Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Crispy Fried Cod Fish Sandwich delivers the perfect combination of crispy batter, flaky fish, and fresh toppings. The light, airy batter ensures a satisfying crunch, while the tender cod fillet melts in your mouth. Topped with creamy tartar sauce, lettuce, tomato, and optional pickles or coleslaw, this sandwich is a delicious comfort food that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s so much better than fast food fish sandwiches and brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your home.
Ingredients
For the Cod:
- 4 cod fillets (4-6 ounces each)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cold club soda
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sandwich:
- 4 sandwich buns (brioche or Kaiser rolls)
- ¼ cup tartar sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or mixed greens
- 4 slices of tomato
- 4 slices of pickles (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Optional Toppings:
- Coleslaw
- Sliced red onion
- Cheese (American, cheddar, or Swiss)
For Homemade Tartar Sauce (Optional):
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Make the Tartar Sauce: Mix mayonnaise, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Refrigerate until ready.
- Prepare the Batter: Whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Gradually add cold club soda until smooth.
- Heat the Oil: In a pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Cod: Dip fillets into the batter and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Toast the Buns: Butter the buns and toast them until golden.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread tartar sauce on the bottom bun, add lettuce, tomato, fried cod, and any additional toppings like pickles, coleslaw, or cheese.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy: Add hot sauce to the tartar sauce or extra cayenne in the batter.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the cod with a veggie patty or fried cauliflower.
- Cheese: Add a slice of melted cheese for a richer sandwich.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover fried fish in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
- Reheating: Reheat in a hot skillet to restore crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use another fish instead of cod?
Yes, haddock or tilapia would also work well.
How do I keep the fish crispy?
Fry the fish in small batches and drain excess oil on paper towels immediately after frying.
Can I make the tartar sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
Can I make the batter thicker?
For a thicker batter, reduce the amount of club soda slightly.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
Test the oil by dropping in a small bit of batter—it should sizzle and float to the surface.
How can I add more flavor to the fish?
Marinate the fish fillets for 15 minutes in lemon juice and seasonings before dipping in the batter.
Can I make the sandwich gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for the batter and gluten-free buns.
What can I serve with the sandwich?
Serve with fries, coleslaw, or a side salad.
How do I avoid soggy buns?
Toast the buns before assembling the sandwich to keep them from getting soggy.
Can I freeze the fried fish?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked fish fillets and reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
Conclusion
This Crispy Fried Cod Fish Sandwich is a simple yet flavorful recipe that delivers on texture and taste. With a light, crispy batter and tender, flaky cod fillet, it’s a fantastic sandwich option that can easily be customized to your preferences. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, you’ll enjoy every bite of this delicious homemade fish sandwich!
PrintCrispy Fried Cod Fish Sandwich
This Crispy Fried Cod Fish Sandwich features a perfectly crispy batter and tender, flaky cod fillet, paired with fresh toppings and homemade tartar sauce. It’s a delicious and satisfying alternative to fast food, bringing restaurant-quality flavors right to your home. Perfect for lunch or dinner!
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 30min
- Total Time: 45min
- Yield: 4servings
- Category: Main Course, Sandwich
- Method: Frying, Assembling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Cod:
- 4 cod fillets (4–6 ounces each)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cold club soda
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sandwich:
- 4 sandwich buns (brioche or Kaiser rolls)
- ¼ cup tartar sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or mixed greens
- 4 slices of tomato
- 4 slices of pickles (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Optional Toppings:
- Coleslaw
- Sliced red onion
- Cheese (American, cheddar, or Swiss)
For Homemade Tartar Sauce (Optional):
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the Tartar Sauce: Mix mayonnaise, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Refrigerate until ready.
- Prepare the Batter: Whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Gradually add cold club soda until smooth.
- Heat the Oil: In a pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Cod: Dip fillets into the batter and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Toast the Buns: Butter the buns and toast them until golden.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread tartar sauce on the bottom bun, add lettuce, tomato, fried cod, and any additional toppings like pickles, coleslaw, or cheese.
Notes
- For extra spice, add hot sauce to the tartar sauce or extra cayenne in the batter.
- Use any firm white fish such as haddock or tilapia in place of cod.
- Toast the buns to prevent them from becoming soggy when assembling the sandwich.
