If you’re craving a Filet-O-Fish sandwich like the one from McDonald’s, you’re in luck! You can recreate this fast food favorite right at home. This recipe gives you the crispy fish fillet, soft bun, and tangy tartar sauce that you love, with a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
For the Fish Fillets:
- 4 white fish fillets (such as cod, haddock, or pollock)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for a little heat)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup cold sparkling water (or cold beer for extra crunch)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Tartar Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling:
- 4 soft hamburger buns or steamed sandwich buns
- 4 slices of American cheese (optional, but classic for the Filet-O-Fish)
Instructions:
1. Make the Tartar Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard (if using). Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Set aside in the fridge to chill while you prepare the fish.
2. Prepare the Fish Fillets:
- If your fish fillets aren’t pre-cut, cut them into the size of fillets you’d like for your sandwiches. They should be slightly smaller than the buns for a good fit.
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Coat the Fish:
- In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- In another shallow bowl, whisk the egg and sparkling water together until well combined.
- Dip each fillet into the flour mixture, coating both sides. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring the fillet is fully coated. Finally, dip it back into the flour mixture for a second coating, pressing lightly to make sure the fillet is well-coated.
4. Fry the Fish:
- In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of flour into the oil – if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
- Carefully place the coated fish fillets into the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip the fillets and ensure they cook evenly.
- Once cooked, remove the fillets from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Lightly toast the buns in the same skillet or oven, if desired.
- Spread a generous amount of tartar sauce on the bottom bun.
- Place a crispy fish fillet on top of the sauce, and add a slice of American cheese (if using).
- Top with the other half of the bun.
6. Serve:
- Serve your homemade Filet-O-Fish sandwiches with a side of fries or a salad for a complete meal.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Filet-O-Fish! The crispy fish, creamy tartar sauce, and melty cheese make for an irresistible, satisfying sandwich.