Why You’ll Love This Fried Fish Sandwich Recipe
You’ll absolutely love this Fried Fish Sandwich recipe for its perfect blend of crispy texture and fresh flavors.
The moment you sink your teeth into the golden, crunchy fish, you’ll realize just how satisfying it is. Each bite bursts with that delightful combination of savory and fresh, especially when paired with a crisp lettuce leaf and juicy tomato.
Plus, the tartar sauce adds a creamy finish that ties everything together. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you to a coastal paradise.
Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a regular in your kitchen.
Ingredients of Fried Fish Sandwich
When it comes to making a delicious Fried Fish Sandwich, the right ingredients are key. You want to make certain your fish is fresh and flaky, and that each component contributes to that crunchy, creamy experience that makes this sandwich so special. So, let’s plunge into what you’ll need to whip up this culinary delight.
Here’s your shopping list for the Fried Fish Sandwich:
- 2 lbs grouper, mahi mahi, cod, or halibut fillets
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose Greek seasoning, divided
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper, divided
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 cups cold beer
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 hamburger buns with sesame seeds
- Tartar sauce or mayonnaise
- 4 green leaf lettuce leaves
- 4 tomato slices
Now, when you’re shopping, keep in mind that the type of fish you choose can make a big difference. Fresh fish is usually the best option, but if you’re in a pinch, good quality frozen fillets can work too. Just make certain they’re thoroughly thawed before cooking.
And speaking of freshness, don’t skimp on the veggies. Crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes elevate the whole sandwich, balancing the fried goodness with a revitalizing crunch.
Finally, the beer in your batter not only adds flavor but gives that perfect lightness to the coating. Trust me, it’s worth it. Your taste buds will thank you later. So grab your ingredients, and let’s get ready to fry some fish!
How to Make Fried Fish Sandwich
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff: how to make that mouthwatering Fried Fish Sandwich that’s going to make you the star of your next cookout. First things first, grab your 2 lbs of fresh fish—whether you’re going with grouper, mahi mahi, cod, or halibut, make sure it’s cut into 3-inch strips. You want these pieces to be manageable in size but still substantial enough to hold up against the frying process.
Once you’ve got your fish prepped, sprinkle it evenly with 1 teaspoon of Greek seasoning, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of fresh ground pepper. This simple seasoning is going to elevate the flavor of the fish beautifully.
Now, let’s whip up that batter. In a large bowl, combine 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of yellow cornmeal, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of Greek seasoning, along with ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper. It’s always a good idea to mix these dry ingredients well—nobody wants a clump of baking powder in their batter.
After that, you’re going to add 2 cups of cold beer and 1 lightly beaten large egg. Stir this mixture until it’s smooth and well-blended. If it looks a bit too thick, don’t panic; just give it a little extra beer until it’s the right consistency.
Next, heat up some vegetable oil in a Dutch oven to about 375°F. This is where the magic happens. Dip your seasoned fish strips into the batter, making sure they’re coated on all sides. Then, carefully place them in the hot oil—don’t overcrowd the pan, or you’ll end up with soggy fish instead of crispy goodness.
Fry those strips for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown. As they come out of the oil, let them drain on paper towels—this is essential for keeping them crispy.
Now, while the fish is cooling, grab your hamburger buns. Spread some tartar sauce or mayonnaise on the top half of each bun, and layer on a fresh green leaf of lettuce and a juicy slice of tomato on the bottom half.
Finally, stack on those glorious fried fish strips, pop on the top half of the bun, and there you have it—a Fried Fish Sandwich that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every crunchy, creamy bite. You’ve earned it.
Fried Fish Sandwich Substitutions & Variations
While the classic Fried Fish Sandwich is undeniably delicious, there are plenty of substitutions and variations I can explore to customize it to my taste.
For instance, I often swap out the fish for shrimp or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian option. Instead of traditional buns, I’ve tried using pita bread or even lettuce wraps for a lighter twist.
I love experimenting with different sauces, like spicy remoulade or even avocado spread. For a unique crunch, I sometimes add pickled jalapeños or coleslaw.
The possibilities are endless, and I enjoy making each sandwich my own!
Additional Tips & Notes
Exploring substitutions and variations for the Fried Fish Sandwich is just the beginning of the fun.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of fish, like tilapia or snapper, for unique flavors. If you want a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or a gluten-free batter mix. For an extra kick, add some cayenne pepper to the batter.
Serve your sandwiches with coleslaw for crunch or swap out the buns for lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.