- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, chopped pickles, pickle juice, capers, sugar, and Dijon mustard.
- Stir until well combined and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 2: Bread & Fry the Fish Fillets
- Pat fish fillets dry with a paper towel and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Set up three bowls:
- Bowl 1: Flour
- Bowl 2: Beaten egg
- Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs + crushed Ritz crackers (optional)
- Coat each fillet in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat ½ inch of vegetable oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the fish for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 3: Assemble the Filet-O-Fish
- Toast the buns with butter in a pan until lightly golden.
- Place a slice of cheese on the bottom bun while warm.
- Top with the crispy fish fillet.
- Spread tartar sauce generously on the top bun.
- Assemble the sandwich and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
🐟 Best served fresh and crispy!
🐟 Store leftover fish fillets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
🐟 Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes to maintain crispiness.
🐟 Freeze uncooked breaded fillets for up to 2 months—just fry straight from frozen!
Variants
- Baked Filet-O-Fish – Instead of frying, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Spicy Filet-O-Fish – Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix and mix hot sauce into the tartar sauce.
- Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns.
- Extra Crunchy Version – Double dip the fish in egg and breadcrumbs for an extra crispy crust.
- Air-Fryer Filet-O-Fish – Spray lightly with oil and air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–14 minutes.
FAQ
1. What’s the best fish to use?
Cod, pollock, or haddock are ideal because they’re mild, flaky, and used in fast-food fish sandwiches.
2. Can I use frozen fish?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and breading.
3. Why does McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish have half a slice of cheese?
McDonald’s traditionally uses half a slice of cheese to avoid overpowering the fish, but go for a full slice for extra creaminess!
4. How do I make this sandwich healthier?
Bake or air-fry the fish instead of deep-frying, and use Greek yogurt-based tartar sauce.
5. Can I make the tartar sauce ahead of time?
Yes! It’s even better after sitting for a few hours and lasts up to a week in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This homemade Copycat Filet-O-Fish is crispy, flaky, and packed with fresh flavors, making it even better than the fast-food version! Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry, this easy-to-make sandwich is a game-changer for seafood lovers.