Fish Filet Sandwich Recipe

This nostalgic Fish Filet Sandwich is a fast food fakeaway dream as well as being incredibly crispy! Steaming the buns makes the bread go pillowy soft and warm, which along with the melty American cheese adds a comforting, squishy texture to this sandwich that is so satisfying on a Friday night.

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Fish Filet Sandwich Recipe Ingredients

• The Fish:
  • 4 cod fillets (cut into 4″x4″ squares, about 1″ thick)
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • Canola oil (for frying)
  • Salt
• The Batter:
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• The Assembly:
  • 4 brioche hamburger buns
  • 4 slices processed American cheese
  • Tartar sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tsp water (for steaming)

How To Make Fish Filet Sandwich Recipe

1. Heat the oil: Pour about 2 inches of canola oil into a Dutch oven or deep pot. Heat it to 360°F (180°C). Preheat your oven to a low 200°F (95°C) to keep the fried fish warm.
2. Mix the batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, mustard, cornstarch, flour, paprika, and 1/2 tsp salt until you have a smooth, thick paste.
3. Bread the fish: Pat the cod fillets dry. Dip each piece into the wet batter, ensuring it’s coated. Then, drop it into the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to all sides. Let them sit on a wire rack for a minute to set the coating.
4. Fry time: Gently lower 2 fillets into the hot oil. Fry for 3–5 minutes, flipping once or twice, until the crust is deep golden brown and the fish is cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack and place in the warm oven while you fry the remaining two fillets.
5. Steam the buns: This is the secret! Place the bottom buns on a microwave-safe plate. Top each with a slice of American cheese. Cover the plate with a damp paper towel and invert a microwave-safe bowl over the top (creating a steam dome). Microwave for 15–20 seconds until the bun is squishy and the cheese is starting to melt. Repeat with the top buns (no cheese).
6. Assemble: Place a hot fried fish fillet onto the cheesy bottom bun. Slather a generous amount of tartar sauce on the fish. Cap with the steamed top bun. Serve immediately while hot and soft.

Recipe Tips!

• The Steam Dome: Steaming the buns is what makes this taste like the famous “Filet-O-Fish.” Microwaving them under a damp towel softens the brioche into a cloud-like texture that contrasts perfectly with the crunchy fish.
• Processed Cheese: You must use processed American cheese slices. Real cheddar will separate and become oily. The “plastic” cheese melts into a creamy sauce that binds the sandwich together.
• Square Cut: Trim your cod fillets into squares before breading. Not only does it look authentic, but uniform shapes cook more evenly in the oil than tapered fillets.
• Mayo in Batter: Adding mayo to the egg wash adds fat, which helps the crust brown evenly and keeps the fish moist inside the breading.

What To Serve With Fish Filet Sandwich Recipe?

This Fish Filet Sandwich Recipe is a fast food icon that needs salty sides! A pile of thin French Fries or Tater Tots is the non-negotiable pairing. For a bit of acid, serve with extra Dill Pickles or a side of Coleslaw! If you want to cut the grease, a cold glass of Coke or a lemony Iced Tea is the perfect palate cleanser.

How To Store Fish Filet Sandwich Recipe

• Do Not Store: Once assembled (steamed bun + fried fish), this sandwich does not store well. The bun will get soggy and the fish will lose its crunch.
• Pre-Fry: You can bread the fish and freeze it raw. Fry straight from frozen (add 2 minutes to cook time) for a fresh sandwich any time!
• Reheat: If you have leftover fried fish, reheat it in an air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes. Steam a fresh bun right before eating.

Fish Filet Sandwich Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 650 kcal
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 30g

Nutrition information is estimated per sandwich.

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