Delicious and Easy-to-Make Fish Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 white fish fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 slices of bread or 2 hamburger buns
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon relish
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 large tomato, sliced
  • 4 leaves lettuce
  • 1/4 onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Steps and instructions

  1. Pat the fish fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first, put the flour. In the second, beat the eggs. In the third, mix the panko bread crumbs with paprika and garlic powder.
  3. Dredge each fish fillet in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip in the beaten egg, and finally coat in the panko mixture. Press lightly to adhere.
  4. Heat enough vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 1/2-inch deep. Fry the fish fillets until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from heat and drain on paper towels.
  5. While the fish is frying, prepare the sandwich spread by mixing mayonnaise, relish, and mustard in a small bowl.
  6. To assemble the sandwiches, spread the mayonnaise mixture on one side of each bread slice or bun. Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom slice, followed by a slice of tomato and optional onion slice.
  7. Place the fried fish on top of the vegetables, then top with the other slice of bread or bun half.
  8. Serve the fish sandwich immediately with a side of your choice, such as fries or coleslaw.

Tools for making

  • Frying Pan - A pan for frying the fish fillets.
  • Paper Towels - To drain the fried fish fillets and remove excess oil.
  • Shallow Dishes - Three shallow dishes are needed for breading the fish fillets.
  • Mixing Bowl - For mixing the mayonnaise, relish, and mustard to make the sandwich spread.
  • Small Bowl - To serve the sandwich spread.
  • Knife - For slicing the tomato, onion, and any other optional toppings.

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of fish, such as cod, tilapia, or halibut, instead of white fish fillets.
  • Experiment with different coatings for the fish, such as crushed cornflakes, crushed potato chips, or breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Try using a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
  • For a healthier alternative, bake the fish fillets in the oven instead of frying them. Coat the fillets with olive oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden and cooked through.
  • Create a spicy version by adding cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce to the seasoning mixture for the fish.
  • Make a vegetarian or vegan version by substituting the fish with a plant-based alternative, such as breaded tofu, tempeh, or a vegan fish substitute.
  • Add additional toppings to the sandwich, such as sliced avocado, pickles, caramelized onions, or different types of cheese.
  • Serve the sandwich on a different type of bread, such as ciabatta, whole wheat, or a brioche bun.
  • Experiment with different sauces or spreads, like tartar sauce, aioli, or sriracha mayo, instead of the suggested mayonnaise-based spread.
  • Add fresh herbs or spices, such as dill, parsley, or lemon zest, to the coating mixture for an extra burst of flavor.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a delicious homemade Fish Sandwich with this easy and straightforward recipe. This sandwich features a crispy, golden brown fish fillet seasoned with a blend of spices and coated in panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch. Served on your choice of bread or a soft hamburger bun, it's topped with fresh, crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and optional onions. The sandwich is completed with a tangy and creamy spread made from mayonnaise, mustard, and relish. The end result is a satisfying and hearty sandwich that's perfect for lunch or dinner. You'll love the contrast of textures and the explosion of flavors with every bite. This recipe is versatile and you can easily add or swap ingredients based on your preference. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. How do I know when the fish is cooked?
  2. The fish is cooked when it turns golden brown and easily flakes with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
  3. Can I use a different type of fish?
  4. Absolutely! You can use any white fish fillets of your choice, such as cod, haddock, or tilapia.
  5. Can I bake the fish instead of frying?
  6. Yes, you can bake the breaded fish fillets in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden and cooked through.
  7. Can I substitute the panko breadcrumbs?
  8. Yes, if you don't have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs instead. However, panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter and crispier texture.
  9. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
  10. Yes, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten intolerance or allergies.
  11. What can I serve with the fish sandwich?
  12. Common side dishes for a fish sandwich include french fries, coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad.
  13. Can I refrigerate the leftovers?
  14. It's best to enjoy the fish sandwich immediately for the best texture and taste. Leftover fried fish may become soggy when refrigerated.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

While the precise origins of the fish sandwich are a bit murky, it is often linked to fast food culture of the United States, particularly to the Filet-O-Fish sandwich popularized by McDonald's. The tale goes that Lou Groen, a McDonald's franchise owner in Cincinnati, Ohio, was struggling with low sales on Fridays due to the largely Catholic community's abstention from meat. To counter this, in 1962, Groen created the Filet-O-Fish, a breaded fish patty slapped between two halves of a bun. It was such a hit that it spread to McDonald's restaurants nationwide and has since become a fast-food staple. Today, a homemade fish sandwich, with its crispy coating and refreshing toppings, is a delightful reminder of this fast food lore.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.