Crispy Fried Cod Fish Sandwich Recipe

This Crispy Fried Cod Fish Sandwich features golden, crunchy cod fillets, a soft toasted bun, and a tangy homemade tartar sauce. Perfect for a restaurant-quality meal at home, this sandwich is packed with flavor, texture, and fresh ingredients. Whether you serve it with fries, coleslaw, or a side salad, it’s a delicious and satisfying dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and crunchy – Light, golden-brown batter for the perfect crunch.
• Flavorful and juicy – Moist, flaky cod with a well-seasoned coating.
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and quick cooking time.
• Customizable – Add toppings like lettuce, tomato, or pickles.
• Perfect for any occasion – Great for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Fried Cod:

• 4 cod fillets (4–6 oz each)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
• 1 egg
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sandwich:

• 4 brioche or hamburger buns
• ½ cup tartar sauce (see below for homemade version)
• 4 lettuce leaves
• 1 tomato (sliced)
• ½ cup pickles (optional)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting buns)

Homemade Tartar Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sweet relish
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

this recipe

1. Prepare the Tartar Sauce:

• In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet relish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and black pepper.
• Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

2. Prep the Fish:

• Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel.
• Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

3. Set Up the Breading Stations:

• In one shallow bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Old Bay seasoning.
• In a second bowl, whisk buttermilk and egg.
• In a third bowl, place panko breadcrumbs.

4. Bread the Fish:

• Dredge each cod fillet in the flour mixture, coating evenly.
• Dip into the buttermilk-egg mixture, letting excess drip off.
• Press into panko breadcrumbs, ensuring full coverage.

5. Fry the Fish:

• Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
• Fry each fillet for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

6. Toast the Buns:

• Spread butter on the inside of the buns.
• Toast in a skillet over medium heat until golden.

7. Assemble the Sandwiches:

• Spread tartar sauce on the bottom bun.
• Add lettuce, tomato slices, and fried cod.
• Top with pickles (optional) and the bun.

8. Serve:

• Serve hot with fries, coleslaw, or a side salad.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 sandwiches
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the flour mixture and drizzle with hot sauce.
• Baked Option: Bake the breaded fish at 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Air-Fryer Method: Air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Add a slice of cheddar or Swiss cheese before serving.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store fried fish separately from buns in the refrigerator for 2 days.
• Freezing: Freeze breaded, uncooked cod for up to 3 months.
• Reheating:
  • Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
  • Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
  • Skillet: Reheat on low heat for 3 minutes per side.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod?

Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before breading.

What’s the best oil for frying?

Use vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for a crispy finish.

How do I prevent the breading from falling off?

Press the panko breadcrumbs firmly onto the fish, and let it rest for 5 minutes before frying.

Can I use a different fish?

Yes! Haddock, tilapia, or halibut work well too.

What should I serve with this sandwich?

Pair it with fries, coleslaw, onion rings, or a fresh salad.

How do I make it extra crispy?

Double-dip the fish in the egg and panko mixture before frying.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use unsweetened almond milk with lemon juice instead of buttermilk.

What’s the best bun for this sandwich?

Brioche, potato rolls, or Kaiser rolls work great for a soft yet sturdy bun.

How do I add extra flavor?

Try a spicy mayo, chipotle aioli, or honey mustard instead of tartar sauce.

Can I prep the fish in advance?

Yes! Bread the fish and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before frying.

Conclusion

This Crispy Fried Cod Fish Sandwich is a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make at home. With its crunchy, golden-brown fish fillet, soft toasted bun, and creamy tartar sauce, every bite is packed with flavor and texture. Try it today for a delicious seafood sandwich that’s sure to be a family favorite!

Print