These Copycat Filet O Fish sandwiches bring the classic McDonald’s favorite right to your kitchen! Crispy, golden-brown cod filets are nestled in soft buns with melty cheese and a tangy homemade tartar sauce. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy and Golden: The breaded cod filets are perfectly crispy and golden brown, just like the original.
  • Homemade Tartar Sauce: This recipe includes a simple and delicious homemade tartar sauce that’s far superior to store-bought.
  • Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these sandwiches are a breeze to prepare.
  • Nostalgia Trip: Enjoy the familiar taste of a Filet O Fish from the comfort of your home.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Copycat Filet O Fish sandwiches:

  • Cod Filets: Skinless, for a flaky and mild white fish.
  • Kosher Salt: Divided, for seasoning the fish and batter.
  • Egg: For the wet batter.
  • Mayonnaise: For the wet batter and tartar sauce.
  • Dijon Mustard: For the wet batter.
  • Cornstarch: For the wet batter.
  • Flour: For the wet batter.
  • Paprika: For the breading.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: For the crispy coating.
  • Light Oil for Frying: For frying the fish filets.
  • Brioche or Potato Buns: Soft buns for serving.
  • American Cheese Slices: For the sandwiches.

For the Tartar Sauce:

  • Mayonnaise: Provides the base for the tartar sauce.
  • Dill Relish: Adds a tangy and pickle flavor.
  • Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness.
  • White Onion: Finely chopped, adds a pungent flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Copycat Filet O Fish

Step 1: Prepare the Fish Batter and Breading

In a bowl, whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, mustard, cornstarch, flour, and half of the kosher salt. In a food processor, pulse the panko breadcrumbs a bit to make them finer. Combine the breadcrumbs with paprika and the remaining salt.

Step 2: Fry the Fish Filets

Heat about an inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dredge the cod filets in the wet mixture, then in the dry breadcrumb mixture. Fry the filets for about 3-4 minutes per side, until crispy and golden brown.

Step 3: Make the Tartar Sauce

Combine the mayonnaise, relish, sugar, and finely chopped onion in a bowl.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches

Place a slice of cheese on the bottom of each bun. Top with a hot filet. Spoon the homemade tartar sauce on top of each sandwich and top with the top bun.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Use Quality Cod: Fresh cod filets are recommended for the best flavor and texture.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Fry the filets in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.
  • Drain Excess Oil: Place the fried filets on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease.
  • Steam the Buns: Steam the buns for a true copycat flavor, if desired.
  • Customize Toppings: Feel free to add pickles or lettuce to the sandwiches.

How to Serve

  • Main Course: Serve these sandwiches as a satisfying main course.
  • With Sides: Pair them with french fries, coleslaw, or onion rings.
  • Quick Meal: Perfect for a fast and easy lunch or dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover fish filets and tartar sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat the fish filets in the oven or air fryer until crispy and warmed through. Do not microwave, as it will make them soggy.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the fish and breading.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, you can substitute cod with other white fish like tilapia or haddock.

2. Can I bake the fish instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the fish. Coat the filets as directed and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and flaky.

3. Can I use store-bought tartar sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought tartar sauce if you prefer.

4. Can I add cheese to the fish batter?

Adding cheese to the batter is not recommended. The cheese is placed on the bun for melting.

Print
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Copycat Filet O Fish Recipe

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  • Author: Jaden Christner
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Copycat Filet O Fish recipe delivers the classic flavors of the McDonald’s favorite right at home. Crispy, golden-brown cod fillets are nestled in soft buns with melty American cheese and a tangy homemade tartar sauce.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 cod fillets, skinless
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • Light oil for frying
  • 4 soft brioche or potato buns
  • 4 slices American cheese

Tartar Sauce:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons dill relish
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3 teaspoons white onion, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare Wet Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, mustard, cornstarch, flour, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt.
  2. Prepare Breadcrumbs: In a food processor, pulse the panko breadcrumbs a bit to make them slightly finer. Combine the breadcrumbs with the paprika and remaining salt.
  3. Heat Oil: Heat about an inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Bread the Fish: Dredge the cod fillets in the wet mixture, then in the dry breadcrumb mixture, and set aside.
  5. Fry the Fish: Once all the fillets are breaded, carefully add them to the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes per side, until crispy and golden brown on each side.
  6. Make Tartar Sauce: While the fish is frying, combine the mayonnaise, relish, sugar, and onion in a bowl.
  7. Drain Fish: Place the fried fish fillets on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease.
  8. Assemble Sandwiches: To assemble the sandwiches, place a slice of American cheese on the bottom of each bun, and top with a hot cod fillet. Spoon the homemade tartar sauce on top of each sandwich and cover with the top bun.
  9. Serve: Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • You can steam your buns for a true copycat flavor if you like.
  • McDonald’s only uses half a slice of cheese, so you can use half or a whole slice.
  • Feel free to add pickles or lettuce if you like.
  • You can use store-bought tartar sauce if you like.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

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