Homemade Filet-O-Fish (BAKED!!)
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Want to make a tasty fish sandwich at home? You can create your own version of the famous Filet-O-Fish right in your kitchen. This recipe shows you how to bake crispy fish fillets that taste just like the fast food favorite. You’ll end up with a bigger, healthier sandwich where you control the ingredients.
The key to getting crunchy fish even when baking is toasting the breadcrumbs first. You’ll coat white fish fillets in a special batter, then cover them in the toasted crumbs. Pop them in the oven and you’ll have golden, crispy fish perfect for sandwiches. Add some homemade tartar sauce and cheese on a soft bun for the full experience.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make your homemade Filet-O-Fish:
For the fish:
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 400-500g white fish fillets (like ling or pollock)
- Oil spray
For the batter:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper to taste
For the tartare sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill pickle
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped capers
- 1.5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For assembly:
- 4 soft buns (brioche recommended)
- 4 slices processed cheese
You’ll love how simple these ingredients are! Most are probably already in your kitchen. Remember, you can adjust the amounts based on how many sandwiches you want to make.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread breadcrumbs on a baking sheet and spray with oil. Bake for 3-5 minutes until golden, then transfer to a bowl.
Mix the batter ingredients in a separate bowl. Cut fish into squares slightly larger than your buns.
Dip each fish piece in the batter, then coat with toasted breadcrumbs. Place on an oiled baking sheet.
Spray the breaded fish with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
While the fish bakes, toast your buns. Place a cheese slice on each bottom bun.
When the fish is done, put a piece on each cheese-topped bun. Add a dollop of tartar sauce and the top bun.
Serve your homemade Filet-O-Fish right away. Enjoy the crispy, flaky fish with tangy sauce in every bite!
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
Don’t have all the ingredients? No worries! You can still make a tasty homemade Filet-O-Fish with these swaps:
Fish: Try cod, haddock, or tilapia instead of ling. Any mild white fish will work well.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs can replace panko in a pinch. They’ll give a slightly different texture but still taste great.
Buns: Regular hamburger buns or even sliced bread will do if you can’t find brioche buns.
Cheese: Swap American cheese for cheddar or Swiss if you prefer.
Here are some fun ways to mix up your Filet-O-Fish:
- Add lettuce and tomato for extra crunch and freshness
- Try spicy mayo instead of tartar sauce for a kick
- Use whole wheat buns for a healthier twist
- Bake sweet potato fries as a side dish
You can also make these ahead of time. Just reheat the fish in the oven for a few minutes before assembling your sandwich. Enjoy your homemade fast food favorite!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
For the crispiest fish, make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. You can also place the baking sheet in the oven while it preheats to help crisp up the bottom of the fish.
Try different types of white fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia. Each will give a slightly different flavor and texture to your homemade Filet-O-Fish.
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Leave space between each piece of fish to ensure even cooking and crispiness all around.
You can make the tartar sauce up to 3 days ahead and store it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld together even better.
To save time, prep the breadcrumbs and tartar sauce in advance. Store the toasted breadcrumbs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
If you have leftovers, store the fish separate from the buns and toppings. Reheat the fish in the oven or air fryer to maintain its crispiness.
For a healthier twist, try using whole wheat buns or lettuce wraps instead of regular buns.
Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.