Copycat McDonald's Filet-o-Fish Sandwich
This recipe replicates the classic fast-food fish sandwich. It involves coating cod fillets in a seasoned breading, deep frying them until golden and crispy, steaming soft brioche buns, and assembling with processed cheese and tartar sauce for an iconic, comforting meal.
Equipment
- 1 Deep Fryer or Large Heavy Pot For frying the fish fillets
- 1 Slotted Spoon or Spider Skimmer For safely removing fried fish
- 1 Wire Rack For draining excess oil from fried fish
- 3 Shallow Dishes or Bowls For breading station (egg mixture, flour mixture, panko)
- 1 Small saucepan or skillet For steaming buns and melting cheese
Ingredients
Main
- 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
Instructions
- Heat canola oil in a deep fryer or large heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Pat cod fillets very dry and season evenly with kosher salt.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one for whisked egg with mayonnaise and mustard, one for corn starch, flour, and paprika with remaining salt, and one for panko.
- Dredge each fish fillet in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Dip floured fillet into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Coat the fillet thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Carefully lower breaded fillets into the hot oil and fry for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove fish with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Lightly steam the brioche buns and place a slice of processed American cheese on each hot fish fillet to melt.
- Assemble sandwiches by placing a cheesy fish fillet on the bottom bun, topping with McDonald's Tartar Sauce, and covering with the top bun.
Notes
Ensure oil temperature is maintained consistently for even cooking and golden brown crust. Fry fish in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot and dropping the oil temperature, which leads to greasy fish. Pat fish fillets very dry before breading for better adhesion. For the classic steamed bun texture, add a splash of water to a hot pan, place buns cut-side down, cover briefly, and steam until soft. Place cheese slice on the hot fish fillet immediately after frying before assembling the sandwich to ensure it melts properly.