Best Fish Sandwich Recipe

Table of Contents

Curious about mastering the ultimate fish sandwich recipe? In Australia, it’s often referred to as a classic fish burger. This guide will take you through the entire process: crafting crispy fish patties, whipping up a tantalizing tartar sauce, preparing a tangy slaw, and assembling everything on soft brioche buns. With step-by-step photos, helpful tips, and customizable variations, you’ll feel empowered to create a dish that will have your loved ones requesting seconds.

What’s Included:

My Go-To Fish Sandwich Recipe

Known as a fish burger or fish bap in various regions, this sandwich boasts a crispy white fish patty, paired with a delectable tartar sauce, vibrant red cabbage, lettuce, all nestled in a soft brioche bun.

The beauty of this fish sandwich lies in its delightful mix of textures, flavors, and colors.

The highlight is the crispy white fish patty, made from ground fish, seasonings, and bound together with an egg. Coated in flour, egg wash, and Panko breadcrumbs, the patty is fried to a perfect golden brown, offering a crispy exterior and tender interior. The contrast of textures is simply irresistible.

Elevating the Flavor with Tartar Sauce

No fish sandwich is complete without a tangy, creamy tartar sauce. This zesty condiment adds a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the fish patty.

Bringing It All Together

Alongside the fish patties and sauce, you’ll need thinly shredded red cabbage (or white), lightly dressed in olive oil and white wine vinegar or lemon juice for added color and crunch. A lettuce leaf provides a touch of green freshness.

For extra umami and creaminess, consider adding a slice of cheese, though this is optional as not all fish sandwiches include cheese.

I opted for soft brioche buns, but any burger buns or soft bread rolls will suffice. The thick patties ensure the fish takes center stage, minimizing any overwhelming bready taste. This fish sandwich recipe focuses on the fillings.

Enjoy every bite!

Irena xo

👉 For more breakfast options, try my sausage patty and egg breakfast burger. Fish enthusiasts can explore my salmon fish cakes with sweet potatoes and peas or sardine fish cakes with garlic aioli.

Other Names for a Fish Sandwich

ℹ️ The fish sandwich goes by various names worldwide, such as fish burger, fish bap, and fish roll, reflecting different cultural influences. Despite the title, the essence remains consistent: a delightful fish patty nestled in a bun, delivering a burst of flavors with every bite.

How to Create a Fish Sandwich

Find the complete list of ingredients, instructions, and nutritional breakdown in the recipe card below. Here are the visual steps to guide you along.

Crafting the Tartar Sauce

Finely chop the capers and dice the pickles into tiny cubes. Finely chop the green onion (or red onion, if preferred). Combine mayonnaise, yogurt, capers, pickles, Dijon mustard, and a dash of black pepper, mixing thoroughly.
Set aside or refrigerate if preparing in advance. It stays fresh for up to 3-4 days.

Mastering the Crispy Fish Patties

Crafting the perfect crispy fish patties involves a few essential steps.
Begin by selecting a firm white fish like cod, holi, haddock, or halibut. Thaw out frozen fillets ahead of time if using.

Step 1. Use a food processor or high-speed blender to mince the fish pieces. Combine the processed fish with 1 egg, 3-4 tablespoons of Panko breadcrumbs (to absorb moisture for easier shaping), along with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 2. Prepare a cutting board or plate lightly dusted with flour. Divide the mixture into 4 or 6 portions (4 larger patties or 6 smaller ones). Shape each portion into a ball, then flatten into a patty. Sprinkle extra flour on top. Note: the patty mixture is delicate, so handle with care when shaping.
Step 3. Whisk one or two eggs in a shallow bowl and place Panko crumbs in another. Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 4. Slide a spatula under a patty and transfer it to the egg wash bowl. Turn to coat both sides, then transfer to the crumbs bowl. Coat each side with crumbs, gently pressing with fingers, and place in the hot pan. Repeat with remaining patties.
Step 5. Cook for 5 minutes on one side and 4 minutes on the other. Adjust timing for the first patty as needed. Add extra oil when flipping to prevent dryness.

Preparing Additional Ingredients

Step 6. Thinly slice red cabbage and toss in a bowl with white wine vinegar or lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
Step 7. Prep lettuce leaves and sliced cheese.
Step 8. Toast brioche bun halves in a toaster or broiler. Alternatively, heat butter in a pan and toast the cut sides until golden brown.

Assembling the Fish Sandwich

Step 9. Spread 1-2 tablespoons of tartar sauce on the bottom bun. Add the fish patty, cheese, red cabbage slaw, and lettuce leaves. Spread more tartar sauce on the top bun and close the sandwich. Serve whole or slice in half. Enjoy over a plate to catch any drippings!

Watch the Preparation

Choosing the Right Fish

Opt for firm, mild-flavored fish varieties like cod, haddock, hoki, halibut, or tilapia. These options are versatile and maintain their shape and texture during cooking, ensuring a delightful patty.

Whether using fresh or frozen fish, ensure it’s pat dry to absorb excess moisture. Thaw overnight or in warm water before use.

Customization Ideas

For a spicy twist, consider adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the fish patty mixture or tartar sauce.
Transform it into a Tex-Mex fish sandwich by incorporating chipotle mayo and Taco seasoning into the patties or crumbs. Add avocado, cilantro, red onion, and tomato for a unique twist.
Fresh dill is a classic herb choice for this dish, but feel free to experiment with tarragon, basil, or cilantro.
Experiment with different bun types, such as whole wheat or sesame seed, for added flair. Learn how to bake your own sandwich buns for a personalized touch.
Enhance the sandwich with additional toppings like avocado slices, radishes, tomatoes, pickles, or ripe tomato slices for varied textures, colors, and nutrients.
For a lighter option, serve the fish patty without the bun alongside extra salad for a low-carb twist.

Advance Preparation Tips

Streamline meal prep by preparing components of the fish sandwich in advance.
Make the fish patties ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook. The tartar sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. Slice and dress the red cabbage beforehand for added convenience.

Recommended Side Dishes

Complete Recipe Details

Discover the full list of ingredients, instructions, and nutritional breakdown below. If you try this recipe or have any questions, feel free to share your feedback in the comments. Don’t forget to rate this recipe for easy reference.

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Indulge in the best fish sandwich recipe featuring a crispy white fish patty, tartar sauce, red cabbage, cheese, and lettuce, all nestled in a soft brioche bun. With its golden, crunchy exterior and tender, flavorful center, this fish sandwich is a true delight!

Create tartar sauce.Finely chop the capers and dice the pickles. Chop the green onion finely (or red onion). Combine mayonnaise, yogurt, capers, pickles, Dijon mustard, and a dash of black pepper. Set aside or refrigerate if making ahead of time. It stays fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Prepare the fish patties.Cut the filets into large squares. Use a food processor or high-speed blender to mince the fish pieces.
Combine the fish with one small to medium egg, 3 to 4 tablespoons of Panko breadcrumbs (to absorb moisture for easier shaping), along with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Prepare a cutting board or plate lightly dusted with flour. Divide the mixture into 4 or 6 portions (4 larger patties or 6 smaller ones). Shape each portion into a ball, then flatten into a patty. Sprinkle extra flour on top. Note: the patty mixture is delicate, so handle with care when shaping.
Whisk one or two eggs in a shallow bowl and place Panko crumbs in another. Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Slide a spatula under a patty and transfer it to the egg wash bowl. Turn to coat both sides, then transfer to the crumbs bowl. Coat each side with crumbs, gently pressing with fingers, and place in the hot pan. Repeat with remaining patties.
Cook for 5 minutes on one side and 4 minutes on the other. Adjust timing for the first patty as needed. Add extra oil when flipping to prevent dryness.
Prepare red cabbage.Thinly slice red cabbage and toss in a bowl

Fish Recipe Sandwich