Easy Homemade Filet-O-Fish Burger Recipe That Rivals Fast Food

Swimming through culinary memories, my favorite homemade filet-o-fish burger brings back childhood comfort.

Crispy golden fish fillets nestled between soft buns create pure magic.

Seafood enthusiasts adore this classic sandwich reimagined with fresh ingredients.

Restaurant-style magic happens right in your kitchen with simple techniques.

Perfectly seasoned fish transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Coastal flavors dance across your plate, promising deliciousness in every single bite.

Let’s make something incredible that beats any fast-food version hands down.

Why Homemade Filet-O-Fish Burger Is So Good

• Craft Custom Fast Food: Transform your kitchen into a gourmet restaurant by recreating a beloved classic burger with personal flair and fresh ingredients.
• Master Easy Cooking Skills: Learn professional breading techniques that turn simple fish into a crispy, golden masterpiece with straightforward steps anyone can follow.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser Meal: Prepare a restaurant-quality sandwich that satisfies seafood lovers and picky eaters, perfect for casual family dinners or weekend gatherings.
• No-Fuss Homemade Delight: Skip the drive-thru and enjoy a healthier version of a fast-food favorite, controlling ingredients and taste while saving money.

What Goes Into Homemade Filet-O-Fish Burger

• Fish Fillets: Mild white fish that serves as the star protein of the burger.
• Burger Buns: Soft bread rolls that provide the perfect base for the sandwich.
• Cheese Slice: Melty cheese that adds creaminess to the burger.

• Flour, Eggs, Panko Breadcrumbs: Crispy coating that gives the fish a golden and crunchy exterior.

• Mayonnaise, Pickles, Lemon Juice, Capers, Salt, Pepper: Tangy tartar sauce ingredients that create a zesty and flavorful condiment for the fish.

• Vegetable Oil: Essential for frying the fish to achieve a crisp and golden texture.

How To Make Homemade Filet-O-Fish Burger At Home

Step 1: Prepare the Fish Fillet

Gently pat the fish fillets dry using a clean paper towel. Sprinkle both sides with a pinch of salt and a dash of ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavors.

Step 2: Create the Crispy Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Beaten eggs
• Panko breadcrumbs

Carefully coat each fish fillet by first dredging in flour, then dipping in eggs, and finally rolling in panko breadcrumbs to create a perfectly crispy exterior.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully lower the breaded fish fillets into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown and develop a satisfying crunch.

Step 4: Whip Up Zesty Tartar Sauce

• Creamy mayonnaise
• Finely chopped pickles
• Fresh lemon juice
• Briny capers

Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, stirring until well mixed.

Step 5: Build the Ultimate Fish Sandwich

Lightly toast the burger buns to add a warm, crispy texture.

Spread a generous layer of homemade tartar sauce on both halves of the bun. Place a slice of melty cheese on the bottom bun, carefully position the crispy fried fish fillet on top, and crown with the upper bun.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your sandwich immediately while it’s hot and crispy. Offer extra tartar sauce on the side for dipping and enjoy your homemade fish sandwich masterpiece.

Quick Tips For Homemade Filet-O-Fish Burger

• Pat fish fillets completely dry to ensure a crispy, golden-brown breading that adheres perfectly without becoming soggy.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy texture, creating a lighter and more delicate coating compared to traditional breadcrumbs.
• Control oil temperature carefully when frying to prevent burning; medium-high heat ensures a crisp exterior and fully cooked fish without excess greasiness.
• Experiment with different white fish like cod or haddock as alternatives to maintain the classic Filet-O-Fish flavor and texture.
• Make tartar sauce ahead of time and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld, resulting in a more robust and delicious condiment for your homemade burger.

Ways To Customize Homemade Filet-O-Fish Burger

• Spicy Cajun Fish Burger: Coat fish fillets with Cajun seasoning before breading for a zesty kick. Replace tartar sauce with a spicy remoulade made with hot sauce and Creole mustard.
• Mediterranean Herb Fish Burger: Mix dried oregano, thyme, and parsley into breadcrumbs. Top with crumbled feta cheese and replace tartar sauce with tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, and dill.
• Asian-Inspired Crispy Fish Burger: Season fish with ginger and garlic powder. Use panko breadcrumbs mixed with sesame seeds. Swap tartar sauce for wasabi mayo and add pickled cucumber slices for extra crunch.
• Blackened Fish Burger: Coat fish with blackening spice blend before pan-frying.

Tasty Matches For Homemade Filet-O-Fish Burger

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Pair the Homemade Filet-O-Fish Burger with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These light, crisp wines complement the fish's delicate flavor and cut through the richness of the fried coating.
• Zesty Citrus Drink Match: Create a refreshing lemonade or citrus spritzer with fresh lemon juice, sparkling water, and a hint of mint. The bright, tangy flavors will enhance the tartar sauce and balance the crispy fish.
• Craft Beer Flavor Boost: Select a light wheat beer or a mild pale ale. These beers provide a smooth, slightly hoppy background that doesn't overpower the fish's subtle taste and adds a pleasant carbonation to the meal.

How To Store Homemade Filet-O-Fish Burger Safely

• Refrigerate: Store leftover fried fish in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the crispy coating remains separate from sauce to prevent sogginess.
• Freeze: Wrap individual fish fillets tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Avoid freezing the fully assembled burger to maintain texture quality.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place fish on a wire rack over a baking sheet to restore crispiness. Warm for 8-10 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Reheating Air Fryer Method: Set air fryer to 350°F. Reheat fish for 3-4 minutes, flipping midway.

Homemade Filet-O-Fish Burger Questions Answered

• How do I get a crispy coating on the fish?

The key is to use panko breadcrumbs and ensure the oil is hot before frying. Coat the fish completely in flour, egg, and panko, then fry in medium-high heat oil until golden brown.

• Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, you can substitute the fish fillet with cod, haddock, or tilapia. Choose a white fish that holds its shape well during frying and has a mild flavor.

• Is it necessary to use capers in the tartar sauce?

Capers are optional. If you don’t like them or don’t have them, you can skip them or replace with chopped dill pickles for extra tang.

Homemade Filet-O-Fish Burger Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory homemade filet-o-fish burger brings classic fast-food flavors straight to your kitchen with crispy golden fish and creamy tartar sauce. Seafood enthusiasts and home cooks can easily recreate this beloved sandwich, enjoying restaurant-quality taste without leaving home.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 white fish fillets (cod or haddock)
• 4 burger buns
• 4 slices of processed cheddar cheese

Breading Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) panko breadcrumbs
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Tartar Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) pickles, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) capers, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Select white fish fillets like cod or halibut and gently pat them completely dry using clean kitchen paper to remove excess moisture.
2. Create a crispy coating station with three shallow dishes: first with seasoned flour, second with whisked eggs, and third with panko breadcrumbs.
3. Meticulously coat each fish fillet by first dredging in flour, ensuring complete coverage, then dipping into beaten eggs, and finally rolling thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunch.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet to 375°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for even browning.
5. Carefully lower breaded fish fillets into hot oil, cooking approximately 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
6. Remove fried fish and place on paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain crispy texture.
7. Prepare tartar sauce by combining mayonnaise, finely chopped pickles, fresh lemon juice, and briny capers, seasoning with salt and pepper.
8. Lightly toast burger buns until edges are golden and crisp.
9. Construct burger by spreading generous layer of tartar sauce on bottom bun, placing melted cheese slice, positioning crispy fish fillet, and crowning with top bun.
10. Serve immediately while fish remains hot and crispy, offering additional tartar sauce on side for dipping.

Notes

• Opt for fresh, white fish like cod or halibut for the best texture and flavor in your homemade burger.
• Pat fish completely dry before breading to ensure a crispy, golden-brown coating that won’t get soggy.
• Use a thermometer to check oil temperature around 350°F for perfect, evenly cooked fish without burning.
• Experiment with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a low-carb or celiac-friendly version of this classic sandwich.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 150mg