Name: The Best Copycat Filet-O-Fish Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 min
Yield: 3
Ingredients: 400g white fish fillets (like cod, haddock, or pangasius); 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup flour; 1 egg; Salt and black pepper to taste; Vegetable oil for frying; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1-2 tbsp pickles, finely chopped; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp mustard; Salt and pepper to taste; 3 burger buns, halved; 3 slices of cheese; Lettuce leaves

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If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been craving that crispy, tender Filet-O-Fish from your favorite fast food spot, but didn’t feel like driving there. Well, good news! I’ve got a copycat recipe that’ll have you making the exact same sandwich right in your own kitchen – and trust me, it’s just as good, if not better. I’m all about recreating my favorite fast food dishes at home, and this one’s been a hit with my family, especially my kiddos. They love getting involved in the kitchen, so this one’s a fun, easy recipe for everyone to help out with!

Making a Filet-O-Fish at home doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, it’s actually pretty quick and simple with just a few ingredients. With some white fish fillets, breadcrumbs, and a tangy homemade tartar sauce, you can whip up this sandwich in no time. I love how you can adjust the tartar sauce to your own taste – a little more mustard or a bit of extra pickle, it’s all up to you. Plus, if you’ve got some hungry mouths to feed, this recipe is perfect because it makes three sandwiches, and the fish is so crispy and golden, they’ll think you spent hours making them!

I’ve made this recipe countless times, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way to make sure the fish stays perfectly crispy and the tartar sauce adds just the right balance of flavor. The best part is, you can enjoy this copycat Fish-O-Fillet any day of the week, without having to leave the house! Whether it’s a quick lunch or dinner, this sandwich will definitely become one of your family’s new favorites. So, let’s dive in and start making the best Filet-O-Fish you’ve ever tasted.

Ingredients

For the Fish Fillet:

400g white fish fillets (like cod, haddock, or pangasius): Choose a firm, white fish fillet that will hold its shape when fried, like cod or haddock, for the best texture.
1 cup breadcrumbs: Use breadcrumbs to coat the fish fillets, giving them that irresistible crispy texture when fried.
1/2 cup flour: Dredging the fish in flour helps the egg and breadcrumbs adhere, creating a golden, crunchy exterior.
1 egg: The beaten egg acts as a binding agent, allowing the breadcrumbs to stick perfectly to the fish.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper to bring out their natural flavor.
Vegetable oil for frying: Vegetable oil is ideal for frying because it has a high smoke point, ensuring the fish gets crispy without burning.

For the Tartar Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise: Mayonnaise serves as the creamy base of the tartar sauce, adding richness and smoothness.
1-2 tbsp pickles, finely chopped: Chopped pickles add a tangy crunch to the sauce, giving it that classic tartar flavor.
1 tbsp lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a bright, zesty kick to the tartar sauce, balancing the creaminess of the mayo.
1 tsp mustard: Mustard gives the sauce a subtle tang and a bit of heat, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Salt and pepper to taste: Season with salt and pepper to perfect the tartar sauce and suit your taste.

Other Ingredients:

3 burger buns, halved: Toast the buns lightly to add a little crunch and hold all the delicious filling together.
3 slices of cheese: A slice of cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese) adds a melty layer of flavor to the sandwich.
Lettuce leaves: Fresh lettuce adds a crisp, refreshing crunch, balancing out the richness of the fried fish.

Recipe Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Cut the fish fillets into portions and season with salt and pepper.

2. Dredge each piece in flour, dip in beaten egg, and then coat in breadcrumbs.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

4. Fry each fillet for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.

5. Drain the cooked fillets on paper towels to remove excess oil.

6. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, pickles, lemon juice, and mustard to make the tartar sauce.

7. Season the tartar sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Lightly toast the buns.

9. On the bottom half of each bun, place a fish fillet.

10. Spoon tartar sauce over the fish, then add a slice of cheddar cheese (optional) and a lettuce leaf.

11. Top with the other half of the bun.

12. Serve and enjoy while the fish is still warm and crispy.

Top Tips

Use a Neutral Oil for Frying: Vegetable or canola oil works best for frying, as they have a high smoke point and won’t overpower the delicate flavor of the fish.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the fish fillets in batches to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy. Overcrowding the pan can cause the oil temperature to drop, making the fish soggy instead of crispy.
Toast the Buns for Extra Crunch: Lightly toast your burger buns before assembling the sandwich. This adds extra texture and keeps the buns from getting soggy when adding the hot fish and sauce.
Customize Your Tartar Sauce: Feel free to adjust the tartar sauce to your liking – add more mustard for a tangy kick, or extra pickles for a crunchier, more savory sauce.
Use Fresh Fish for Better Flavor: Whenever possible, try to use fresh fish fillets rather than frozen for a firmer, better-textured result. If using frozen fish, ensure it’s fully thawed and pat it dry before cooking.
Keep the Fish Warm: If making multiple batches of fish, place the cooked fillets on a wire rack in the oven set to a low temperature to keep them crispy and warm while finishing the rest.
Add a Twist with Extra Toppings: For a fun variation, top your Fish-O-Fillet with a slice of tomato, onion rings, or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
Make It a Meal: Serve your Fish-O-Fillet sandwich with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
Control the Crunch with Breadcrumbs: For extra crunch, you can use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. They create a lighter, crispier coating on the fish.
Chill the Fish Before Frying: After breading the fish fillets, let them chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before frying. This helps the breading set and reduces the chances of it falling off during frying.

My Favorite Ways to Enjoy It

Classic Style: Of course, the simplest way is always the best! Serve your Fish-O-Fillet with just the crispy fried fish, homemade tartar sauce, and a fresh lettuce leaf on a toasted bun. It’s the perfect classic combination.
With a Side of Fries: You can’t go wrong with pairing your sandwich with a side of crispy, golden fries. Whether homemade or frozen, they’re the perfect companion for this fish sandwich.
With a Fresh Salad: For a lighter, more refreshing meal, serve your Fish-O-Fillet alongside a vibrant green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a tangy coleslaw for extra crunch and flavor.
Loaded with Extras: Sometimes, I love adding a slice of tomato, pickled onions, or even a fried egg on top to really amp up the flavor. The extra toppings give it a more gourmet touch!
Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, drizzle some hot sauce or add a few jalapeño slices inside your sandwich. It’s a great way to bring some spice into the dish without overpowering the flavors.
With a Side of Chips: For a true fast-food-style meal, enjoy your Fish-O-Fillet with a side of crunchy potato chips. It adds the perfect salty crunch to balance out the creamy tartar sauce and crispy fish.
On a Salad: If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, enjoy the fish fillet on top of a bed of greens with a drizzle of tartar sauce as a fresh, satisfying alternative to the sandwich.
Breakfast-Style: Why not enjoy the Fish-O-Fillet for breakfast? Add a fried egg and a slice of avocado on top for a delicious morning twist on the classic sandwich.
As a Fish Tacos Alternative: For a fun variation, wrap the crispy fish fillets in a soft tortilla with a drizzle of tartar sauce and some shredded lettuce. It’s like a fish taco but even better.
With a Cold Drink: To wash it all down, I love pairing my Fish-O-Fillet with a cold, fizzy soda or a chilled iced tea. It’s the perfect refreshing balance to the warmth and crispiness of the sandwich.

Yield: 3