The Crispiest Fried Cod Fish Sandwich Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Crafting a delectable fried cod fish sandwich demands creativity and a dash of culinary passion.

Fresh, crispy cod transforms an ordinary lunch into a memorable meal.

Maritime traditions inspire this classic comfort food with layers of texture and flavor.

Seafood enthusiasts will appreciate the golden-brown exterior and tender fish inside.

Crisp lettuce, tangy tartar sauce, and soft brioche bun complete the experience.

A perfect balance of crunch and richness awaits you in this simple yet spectacular sandwich.

Dive into this recipe and elevate your weekday lunch game.

FAQs

• What type of fish works best for this sandwich?

Cod is ideal due to its mild flavor and firm texture, but you can also use haddock or halibut as alternatives. These white fish types have similar characteristics that hold up well during frying.

• How do I know if the oil is hot enough for frying?

Drop a small amount of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and floats immediately, the oil is ready. A cooking thermometer set to 350F (175C) is the most accurate method to check oil temperature.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Use cornstarch as directed and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Fried Cod Fish Sandwich That’s Crispy And Tasty

• Craft Quick Comfort Food: Transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering sandwich that satisfies seafood cravings with restaurant-quality results.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn professional-level battering and frying skills without needing advanced culinary training, making gourmet cooking accessible for home chefs.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Personalize the sandwich with various toppings like pickles, coleslaw, or different sauces, allowing endless tasty combinations that suit individual preferences.
• Perfect for Casual Gatherings: Impress friends and family with a crowd-pleasing dish that works great for laid-back dinners, game nights, or weekend meal prep.

Ingredients To Prepare Fried Cod Fish Sandwich

• Cod Fillets: Fresh white fish perfect for creating a crispy and flavorful sandwich.
• All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch: Create a light and crispy coating for the fish.
• Cold Club Soda: Helps achieve a thin, airy batter that results in a crunchy exterior.
• Sandwich Buns: Soft bread that provides the perfect vessel for the fried fish.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Add depth and complex flavor to the fish coating.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance the overall taste of the fish and batter.
• Mayonnaise, Pickle Relish, Dijon Mustard, Lemon Juice: Key components for creating a tangy tartar sauce.
• Shredded Lettuce, Tomato Slices: Fresh toppings that add crunch and brightness to the sandwich.
• Vegetable Oil: Provides the medium for deep-frying the cod to golden perfection.

How To Make Fried Cod Fish Sandwich

Step 1: Whip Up Tartar Sauce

Create a zesty sauce by combining mayonnaise, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly and chill until ready to use.

Step 2: Mix Crispy Coating

• Flour
• Cornstarch
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Slowly pour in cold club soda, whisking until the mixture reaches a smooth, pancake-like consistency. Don’t worry about tiny lumps.

Step 3: Heat Cooking Oil

Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Aim for 350°F.

Test readiness by dropping a bit of batter – it should sizzle and float instantly.

Step 4: Batter and Fry Cod

Gently pat cod fillets dry with paper towels.

Dunk each fillet completely in the prepared batter. Carefully slide into hot oil and fry 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.

Ensure internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Step 5: Drain and Rest

Transfer fried fillets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Toast Sandwich Buns

Lightly toast buns in a skillet or toaster for extra crunch and flavor.

Step 7: Build Delicious Sandwich

• Tartar sauce on bottom bun
• Shredded lettuce
• Tomato slice
• Optional extras like pickles or cheese

Place crispy cod fillet on top and cap with the top bun.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Plate immediately with lemon wedges. Pair with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Enjoy your crispy cod sandwich!

Tips To Perfect Fried Cod Fish Sandwich

• Pat cod fillets completely dry before battering to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent oil splattering during frying.
• Whisk batter gently to avoid tough coating; some small lumps are perfectly fine for a light, crispy texture.
• Use a thermometer to maintain consistent 350F oil temperature, ensuring evenly cooked and golden-brown fish without burning.
• Place fried cod on paper towels to absorb excess oil and keep the crispy coating from becoming soggy.
• Experiment with additional spices like cayenne or smoked paprika in the batter for extra depth and kick.

Variations To Try On Fried Cod Fish Sandwich

• Gluten-Free Cod Sandwich: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Air Fryer Version: Coat cod in seasoned breadcrumbs and cook in air fryer at 390F for 10-12 minutes, creating a healthier alternative to deep-frying.
• Spicy Cajun Cod Sandwich: Increase cayenne pepper, add Cajun seasoning to batter, and top with pepper jack cheese for extra heat and flavor.
• Baked Fish Option: Coat cod in panko breadcrumbs, bake at 425F for 12-15 minutes for a lower-fat preparation that still maintains crispy texture.

Pairing Suggestions To Enjoy With Fried Cod Fish Sandwich

Light and crisp lagers or wheat beers perfectly complement the golden-fried cod, cutting through the richness while enhancing the sandwich’s delicate seafood flavor.

Sparkling lemonade or a zesty white wine like Sauvignon Blanc delivers bright, tangy notes that refresh the palate and balance the crispy battered fish.

Crisp dill pickles and a cold craft pilsner create a harmonious match, with the beer’s hoppy character and pickle’s acidity elevating the sandwich’s overall taste profile.

Chilled green tea or a classic mojito offers a cool, herbal counterpoint to the hot, crunchy cod, providing a sophisticated and palate-cleansing experience.

Storage Advice To Keep Fried Cod Fish Sandwich Fresh

• Store leftover fried cod fish sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate the fish from the bun to prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual fried cod fillets tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Do not freeze assembled sandwiches.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place cod on a baking sheet and heat for 8-10 minutes until crispy. Avoid microwaving to maintain crispiness.
• Warm the cod in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Reassemble the sandwich with fresh buns and toppings after reheating.

Fried Cod Fish Sandwich Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delectable Fried Cod Fish Sandwich brings crispy coastal flavors to your kitchen, promising a delightful meal. Golden-battered cod nestled between perfectly toasted bread delivers a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients (Fish and Batter):

• 4 cod fillets (6 ounces each)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup cold club soda
• 1 cup vegetable oil

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sandwich Components:

• 4 sandwich buns (brioche or Kaiser rolls)
• 1/4 cup tartar sauce
• 1 cup shredded lettuce or mixed greens
• 4 slices tomato
• 4 slices pickles
• Lemon wedges

Homemade Tartar Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

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Instructions

1. Concoct a zesty tartar sauce by blending mayonnaise, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Refrigerate until serving time.
2. Craft a light, crispy batter by whisking flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Gradually incorporate cold club soda, mixing until achieving a smooth, pancake-like consistency.
3. Ignite vegetable oil in a large skillet to 350F (175C). Test oil readiness by dropping a small batter dollop – it should instantly sizzle and float.
4. Meticulously pat cod fillets dry to enhance batter adhesion. Completely submerge each fillet in the prepared batter. Gently slide into scalding oil, frying 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a golden, crisp exterior and reaching an internal temperature of 145F/63C.
5. Transfer fried fillets onto paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
6. Simultaneously toast sandwich buns in a skillet or toaster for enhanced textural complexity.
7. Construct sandwiches by spreading tartar sauce on bottom bun. Layer with shredded lettuce, tomato slice, and optional extras like pickles or coleslaw.
8. Crown with crispy cod fillet and cap with top bun. Serve immediately alongside lemon wedges for a citrusy punch, accompanied by fries or coleslaw.

Notes

• Keep fish fillets uniformly thick for even cooking, preventing undercooked or overcooked sections.
• Pat cod completely dry before battering to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent oil splattering.
• Test oil temperature accurately using a digital thermometer for perfectly crisp exterior without burning.
• Gluten-free alternative: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg