Description
Iconic McDonald’s filet-o-fish comes alive in this homemade version that rivals the restaurant classic. Crispy golden fish nestled in a buttery bun with tangy tartar sauce promises a delightful seafood sandwich you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Fish Ingredients:
- 2 cod, haddock, or pollock fillets (about 4–6 ounces/170–225 grams each)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Breading Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
Sandwich and Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 soft potato or brioche buns
- 2 slices American cheese
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped pickles
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the fish fillets by gently patting them dry with a clean kitchen towel, then lightly season with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
- Create a breading station with three shallow containers: one with seasoned flour, another with whisked eggs, and the third filled with crisp panko breadcrumbs.
- Carefully coat each fish fillet by first dredging in flour, ensuring a thin, even layer, then dipping into the beaten egg, and finally rolling in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to create a uniform, crispy exterior.
- Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet to the optimal frying temperature of 350°F, maintaining a consistent heat for even cooking.
- Gently lower the breaded fish fillets into the hot oil, frying each side for approximately 2-3 minutes until they develop a golden-brown, crispy crust.
- Transfer the fried fish to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and preserve the crispy texture.
- Craft the tangy tartar sauce by combining mayonnaise, finely chopped pickles, a splash of fresh lemon juice, and a touch of Dijon mustard in a small mixing bowl.
- Prepare the burger buns by lightly steaming them in the microwave, wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel for 15 seconds to achieve a soft, warm texture.
- Assemble the copycat Filet-O-Fish by placing the crispy fish fillet on the steamed bun and generously spreading the homemade tartar sauce.
Notes
- Choose white fish like cod or halibut for a tender, flaky texture that mimics the original sandwich.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness and lighter coating compared to traditional breadcrumbs.
- Keep oil temperature consistent at 350°F to prevent greasy or undercooked fish, using a kitchen thermometer for precision.
- Gluten-free option: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free panko for coating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 634
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg