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