Copycat Filet-O-Fish Recipe
If you’re craving the classic Filet-O-Fish from McDonald’s but prefer making it at home, you’re in the right place! This Copycat Filet-O-Fish recipe gives you that crispy, golden fish fillet with a soft bun, tangy tartar sauce, and a slice of cheese, just like the fast-food favorite. You can customize the ingredients to suit your preferences, but this recipe will give you that familiar taste and texture everyone loves.
Ingredients:
For the Fish Fillets:
- 4 white fish fillets (such as cod, pollock, or tilapia — about 4-6 oz each)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup cold sparkling water (or regular cold water)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Tartar Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish (or dill relish, if you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra tang)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 4 soft hamburger buns (or steamed sandwich buns)
- 4 slices of American cheese (or mild cheddar, if you prefer)
- Lettuce (optional, for added crunch, though the original doesn’t include it)
Instructions:
1. Make the Tartar Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir until well combined.
- Add the finely chopped onion (optional) and mix again.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Set aside in the fridge to chill while you prepare the fish.
2. Prepare the Fish Fillets:
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. This helps them get crispy when frying.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
- In another bowl, beat the egg and add the cold sparkling water. Mix until combined.
3. Dredge the Fish:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat (about 350°F or 175°C). You need enough oil to fully submerge the fish fillets.
- Dip each fish fillet first into the dry flour mixture, coating it thoroughly, then dip it into the egg and water batter. Return the fillet to the flour mixture and coat it again to create a double layer of breading.
4. Fry the Fish:
- Carefully place the breaded fish fillets into the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. The fish should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Use tongs to remove the fish from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
5. Toast the Buns:
- While the fish is frying, lightly toast the hamburger buns in a separate pan or under a broiler until golden and crispy on the cut side.
6. Assemble the Sandwich:
- Spread a generous amount of the tartar sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Place a crispy fish fillet on top of the tartar sauce.
- Add a slice of American cheese on top of the fish while it’s still hot so it melts slightly.
- Place the top half of the bun on top to complete your sandwich.
7. Serve:
- Serve immediately, either with some crispy fries, onion rings, or a fresh salad on the side.
Tips and Variations:
- For Extra Crispy Fish: If you want the fish extra crispy, double-dip it into the flour and batter mixture before frying.
- Use Beer Batter: For a more traditional fish-and-chips flavor, you can replace the sparkling water with beer for a beer batter.
- Cheese Options: While American cheese is classic, you can also try cheddar or Swiss cheese for a different flavor.
- Healthier Option: If you prefer baking instead of frying, you can bake the breaded fish fillets at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Filet-O-Fish:
- Crispy and Tender Fish: The batter gives the fish a crisp, light coating while keeping the inside tender and flaky.
- Tangy Tartar Sauce: Homemade tartar sauce adds the perfect creamy and tangy flavor that makes the sandwich special.
- Customizable: You can tweak the breading, sauce, or cheese to suit your taste.
- Affordable and Easy: Making your favorite fast food sandwich at home saves money and allows you to enjoy it whenever you like!
This Copycat Filet-O-Fish recipe will satisfy your craving for the classic McDonald’s sandwich, with the bonus of being made right at hom
