Crispy Fried Cod Sandwich Recipe

There’s just something magical about a crispy, golden fried fish fillet nestled in a soft, pillowy bun, isn’t there? This Crispy Fried Cod Sandwich is exactly that! Picture this: tender cod fillets, perfectly battered and fried to crispy perfection, topped with creamy tartar sauce, crunchy pickles, and fresh lettuce. It’s the kind of sandwich that will have you craving more with every bite, whether you’re indulging in a Friday night treat or enjoying a casual family meal. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll know this sandwich is a keeper!

Why You’ll Love Crispy Fried Cod Sandwich

Here’s why this crispy fried cod sandwich is sure to become your new go-to recipe:

• Crispy and Tender: The cod fillets are battered to perfection and fried until golden brown, creating a crispy crunch that gives way to tender, flaky fish.
• Flavors You Can’t Resist: Topped with a tangy tartar sauce and crunchy pickles, this sandwich is bursting with flavors and textures that complement the crispy fish perfectly.
• Quick and Easy: This sandwich is so easy to make and comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual lunch.
• Customizable: You can play with toppings to suit your taste—swap out the tartar sauce for a spicy aioli or add fresh tomato slices for a little extra freshness.
• Crowd-Pleasing: This is a classic everyone can get behind. Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this sandwich is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this crispy fried cod sandwich:

For the Sandwich:

• Cod Fillets: The star of the show! Cod is mild, flaky, and perfect for frying.
• Buns: Soft brioche or potato buns are ideal for this sandwich. Their slight sweetness perfectly complements the crispy fish.
• Lettuce: Crisp and fresh lettuce adds a cool crunch.
• Pickles: Classic dill pickles add a tangy bite to balance the richness of the fried fish.
• Tartar Sauce: A creamy tartar sauce adds flavor and moisture to the sandwich. You can use store-bought or make your own!

For the Breading:

• Flour: All-purpose flour is used to create the base for the crispy batter.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps create a crispier coating when fried.
• Baking Powder: This gives the batter some lift and lightness.
• Salt & Pepper: Seasoning the batter to add flavor to the crispy coating.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle savory depth to the batter.
• Paprika: A pinch of paprika adds a smoky touch and enhances the color of the batter.
• Egg: Helps bind the breading to the fish.
• Buttermilk: Gives the fish a nice tang and helps the breading stick better.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying the cod fillets until golden brown and crispy.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this delicious sandwich? Let’s dive in!

1. Prepare the Fish

Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the batter stick better.

2. Make the Breading

In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk.

3. Coat the Fish

Dip each cod fillet into the buttermilk mixture, making sure it’s fully coated, then dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the batter sticks. Shake off any excess flour.

4. Heat the Oil

In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll want the oil to reach about 350°F (175°C) for frying. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of batter into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready.

5. Fry the Fish

Carefully lower the coated cod fillets into the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the fish is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove the fillets and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

6. Assemble the Sandwich

Toast the buns lightly in the skillet or oven for extra crunch. Spread a generous amount of tartar sauce on the bottom bun, then add the crispy cod fillet. Top with fresh lettuce, pickles, and the other half of the bun.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Serve your crispy fried cod sandwich immediately, and enjoy the perfect balance of crispy, tender, tangy, and savory goodness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 510
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 820mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 25g
Vitamin D: 10%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 10%
Potassium: 450mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Crispy Fried Cod Sandwich

This sandwich is delicious on its own, but here are some great sides to serve alongside it:

• French Fries: Classic crispy fries are always a great pairing with a fried fish sandwich.
• Coleslaw: A tangy, creamy slaw adds crunch and a touch of freshness.
• Onion Rings: For an extra indulgent side, onion rings are a perfect match.
• Pickled Vegetables: If you love that tangy crunch, pickled vegetables make an awesome side dish to complement the flavors.

Additional Tips

• Make It Spicy: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or make a spicy aioli to put on your sandwich for a kick.
• Use Fresh Cod: If you can, use fresh cod fillets rather than frozen for the best texture and flavor.
• Make Homemade Tartar Sauce: If you want to take your tartar sauce to the next level, combine mayonnaise, dill relish, lemon juice, and a touch of Dijon mustard.
• Double the Recipe: If you’re serving a crowd, double the ingredients and fry in batches to keep things moving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different fish for this sandwich?
A1: Yes! You can substitute cod with other mild white fish like haddock, tilapia, or even pollock.

Q2: Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?
A2: Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend for the breading and make sure your tartar sauce is also gluten-free.

Q3: Can I bake the fish instead of frying it?
A3: Yes, you can bake the battered fish at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be as crispy as frying but will still be delicious!

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover fish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The breading will lose its crispness, but the flavor will still be great!

Q5: Can I freeze the fried fish fillets?
A5: Yes! You can freeze the fried fish fillets for up to 1 month. Reheat them in a 375°F (190°C) oven to crisp them up again.

Q6: Can I make this sandwich without tartar sauce?
A6: Absolutely! You can use a variety of sauces, like aioli, mayonnaise, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for a different twist.

Q7: Can I add cheese to the sandwich?
A7: Yes! A slice of cheddar, American, or even pepper jack cheese would be a great addition to this sandwich.

Q8: What type of buns work best for this sandwich?
A8: Soft brioche or potato buns are perfect for this sandwich, but any soft sandwich bun will work well.

Q9: Can I use a different sauce than tartar sauce?
A9: Yes! Try a spicy remoulade, aioli, or a tangy mustard sauce if you want a different flavor profile.

Q10: Can I make the fish ahead of time?
A10: While the fish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the breading and coat the fish ahead of time. Just fry it when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

This Crispy Fried Cod Sandwich is everything you could want in a sandwich—crispy, flavorful, and totally satisfying. With a perfectly battered fish fillet, fresh toppings, and creamy tartar sauce, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, lunch, or at a weekend gathering, this sandwich will definitely make a statement. So grab your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to sink your teeth into something truly delicious!

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