If you’re a fan of the classic Filet-O-Fish from your favorite fast food joint, you’re going to love this homemade copycat version! It’s crispy, flavorful, and so much fresher than the drive-thru version. Plus, you get to control all the ingredients and customize it to your liking. Let’s dive into making this simple yet tasty fish sandwich!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Making your own Filet-O-Fish at home means you can enjoy all the crispy, tender fish goodness without leaving your kitchen. The breading is light and crunchy, the fish is perfectly cooked, and the tangy tartar sauce really ties everything together. Not only will you impress yourself, but you’ll also be able to skip the lines at the drive-thru for a healthier, homemade version of a fast-food favorite. This is perfect for a quick dinner, lunch, or even a fun weekend project.
Ingredients:
Here’s a sneak peek at the ingredients—you’ll find the full list below:
- White fish fillets (like cod or haddock)
- Flour
- Cornstarch
- Baking powder
- Egg
- Bread crumbs
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
Start by patting the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the batter stick better and results in a crispier coating. You can use cod or haddock, but feel free to swap for your favorite white fish!
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. This mixture will create a light and crispy batter for the fish. Then, add the egg and slowly pour in some cold water, whisking until you get a smooth, thick batter that will coat the fish without dripping off.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour oil into a large skillet or deep fryer and heat it over medium-high heat. You’ll want the oil to be hot enough so that the batter fries up quickly but doesn’t burn. The ideal temperature is around 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread; if it browns in about 60 seconds, the oil is ready.
Step 4: Coat and Fry the Fish
Dip each fillet into the batter, making sure it’s well-coated. Then carefully lower the battered fish into the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side or until the fish is golden brown and crispy. You want the fish to cook through without over-browning the batter, so keep an eye on it! Once cooked, remove the fillets and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich
While the fish is draining, toast your burger buns until they’re lightly golden. Spread a generous amount of tartar sauce on the bottom bun. Place your crispy fish fillet on top, then add a slice of American cheese (or your cheese of choice) to melt slightly from the heat of the fish. Top with the other half of the bun, and voilà—your homemade Filet-O-Fish is ready!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Filet-O-Fish hot, with a side of fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it on its own—either way, it’s sure to be a hit!
Expert Tips and Tricks:
- Keep the Fish Crispy: If you want to make sure your fish stays crispy, you can place it on a wire rack in the oven (set to low heat) after frying. This lets the air circulate and keeps the coating from getting soggy.
- Tartar Sauce: Homemade tartar sauce is super easy to make by mixing mayonnaise, chopped pickles, lemon juice, and a little mustard. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Customize the Bread: Feel free to use any type of bun you like. Brioche buns are a great choice for added richness, or you can go for a whole wheat option for a slightly healthier alternative.
- Fish Variations: If you prefer a firmer fish, try using tilapia or even salmon! Just make sure it’s a white fish that will hold up well to frying.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions:
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your breadcrumbs are gluten-free.
- Spicy Version: For a little kick, add some sriracha or hot sauce to your tartar sauce or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the batter.
- Veggie Version: If you’re craving a veggie-based sandwich, try swapping the fish for a crispy battered cauliflower steak! It’s a great plant-based alternative that’s just as satisfying.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions:
The Filet-O-Fish pairs perfectly with crispy French fries or onion rings on the side. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, a simple coleslaw or side salad would work wonderfully. For a more refreshing touch, a cold lemonade or iced tea is the perfect drink to wash down all the delicious flavors.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
For leftovers, store the fish fillets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fillets on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them up again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the batter soggy.
4 FAQs:
- Can I use frozen fish fillets?
Yes, frozen fish fillets work just fine for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before battering and frying. - Can I make the tartar sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the tartar sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It’ll even taste better as the flavors have time to meld together. - Can I bake the fish instead of frying it?
Yes! For a healthier version, you can bake the battered fish at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be as crispy as frying, but still delicious. - Can I freeze the fried fish?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked fish fillets. Let them cool completely, then wrap them in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.
Conclusion:
This Filet-O-Fish (Copycat) recipe is your ticket to enjoying a crispy, flavorful fish sandwich anytime you want—without the drive-thru. It’s easy to make, customizable, and full of flavor. Whether you’re craving a fast-food fix or just love homemade comfort food, this sandwich will hit the spot every time. Give it a try, and you may never go back to the fast food version again!
How to Make a Delicious Filet-O-Fish (Copycat) at Home
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
If you’re a fan of the classic Filet-O-Fish from your favorite fast food joint, you’re going to love this homemade copycat version! It’s crispy, flavorful, and so much fresher than the drive-thru version. Plus, you get to control all the ingredients and customize it to your liking. Let’s dive into making this simple yet tasty fish sandwich!
Ingredients
- White fish fillets (like cod or haddock)
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 egg
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- Oil for frying (vegetable oil or canola oil works well)
- 4 burger buns
- Tartar sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 slices American cheese (or your preferred cheese)
Instructions
Start by patting the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the batter stick better and results in a crispier coating. You can use cod or haddock, but feel free to swap for your favorite white fish!
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. This mixture will create a light and crispy batter for the fish. Then, add the egg and slowly pour in some cold water, whisking until you get a smooth, thick batter that will coat the fish without dripping off.
Pour oil into a large skillet or deep fryer and heat it over medium-high heat. You’ll want the oil to be hot enough so that the batter fries up quickly but doesn’t burn. The ideal temperature is around 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread; if it browns in about 60 seconds, the oil is ready.
Dip each fillet into the batter, making sure it’s well-coated. Then carefully lower the battered fish into the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side or until the fish is golden brown and crispy. You want the fish to cook through without over-browning the batter, so keep an eye on it! Once cooked, remove the fillets and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
While the fish is draining, toast your burger buns until they’re lightly golden. Spread a generous amount of tartar sauce on the bottom bun. Place your crispy fish fillet on top, then add a slice of American cheese (or your cheese of choice) to melt slightly from the heat of the fish. Top with the other half of the bun, and voilà—your homemade Filet-O-Fish is ready!
Serve your Filet-O-Fish hot, with a side of fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it on its own—either way, it’s sure to be a hit!
Notes
- Use fresh fish for best results; if using frozen, thaw and pat dry.
- Adjust batter thickness with water or flour for the right consistency.
- Tartar sauce can be made ahead and stored for 3-4 days.
- Oil temperature should be around 350°F (175°C) for crispy results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich (1 fish fillet + bun)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg