The Perfect Crispy Fried Fish Sandwich Recipe (A True Keeper)

We’ve all dreamt of the quintessential fish sandwich, haven’t we? We’re not referring to a lacklustre, floppy takeaway effort. We mean a genuinely glorious construction: a substantial, flaky fish fillet wrapped in a golden, audibly crunchy batter, nestled in a soft brioche bun with a zesty, creamy tartar sauce and crisp lettuce. It’s the sort of sandwich that elicits pure joy from the very first bite. The brilliant news? This dream is entirely within your reach, right in your own kitchen. We are here to walk you through every step of creating the most magnificent, pub-quality Crispy Fried Fish Sandwich Recipe you’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting.

Why You’ll Adore This Fish Sandwich Recipe

We understand it’s a significant claim, but this is far from being just another recipe. It represents the culmination of numerous trials to strike the ideal harmony of texture and flavour. We’ve honed in on the small details that elevate a simple sandwich into an unforgettable dining experience.

• Incomparable Crispiness: Our batter recipe is undoubtedly the main attraction. By using a special ingredient (which we’ll get to in a moment!), we can promise a light, airy, and exceptionally crisp coating that maintains its crunch right until the end.
• Wonderfully Flaky Fish: What’s inside is just as vital as the outside. We will demonstrate how to choose and cook your fish so that it steams to perfection within the batter, yielding moist, tender, and flaky results.
• Tangy Homemade Tartar Sauce: Move over, shop-bought sauces! Our homemade tartar sauce is vibrant, tangy, and bursting with flavour from gherkins, capers, and fresh dill. It takes only five minutes to whip up and truly enhances the sandwich.
• Straightforward, Clear Guidance: We have organised the entire process into simple, easy-to-follow stages, ensuring that even if deep-frying is new to you, you’ll feel confident and achieve fantastic results.

Choosing the Best Fish for Your Sandwich

The very heart of a superb fish sandwich is, naturally, the fish itself. Achieving that sublime, flaky interior is impossible without beginning with the correct type of fillet. We suggest using a firm, white fish that holds together well when fried. Here are our favourite picks:

• Cod: This is a classic for good reason. Cod offers a mild, subtly sweet flavour and breaks into large, succulent flakes. It’s our top recommendation for the ultimate cod sandwich.
• Haddock: A very close runner-up to cod, haddock is a little sweeter and possesses a finer flake. It is another excellent choice that fries up beautifully.
• Pollock: For a more budget-conscious option, pollock is part of the cod family and shares a similar flavour profile, although it is slightly less firm. It still creates a truly delicious sandwich.
• Halibut: If you wish to treat yourself, halibut is a wonderful, meaty alternative. It is very firm and holds its shape perfectly, though it does carry a higher price point.

No matter your choice, try to get thick-cut fillets, around 1-inch (2.5cm) in thickness. This helps the fish steam perfectly on the inside while the batter crisps up on the outside, preventing the fillet from becoming overcooked.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here is a complete list of what you will need to create your culinary masterpiece. We have divided it into three sections: the fish, the sauce, and the assembly. Getting all your ingredients ready before you begin makes the entire process seamless and enjoyable.

For the Crispy Fish

• White Fish Fillets: 4 thick fillets (about 170g or 6oz each), such as cod or haddock, skinless and boneless.
• Plain Flour: 200g (1 1/2 cups), plus extra for dredging.
• Cornflour: 50g (1/3 cup), for extra crispiness.
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon.
• Cold Sparkling Water or Lager: About 300ml (1 1/4 cups). The bubbles are the secret to a light, airy batter!
• Vegetable or Sunflower Oil: For frying (about 1 litre).

For the Homemade Tartar Sauce

• Mayonnaise: 200g (1 cup).
• Gherkins: 3-4, finely chopped.
• Capers: 1 tablespoon, rinsed and chopped.
• Fresh Dill: 1 tablespoon, finely chopped.
• Lemon Juice: 1-2 teaspoons, to taste.
• A Pinch of Sugar: To balance the tang.

For Assembling the Sandwich

• Brioche Buns: 4, for their soft, slightly sweet character.
• Lettuce: Crisp iceberg or butter lettuce leaves.
• Sliced Cheese (Optional): A slice of mild cheddar or American cheese is a popular addition.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make the Perfect Crispy Fried Fish Sandwich

Are you ready to begin? Just follow these steps, and you will be rewarded with the best fish sandwich you’ve ever made.

1. Prepare the Tartar Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, chopped gherkins, capers, fresh dill, and lemon juice. Add the pinch of sugar and stir everything until well combined. Have a taste and adjust the seasoning if you feel it’s needed. Cover and place it in the fridge to allow the flavours to mingle while you sort out the fish.
2. Prepare the Fish: Take your fish fillets and pat them completely dry with a paper towel. This is an absolutely vital step for a crisp coating! Season both sides liberally with salt and pepper. Prepare a plate with a generous coating of plain flour for dredging.
3. Make the Crispy Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the 200g of plain flour, cornflour, baking powder, salt, and pepper together. Right before you are ready to fry, gradually pour in the ice-cold sparkling water or lager, whisking gently until you achieve a smooth, thick batter, about the consistency of double cream. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly acceptable.
4. Heat the Oil: Pour the oil into a large, deep-sided pan or Dutch oven to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat it over a medium-high heat until it reaches 180°C (350°F). We strongly suggest using a cooking thermometer for the best accuracy. If you don’t own one, you can test the oil by dropping a tiny amount of batter in; it should sizzle instantly and turn golden in around 30 seconds.
5. Fry the Fish: Taking one fillet at a time, dredge the fish in the plain flour, making sure to shake off any excess. Next, dip it into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Gently lower the battered fillet into the hot oil, placing it away from yourself to prevent any splashes. Fry for 5-7 minutes, turning it over halfway through, until the batter is a deep golden brown and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches of one or two fillets.
6. Drain and Rest: When cooked, use a slotted spoon or tongs to lift the fish from the oil and place it on a wire rack to drain. This promotes air circulation and stops the underside from becoming soggy. Sprinkle with a little more salt while it’s still piping hot.
7. Assemble Your Masterpiece: While the fish is resting, you can lightly toast the cut sides of your brioche buns. Spread a generous layer of your homemade tartar sauce on both halves of the bun. Arrange a few lettuce leaves on the bottom half, place the crispy fish fillet on top, add a slice of cheese if you like, and finish with the top bun. Serve straight away!

Tips for the Crispiest Fish and Flakiest Fillets

To truly perfect this recipe, keep these professional pointers in mind. They are what separate a good sandwich from an absolutely exceptional one.

• Keep Your Batter Cold: The significant temperature contrast between the chilled batter and the hot oil generates steam, which causes the batter to puff up, resulting in an incredibly light and crispy finish. Keep your sparkling water or beer refrigerated until the very last moment.
• Dry Fish is Key: We cannot emphasise this enough. Any moisture on the fish’s surface will turn to steam between the fillet and the batter, making the coating slip off. Pat it thoroughly dry!
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying too many pieces at once will cause the oil temperature to drop significantly, which leads to a greasy, soggy coating rather than a perfectly crisp one.
• Maintain the Oil Temperature: Keep a close watch on your thermometer. For consistent results, allow the oil to return to 180°C between each batch.
• A Wire Rack is Essential: Never drain fried items on paper towels. They trap steam, which will quickly undo all your careful work by making the bottom of your fish soggy. A wire rack is a must-have.

What to Serve with Your Fish Burger

A sandwich of this calibre calls for some equally delicious accompaniments. You simply can’t go wrong with classic pub-style partners like chunky chips and a side of mushy peas. A straightforward, zesty coleslaw also introduces a lovely creamy texture and crunch. For a truly indulgent and comforting meal, consider pairing it with a portion of our rich and creamy Gouda Mac and Cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food pairing!

Variations and Customisations

Once you have perfected the classic version, feel free to experiment. Here are a couple of ideas to change things up a bit:

• Introduce Some Spice: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to your flour mix for a bit of smoky warmth. You could also stir a dash of your favourite hot sauce into the tartar sauce.
• Experiment with Buns: While we have a soft spot for brioche, a tender potato roll or a more robust ciabatta bun would also work beautifully.
• Alternative Toppings: Try adding some thinly sliced red onion for a sharp contrast, creamy avocado for richness, or even some pickled jalapeños for an extra kick of heat.

If you enjoy crispy coatings but would like a break from frying, you might also fall in love with our oven-baked Crispy Parmesan Crusted Fish. It provides a different, but just as delicious, type of crunch!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I cook this in an air fryer?

Although you can cook battered fish in an air fryer, the outcome will be quite different. A wet batter does not set in the same manner as it does in hot oil. For a more successful air fryer version, we would suggest using a breadcrumb coating instead. If you wish to try it with batter, spray the fish generously with oil and cook at 200°C (400°F) for approximately 12-15 minutes, flipping it over halfway through.

What is the best type of oil for frying fish?

You should use a neutral oil that has a high smoke point. Vegetable oil, sunflower oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all fantastic options. We advise against using oils like olive oil, which has a lower smoke point and will impart its own strong flavour.

How can I tell when the fish is cooked through?

The fish is ready when the batter is golden and the flesh flakes easily when gently prodded with a fork. For guaranteed perfect results, you can use a digital food thermometer. The internal temperature of the fish should be 63°C (145°F), which is the recommendation for safely cooked fish from the Food Standards Agency.

Is it possible to make the batter in advance?

We wouldn’t recommend this. The real magic of the batter is thanks to the carbonation in the sparkling water or beer. If the batter is left to stand for too long, these bubbles will disappear, and you will lose that wonderfully light and airy texture. For the very best results, mix the batter just before you intend to start frying.

How should I store and reheat any leftovers?

This sandwich is undoubtedly at its best when eaten fresh. However, if you do have leftovers, the cooked fish fillets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, arrange them on a wire rack set over a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until hot throughout and crisp once more. An air fryer is also excellent for reheating.

Your New Favourite Sandwich Awaits

So there you have it—a complete guide to creating a truly phenomenal crispy fried fish sandwich in your own home. From the light, crunchy batter to the flaky, perfectly cooked fish and tangy homemade sauce, each component comes together to create a sandwich that is leagues ahead of anything you could buy. It is a rewarding kitchen project that ends with a delicious prize.

Now, the kitchen is yours! We encourage you to give this wonderful fish sandwich recipe a try and see for yourself. We would be delighted to hear how it turns out for you, so please do leave a comment below to share your experience. And if you enjoy it as much as we think you will, be sure to share it with a friend who deserves to have this sandwich in their life!