Homemade Filet-o-Fish Copycat
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This homemade Filet o Fish sandwich is better than the McDonald’s classic! Flaky fish is fried golden brown then topped with tartar sauce and a slice of cheese.
I grew up eating McDonald’s Filet o Fish and this copycat sandwich is a great alternative when the craving strikes!
It’s made with tender flaky fish that is pan fried instead of deep fried then topped with a slice of cheese, tangy tartar sauce and the softest buns. You can even bake or air fry it if you would like. Also try this crispy fried chicken sandwich!
Filet o Fish Ingredients
- Breaded fish patties: I used cod but haddock or cod works as well. You will want to cut the fish pieces into squares just like McDonald’s.
- Tartar sauce: McDonald’s tartar sauce is what makes the sandwich and making it homemade is as close you’ll get to the one they serve. Although I have been known to buy store-bought in a pinch.
- American cheese: This also is key! Melty American cheese makes this copycat Filet-o-fish outstanding!
- Hamburger buns: The key is to use soft buns that are fresh. I used sesame seed buns but brioche buns are great too.
How to Make Filet o Fish
In a small bowl, make tartar sauce by mixing the mayonnaise, pickles, lemon juice, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Cut the fish fillets into square portions, pat dry then season with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, dip in the beaten egg, and then coat in breadcrumbs.
Fry each fillet in the skillet in hot oil for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Lightly toast the buns. On the bottom half, place a fish fillet, spoon on tartar sauce, add a slice of cheddar cheese and a lettuce leaf. Add top of bun. Enjoy!
Cooking Variations
- Oven baked: After breading, spray each side of the fish with cooking spray. Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes. Flip then bake 7 minutes until done. Top with cheese and bake another minute to melt.
- Air fryer: Spray each fish fillet sandwich with cooking spray. Add fillets to air fryer basket ensuring that the sides do not touch. Air fry 10 minutes, flip then continue in air fryer another 5 minutes. Place cheese on top and air fry another minute.
Tips for the Best Filet o Fish Copycat Recipe
- Steam buns: For the softest buns, place in a plastic ziploc bag with a damp paper towel. Don’t seal the bag all the way and microwave 20 to 30 seconds.
- Refrigerate fish before frying: Refrigerate the fish fillets for about 30 minutes after breading them. Cold fish helps prevent overcooking in the hot oil.
- Fish doneness: Once the breading is golden brown, the fish is ready. You can check the fish with a meat thermometer as well. The internal temperature should be 145°F.
- Serve immediately: Just like McDonald’s this copycat sandwich is best served immediately!
More Comfort Food Recipes
Homemade Filet-o-Fish Copycat
Ingredients
Fish Filet
- 400 g white fish fillets , I used cod
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 egg , beaten
- salt and pepper , to taste
- vegetable oil , for frying
Tartar Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 Tablespoons pickles , finely chopped
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- salt and pepper
For Assembly
- 3 hamburger buns , sesame seed or brioche
- 3 American cheese slices
- lettuce leaves
Instructions
Make the Tartar Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, pickles, lemon juice, and mustard.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste then place in the refrigerator to chill.
Prepare Fish
- Cut the fish fillets into portions (if needed), pat dry and season with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, dip in the beaten egg, and then coat in breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry each fillet for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Assemble
- Lightly toast the buns. On the bottom half, place a fish fillet, spoon on tartar sauce, add a slice of cheddar cheese (optional), and a lettuce leaf. Top with the other half of the bun.
- Enjoy your homemade Fish-O-Fillet sandwich while the fish is still warm and crispy.
