  • Quality buns: Supports the fish perfectly

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Sauce:
Chop pickles and herbs finely. Blend with mayonnaise base. Add seasonings gradually. Rest while preparing fish.
Heat Control:
Bring oil to temperature slowly. Monitor at 375°F. Use heavy pot. Check temperature frequently.
Fish Preparation:
Cut uniform portions. Dry thoroughly. Season well. Prepare breading stations.
Breading Process:
Coat in seasoned flour. Remove excess. Dip in batter completely. Drain briefly.
Cooking Method:
Fry in batches. Maintain oil temperature. Cook until golden. Rest on rack.
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Fried Cod Fish Sandwich (Filet-O-Fish Inspired) | thefamilycooks.com

This recipe honors traditional fish fry techniques while incorporating modern cooking knowledge for superior results.

Oil Temperature Guide

Proper oil temperature management ensures perfect results. Use a reliable thermometer and adjust heat as needed. Too hot creates dark coating before fish cooks; too cool results in oil-soaked breading.

Preparation Tips

Prepare sauce components ahead for convenience. Mix dry ingredients separately. Store prepared elements properly. Assemble just before cooking for optimal results.

Bread Selection

Quality bread enhances the final sandwich. Fresh brioche provides ideal texture and flavor. Light steaming before assembly improves overall quality.

Sauce Options

Customize tartar sauce to preference. Consider adding fresh herbs, minced onion, or spicy elements. Each variation creates unique flavor profiles while maintaining classic appeal.

Accompaniments

Complete the meal with traditional sides. Fresh coleslaw, seasoned fries, or garden salad complement perfectly. Create variety with different garnishes and sauces.

Storage Guidelines

Store components separately if needed. Reheat fish in oven until crisp. Keep extra sauce refrigerated for other uses.

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Fried Cod Fish Sandwich (Filet-O-Fish Inspired) | thefamilycooks.com

This Fish Sandwich recipe delivers professional results consistently. The combination of fresh ingredients, proper technique, and attention to detail creates an exceptional meal suitable for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I make sure the fish turns out crispy?
The trick is dipping the fish in flour first, then in the batter, and keeping the oil hot at 375°F the whole time.
→ Can I mix the tartar sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can make it up to three days ahead and let it chill in the fridge. The flavors blend together better over time!
→ What’s the purpose of sparkling water in the batter?
The bubbles in the sparkling water help create a light, super crispy crust when frying. You can also swap it for light beer for similar results.
→ Is it okay to use frozen fish?
Sure! Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before battering, so it fries up nice and crispy.
→ Why should I steam the buns?
Steamed buns get soft and fluffy, just like the ones from a restaurant. Plus, it helps the cheese melt perfectly!

Crispy Cod Sandwich

This homemade take on the famous fish sandwich features perfectly crispy cod, tangy tartar sauce, melty cheese, and a fluffy bun. It’s a step up from your favorite drive-thru!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Sandwiches

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 sandwiches)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Fish

01 24 ounces of cod (or another white fish like Icelandic cod)
02 Season it with a sprinkle of salt and some black pepper

→ Dry Dredge

03 One cup of plain flour
04 Half a tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning

→ Wet Dredge Batter

05 One cup of flour
06 A full tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning
07 Half a tablespoon of paprika
08 One teaspoon of turmeric
09 A half teaspoon of white pepper
10 Half a teaspoon of baking powder
11 A large egg
12 One cup of sparkling water
13 Salt and black pepper to your liking

→ Tartar Sauce

14 Half a cup of mayo
15 Three tablespoons of finely chopped dill pickle
16 A tablespoon of chopped-up capers
17 One tablespoon of freshly minced parsley
18 A tablespoon of lemon juice
19 Two teaspoons of Dijon mustard
20 Salt and pepper to bring out the flavor

→ For Frying and Assembly

21 Two quarts of peanut oil (or any neutral oil for frying)
22 Four hamburger buns
23 Two slices of cheddar cheese, cut in half

Instructions

Step 01

Heat your frying oil in a heavy, deep pan to 375°F, and try to keep it steady at that temperature.

Step 02

In a bowl, stir together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped pickles, capers, and parsley. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, and mix well.

Step 03

Cut your cod into 4 to 6-ounce pieces that’ll fit nicely in your burger buns. Sprinkle the fish with salt and pepper, then lay them on a wire rack over a tray.

Step 04

In one shallow bowl, mix the flour and Old Bay for the dry dredge. For the wet batter, combine flour, baking powder, seasonings, egg, and sparkling water in another bowl. Stir until it’s the thickness of salad dressing.

Step 05

First, coat each piece of fish in the dry flour mix. Then dip it into the wet batter, letting the extra drip off.

Step 06

Fry the fish pieces for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden and crispy. Let them drain and cool on a wire rack.

Step 07

Hold the buns over simmering water for about 10 seconds to steam them lightly.

Step 08

Spread some tartar sauce on the bottom half of the bun. Lay the fried fish on top, followed by a slice of cheddar and another layer of tartar sauce. Top it off with the other bun.

Notes

  1. This recipe takes inspiration from the Filet-O-Fish at McDonald's.
  2. You can switch out cod for haddock, pollock, or halibut if you’d like.
  3. For a different taste, swap sparkling water with light beer.
  4. If time’s short, grab a ready-made tartar sauce instead.

Tools You'll Need

  • A large heavy-bottomed pan for frying
  • A wire rack to drain the fish, with a tray under it
  • Two shallow bowls—one for wet batter, the other for dry dredge
  • A strainer or steaming basket for the buns
  • Tongs for handling hot items
  • A small pot for steaming the buns

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes fish ingredients (cod)
  • Contains milk-based cheese
  • Gluten is present in the flour and buns
  • Eggs are used in the batter

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 747
  • Total Fat: 29 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 73 g
  • Protein: 45 g