Crispy Fish Sandwich with Tartar Sauce

The Crispy Fish Sandwich with Tartar Sauce is a classic comfort-food favorite inspired by coastal cuisine and traditional fish-and-chips flavors. Featuring flaky white fish coated in a golden, crunchy crust and paired with creamy, tangy tartar sauce, this sandwich is both hearty and refreshing. Served on a soft bun with crisp lettuce and optional tomato, it delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite.

This sandwich is popular because it’s satisfying yet light, indulgent yet fresh. Whether enjoyed as a quick lunch, casual dinner, or weekend treat, the crispy fish sandwich brings the taste of the seaside straight to your table.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple to make yet tastes like something you’d order at a great seafood shack. The fish stays tender and flaky inside, the coating is perfectly crisp, and the homemade tartar sauce adds brightness and creaminess. It’s comforting without being heavy.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s versatile, family-friendly, and incredibly flavorful. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy fish in sandwich form, even for those who don’t usually love seafood. With its crunchy coating and tangy sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Recipe Overview

• Course: Main Course / Sandwich
• Cuisine: American / Coastal
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 560 calories per serving

Ingredients

For the Crispy Fish

• 1 pound white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or pollock)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon milk or water
• 1½ cups breadcrumbs or panko
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Tartar Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons chopped dill pickles or relish
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped capers (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Assembly

• 4 sandwich buns or brioche buns
• Lettuce leaves
• Tomato slices (optional)

Cooking Directions

Prepare the Tartar Sauce
Mix all tartar sauce ingredients and chill.

Bread and Fry the Fish
Coat fish in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs; fry until golden.

Assemble the Sandwich
Layer crispy fish, sauce, and vegetables on buns.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Pat fish fillets dry and season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Set up breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Dredge fish in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
Step 5: Fry fish for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Step 6: Transfer fish to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Step 7: Mix mayonnaise, pickles, lemon juice, capers, salt, and pepper to make tartar sauce.
Step 8: Lightly toast buns if desired.
Step 9: Place lettuce on buns, add fish fillet, and top with tartar sauce.
Step 10: Close sandwiches and serve hot.

How to Serve

Serve crispy fish sandwiches immediately while hot and crunchy. Pair with fries, coleslaw, potato chips, or a light green salad. Add lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh, firm white fish for best texture
• Keep oil temperature steady for crisp coating
• Drain fish on a rack to avoid sogginess
• Chill tartar sauce before serving for best flavor

Variations

Baked Fish Sandwich
Bake breaded fish at 425°F until crisp.

Spicy Fish Sandwich
Add cayenne or hot sauce to breading or sauce.

Grilled Fish Sandwich
Skip breading and grill fish for a lighter version.

Beer-Battered Fish Sandwich
Use beer batter instead of breadcrumbs.

Asian-Inspired Fish Sandwich
Use slaw and spicy mayo instead of tartar sauce.

Freezing and Storage

Storage
Store cooked fish in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing
Freeze breaded, uncooked fish for up to 2 months.

Reheating
Reheat in oven or air fryer for crispiness.

Special Equipment Needed

• Skillet or deep pan
• Tongs
• Wire rack
• Mixing bowls

Conclusion

The Crispy Fish Sandwich with Tartar Sauce is a timeless, satisfying meal that combines flaky fish, crunchy coating, and creamy tangy sauce in every bite. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual lunches, or weekend indulgence. This recipe brings classic coastal flavors straight to your kitchen with delicious results.