If you crave a classic Filet-O-Fish sandwich but want a homemade version that's even better than the original, look no further. This recipe is packed with flavor, and with a little effort, you'll have a crispy, juicy fish fillet, perfectly melted cheese, and the iconic tartar sauce.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- Canola oil (for frying)
- 4 (4-ounce) skinless cod fillets (about 4- x 4-inch large and 1-inch thick)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups panko (Japanese-style breadcrumbs)
- 4 brioche hamburger buns (split)
- 4 (1/2-ounce each) processed American cheese slices
- 2 teaspoons tap water
- McDonald's Tartar Sauce (or your favorite homemade recipe)
- Cooked shoestring fries (for serving)
Instructions:
- Gather all ingredients. Pour oil to a depth of 2 inches in a large Dutch oven; heat oil over medium-high to 360 degrees F (182 degrees C). Preheat oven to 200 degrees F (93 degrees C). Set a wire rack inside a large rimmed baking sheet; set aside.
- While oil heats, pat fillets dry with paper towels, and sprinkle evenly with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Whisk together egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, corn starch, flour, paprika, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium shallow bowl until combined. Place panko in another shallow bowl. Working with one fillet at a time, dip into egg mixture, flipping to coat all sides and letting excess drip off. Place in bowl with panko, and coat all sides. Place on a large plate; repeat with remaining fillets.
- Gently add 2 fillets to hot oil; fry, gently stirring and flipping fillets in oil occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove fillets from oil using a slotted spoon, and place on prepared wire rack. Place in preheated oven to keep warm while repeating frying process with remaining 2 fillets.
- Working with 2 buns at a time, place bottom buns on a large microwavable plate; top each bun with 1 cheese slice. Lightly sprinkle a small paper towel with water, and place in small microwavable bowl with bottom buns. Cover plate with an inverted microwavable glass bowl. Microwave on HIGH until buns are steamy and cheese is melted, 15 to 20 seconds. Carefully remove buns from plate; place top buns on the same plate and microwave on HIGH for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Immediately top bottom buns with a fish fillet and drizzle 2 tablespoons McDonald’s Tartar Sauce on top. Cover with top buns and serve immediately with shoestring fries. Repeat with remaining buns and fish fillets.
Tips:
- Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the fish fillets. This will ensure crispy results.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the fillets. This will prevent the temperature of the oil from dropping too much.
- If you don't have McDonald's Tartar Sauce, you can make your own or use a store-bought version.
- For an extra crispy coating, press the panko onto the fillets before frying.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 766 |
| Total Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 149mg |
| Sodium | 1535mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 87g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g |
| Total Sugars | 9g |
| Protein | 45g |
Conclusion
So ditch the drive-thru and treat yourself to a truly satisfying Filet-O-Fish sandwich made right in your own kitchen. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner, yet delicious enough for a weekend treat. With a little practice, you'll be perfecting your homemade Filet-O-Fish in no time. Remember, there's no need to compromise on taste when you can create a delicious and customizable sandwich that's far superior to any fast-food version. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of fish can I use?
Cod is the traditional choice for Filet-O-Fish sandwiches, but you can also use pollock, haddock, or another flaky white fish. Just make sure the fillets are about 4 ounces each.
Can I bake the fish instead of frying it?
While baking is a healthier option, it won't give you the same crispy texture as frying. However, you can try using a baking sheet with a wire rack to get a crispier result.
How can I make a homemade tartar sauce?
A basic tartar sauce is simply mayonnaise mixed with chopped pickles, onion, and capers. You can also add other seasonings, like lemon juice, parsley, or garlic powder, to taste.
Tags:
Dinner
