The Some Fast Food Fish Sandwiches You Need to Know About

Food & Drink
The Some Fast Food Fish Sandwiches You Need to Know About
burger with lettuce and tomato
Photo by Anastasia Kalinkina on Unsplash

Fast food menus with fish sandwiches sometimes pique people’s curiosity. Burgers, chicken, and fries dominate the fast food options people see. But those seasonal fish sandwich offerings have a special appeal that you notice. Some places make great fish sandwiches that you remember well. Other chains leave diners wondering what just happened. Are you keeping Lent or just craving that crispy, flaky fish? We have ranked some fast food fish sandwiches that people often talk about.

Trying fast food fish sandwiches feels like a risk you take. They are either a big pleasant surprise or disappoint quite a lot of people. We tried many sandwiches from well-known chains. We based our ranking on fish quality, breading, and toppings used. How satisfied we felt after eating the sandwich also mattered. Some sandwiches really wowed us with bold tastes and creative ideas for sure. Others reminded us of fish sticks you might have had frozen growing up. Let’s begin our journey through the world of fast food fish sandwiches.

White Castle – Panko Breaded Fish Sliders
Our Cooking Obsession: Lemon Pepper Panko Crusted Cod, Photo by bp.blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

1. **White Castle – Panko Breaded Fish Sliders**: Everyone knows White Castle for its famous little beef sliders. But its panko-breaded fish sliders are a totally different story. Sadly, these sliders flounder in pretty much every way. The Alaskan pollock patties used are oddly mushy and gray in appearance. This makes them not seem very appetizing at all. Panko crumbs usually crisp up, but grease weighs these down a lot. Also, the sandwich lacks any toppings that would enhance the flavor.

Frankly, American cheese is the only thing they’ve added here. This cheese does nothing to improve the taste profile. Even the tartar sauce in little packets feels like an afterthought. That whole experience was bland and dry, with not much going on. It didn’t feel worth the price tag they’re asking for it.

Dairy Queen – Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich
Bread + Butter: Guinness Battered Fish Sandwich, Photo by bp.blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

2. **Dairy Queen – Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich**: Dairy Queen is famous mostly for its many sweet desserts. However, its Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich doesn’t impress you very much. The toasted bun has a nice buttery taste when eaten. It also provides a chew that is quite pleasant to experience. However, the pollock fish inside just lacks flavor entirely. And the breading doesn’t seem to have any seasoning. Most of the flavor comes just from the tartar sauce used here.

This sauce is tangy and creamy at the same time when you taste it. But it isn’t quite enough to rescue the entire sandwich from its fate. It feels like a mediocre attempt for a dessert place’s menu item. This is at best a novelty item you might try once.

Carl’s Jr. – Redhook Beer Battered Fish Sandwich
Life Scoops: Beer Battered Fish, Photo by bp.blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

3. **Carl’s Jr. – Redhook Beer Battered Fish Sandwich**: A beer-battered fish sandwich sounds like such a tasty concept. But Carl’s Jr. doesn’t quite deliver on the flavor here. The crispy crunch of the fish filet is indeed satisfying enough. Yet, the taste is faint and rather unremarkable, unfortunately. The lettuce added was soggy, which isn’t good. Also, the runny tartar sauce only adds to the overall mess you experience. Despite its name, this sandwich is more about texture than taste.

red and white concrete building near palm trees during daytime
Photo by Boshoku on Unsplash

4. **McDonald’s – Filet-O-Fish**: People either like it or hate it, but this one is iconic. McDonald’s gives you a consistent experience with this fish sandwich. The pollock fish is clean, and the breading is very flaky. That tartar sauce has a tangy kick with lots of relish inside. Adding American cheese feels strange but brings a salty creaminess. However, it does lack some freshness you might want. Also, the overall flavor feels quite rushed somehow. Maybe nostalgia is its biggest selling point. But it holds its own as a basic fish sandwich.

Recipe details: Copycat McDonald’s Filet-o-Fish Sandwich
Cook time: Unknown        Total time: 30
Level: Unknown        Servings: 12
Total weight: 1118.3 g        Calories: 3092.7 kcal
Energy: 3092.7 kcal        Protein: 129.6 g
Carbs: 207.1 g        Fat: 193.1 g
Dish Tags: french, sandwiches, lunch/dinner, Sugar-Conscious, Kidney-Friendly, Pescatarian, Peanut-Free, Tree-Nut-Free, Gluten, Wheat, Sulfites

Ingredients:
Canola oil, for frying
4 (4-ounce) (4- x 4-inch) skinless cod fillets (about 1-inch thick)
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1 large egg
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon corn starch
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon paprika
2 cups panko (Japanese-style breadcrumbs)
4 brioche hamburger buns, split
4 (1/2-ounce each) processed American cheese slices
2 teaspoons tap water
McDonald’s Tartar Sauce
Cooked shoestring fries, for serving

Burger King – Big Fish
Burger King Drive Thru Menu | Burger King Drive Through Menu… | Flickr, Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY 2.0

5. **Burger King – Big Fish****Burger King’s Big Fish**: Burger King’s Big Fish Sandwich is a straightforward offering. The fish, coated in airy panko, has a decent crunch. Its tartar sauce tastes slightly sweet yet also savory. Pickles add a complexity that elevates the fish flavor. While it is a solid choice, it doesn’t stand out. It feels lost among all the other competitors available.

Arby’s – King’s Hawaiian Fish Deluxe
Crispy Fish Sliders + New Foodventures with King’s Hawaiian, Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

6. **Arby’s – King’s Hawaiian Fish Deluxe**: Arby’s adds a hint of sophistication with its sandwich choice. The sweet Hawaiian roll pairs beautifully with bright-tasting fish. Topped with sharp cheddar, lettuce, and tomato, this offers a mix of earthy, tangy, and savory tastes. Sadly, the wilted lettuce and bland tomato take away a bit from the overall experience. It’s a step above McDonald’s, but it still could be better.

golden crispy breading
Foodista | Recipes, Cooking Tips, and Food News | Technique: Breading, Photo by foodista.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

7. **Long John Silver’s – Fish Sandwich**: Long John Silver’s keeps things simple with its fish sandwich here. The thick, flaky pollock filet gets golden, crispy breading. Pickles and tangy tartar sauce add a good flavor punch. A soft bun balances out all the textures and tastes. It is a simple sandwich that relies on doing it well. If you like simple, great taste, this one delivers that.

Wendy’s – Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich
Burger and Glass of Milk on Table · Free Stock Photo, Photo by pexels.com, is licensed under CC Zero

8. **Wendy’s – Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich**: Wendy’s makes a big leap forward with this sandwich version. The Alaskan pollock filet is seasoned well with ingredients like garlic. Hints of onion and a buttery sweetness are also present. The tartar sauce is savory and seems well balanced overall. Pickles and one slice of American cheese complement it. Crispy panko coating and a soft bun make every bite work. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s hard to beat overall.

Popeyes – Spicy Flounder Fish Sandwich
Tilapia Fish Sandwich with Baked Pepper Jack Mac – $10 buck dinners!, Photo by 10buckdinners.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

9. **Popeyes – Spicy Flounder Fish Sandwich**: Popeyes truly masters the spicy flavor element here. Its Spicy Flounder Fish Sandwich really stands apart from others. The fish filet is buttery and has a delicate feel. You get a clean, almost upscale finish for fast food. But the spicy mayo sauce is definitely the star. This smoky sauce with paprika brings a sharp pepper kick that matches the tangy pickles. It elevates the sandwich into a fiery indulgence, leaving a big impact. Popeyes has proved that fish doesn’t have to be boring to eat. The brioche bun is soft and slightly sweet, providing a nice contrast. Each bite mixes spice and mildness in perfect harmony. While some say the spices hide the fish, it is very addictive. Looking for bold flavor or a change? Try this one. It delivers big time, for sure.

Church's Chicken
File:Church’s Chicken sign, Valdosta.jpg – Wikimedia Commons, Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

10. **Church’s Chicken – Crispy Fish Sandwich**: You usually know Church’s for its fried chicken. But don’t miss their Crispy Fish Sandwich; it is surprising. This unexpected menu item crunches loudly with golden breading. The fish piece is flaky and moist, pairing well here. It comes with a creamy tartar sauce that tastes tangy. The sandwich keeps things simple yet feels very solid in doing so. This makes a good, easy choice for fish lovers always. The bun is soft and slightly toasted. Pickles add a briny tang, cutting the richness of the fish nicely. Church’s might not seem like a seafood place at first thought. But they’ve made a good impression in the fish sandwich category with this one.

Culver’s – North Atlantic Cod Sandwich
Free Image of Colorful Pins Locating Destinations on World Map | Freebie.Photography, Photo by freebie.photography, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

11. **Culver’s – North Atlantic Cod Sandwich**: Culver’s steps up the fish sandwich game in fast food. They use a hoagie roll for their North Atlantic Cod Sandwich, unlike most places. This bun gives the sandwich a bigger, more substantial feel. The cod fish filet is light and flaky inside. A thin, crispy breading covers it, tasting great. It avoids being greasy, unlike many fast food fish options. The quality of the cod really shines through here. Tartar sauce is creamy and tangy, with a good taste. It pairs well with the fish without hiding its flavor. For people who notice details, Culver’s offers a well-made sandwich. It feels satisfying and is better than the competition, too. If you want better fast food fish, this place is a must-try.

Sonic Drive-In – Fish Sandwich
sonic menu | Krista | Flickr, Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY 2.0

12. **Sonic Drive-In – Fish Sandwich**: Sonic’s Fish Sandwich doesn’t really invent anything new. But it fulfills its purpose by just giving a solid sandwich. The Alaskan pollock filet is crispy and tastes good with tartar sauce. This sauce is tangy and provides a good flavor mix. Lettuce adds some freshness, but the bun is generic and not great. This sandwich won’t stand out in a crowded market, but it’s fine. Sonic’s offering gets the job done for simple cravings, always. It won’t completely blow your mind, but you won’t be let down. Think of it as the reliable friend who is always around when you need one.

Jack in the Box – Fish Sandwich
File:Jack in the Box Egg White \u0026 Turkey Breakfast Sandwich (11796168604).jpg – Wikimedia Commons, Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

13. **Jack in the Box – Fish Sandwich**: Jack in the Box’s Fish Sandwich is a classic example of something good but not outstanding. The fish filet is crispy and tastes okay. The tartar sauce is creamy with a little bit of tanginess. However, it lacks the seasoning needed to really stand out. The bun is soft, but it’s just not special somehow. Shredded lettuce seems like an afterthought, not purposefully added. This sandwich is okay for a quick bite sometimes. But it doesn’t really make a lasting, good impression. You might order it once and later forget you tried it. It’s fine, but fine isn’t enough in this sandwich competition.

Checkers – Crispy Fish Sandwich
Palitos de pescado crujientes / Crispy finger fish ~ ¡Qué rico!, Photo by bp.blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

14. **Checkers – Crispy Fish Sandwich**: Want a cheap option that still tastes good? You know, Checkers’ Crispy Fish Sandwich could be what you’re looking for. This sandwich has a crispy breaded fish filet inside. The crunch you get is truly satisfying. While the seasoning isn’t strong, the tartar sauce helps a lot. It provides a creamy, tangy kick that makes it better. The bun is soft and feels slightly sweet, adding a nice contrast to the rest of the sandwich. The sandwich is simple overall, you see. But the execution is good for the price point. It’s not game-changing, just a decent option. When you want quick fish without spending much, it works.

Captain D’s – Giant Fish Sandwich
Meal Images | Free Photos, PNG Stickers, Wallpapers \u0026 Backgrounds – rawpixel, Photo by rawpixel.com, is licensed under CC Zero

15. **Captain D’s – Giant Fish Sandwich**: The last one is Captain D’s Giant Fish Sandwich, which lives up to its name. This sandwich is big, featuring two thick fish pieces. The fish is breaded until it is golden and perfect. Tartar sauce is put on generously for lots of flavor. Shredded lettuce adds a touch of fresh taste, too. The bun is soft yet strong enough to hold everything. It is surprisingly easy to eat despite being large. What makes this one special is the quality of the fish. The fish pieces are flaky and stay moist while eating. A light breading does not hide the natural fish taste at all. This option feels satisfying and is really indulgent for fish fans.

As we finish looking at fast food fish sandwiches around the world, it is clear that there is much variety out there. From Popeyes’ bold spices to Culver’s simple touch, different options exist. Each sandwich gives you something in its own way. Whether you want nostalgia, crunch, or creativity, something waits for you. Go ahead, cast your net widely, and have fun sandwich hunting.

Related posts:
Why White Castle’s Fish Sandwich Failed Our Taste Test
The Absolute Best Fast Food Fish Sandwiches, Ranked
Fish sandwiches, ranked for Lent: Which fast food place has the best option for your fast?

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