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Ultimate Crispy Fried Fish Sandwich

Nothing beats a homemade fish sandwich at home. It's the Ultimate.
Course: best fish sandwich, cod fish, dinner, fish, fish recipes, fish sandwich, fried, fried cod sandwich, fried fish, fried foods, homemade recipe, lent
Cuisine: American, fish
Author: Catherine's Plates

Equipment

  • cutting board & sharp knife
  • measuring spoons & cups
  • 3 shallow dishes (for dredging station)
  • large deep heavy bottom pot
  • tongs
  • sheet pan lined with parchment
  • wire rack to fit sheet pan

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless cod fillets, thawed (cut into 4-6 pieces)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 cups panko crumbs
  • 4-6 cups vegetable oil
  • brioche or other round hamburger bun
  • tarter sauce (see my homemade version here)
  • lettuce, tomato slices, lemon wedges, and red onions

Instructions

Prepare cod fish fillets

  • Thaw cod fillets per directions on back of package. (Generally takes 8-10 hours or over night.) Pat fillets dry with paper towels and place on a plate.
    NOTE: look for and remove any bones you may see.

Prepare 3 shallow dishes

  • 1st dish) mix together flour and seasonings
  • 2nd dish) beat together eggs and milk
  • 3rd dish) pour panko crumbs into dish

Prepare for Frying

  • Heat 4-6 cups of vegetable oil in a deep heavy bottomed pot to 350 degrees. (Use a kitchen thermometer to check temp.)

Dredging fish

  • Take 1 fillet and dredge through seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip fillet in egg mixture, coating well. Place into panko crumbs and press gently to adhere on all sides.
  • Place fillet into hot oil carefully 2-3 at a time. (Do Not Overcrowd pot. Do in batches if needed.)
  • Cook until golden brown about 3-4 minutes on one side. Flip over and cook an additional 3-4 minutes. Check internal temperature of fish with kitchen thermometer, should be 145 degrees or more.
  • Carefully remove fried fish from oil and place onto the wire rack fitted into the sheet pan lined with parchment. This will drain excess oil and make fish crispy.
  • Toast lightly tops & bottoms of buns in a 400 degree oven. Spread tarter sauce on both halves of buns. Add tomato, lettuce, onion if desired. Place fried fish on top and cover with top bun.
    NOTE: squeeze lemon juice on fish, if desired while building sandwich.

NOTE: Use search box above for my homemade tarter sauce recipe.