If you’re looking for a tasty seafood dish that’s easy to whip up, this Crispy Fried Cod Sandwich is a must-try! With tender cod fried to golden perfection and topped with a fresh homemade tartar sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for Lent or any day of the week. Whether you’re a seafood fan or just want a quick and flavorful meal, this sandwich has you covered. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, golden cod with a light tempura batter.
- Homemade tartar sauce that’s tangy and fresh.
- Perfect for Lent or a simple weeknight dinner.
- Quick to make with everyday ingredients.
- Pairs perfectly with deli rolls and your favorite toppings.
Tools Needed
To make this Crispy Fried Cod Sandwich, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Don’t have everything on hand? Check out Our Shop for high-quality kitchen essentials!
- Heavy-bottom pot: For frying the fish evenly.
- Large mixing bowls: For the batter and tartar sauce.
- Whisk: To blend the batter smoothly.
- Tongs: For flipping and removing the fish safely.
- Wire rack: To drain the fried cod and keep it crispy.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Crispy Fried Cod Sandwich:
For the Fish
- 1 lb cod fillets (or flaky fish like halibut or walleye)
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Tempura Batter
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup corn starch
- 1.5 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 cups club soda (or beer)
For the Homemade Tartar Sauce
- ½ cucumber, finely chopped
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 2 kosher dill pickles, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp capers, chopped
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Juice of 1 lemon
For Assembly
- Deli rolls (or your favorite sandwich buns)
- Lettuce
- Sliced tomatoes
Directions
Follow these easy steps to make your Crispy Fried Cod Sandwich:
- Prep the Fish: Cut the cod into portions about 5 inches long to fit your deli rolls.
- Make the Tempura Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, corn starch, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and kosher salt. Slowly pour in the club soda (or beer) and mix until the batter is smooth and thin, like pancake batter.
- Heat the Oil: Fill a heavy-bottom pot with oil and heat it over high heat to 350°F.
- Dredge the Fish: Place flour in a bowl. Coat each piece of cod in flour, shake off excess, then dip it into the tempura batter.
- Fry the Fish: Carefully place the battered fish into the hot oil. Fry for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown. Remove with tongs and set on a wire rack to drain.
- Prepare the Tartar Sauce: In a bowl, mix chopped cucumber, red onion, pickles, dill, capers, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until combined.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread tartar sauce on the bottom bun, add the fried cod, top with more tartar sauce, lettuce, and sliced tomatoes, then finish with the top bun.
Expert Tips for a Perfect Crispy Fried Cod Sandwich
- Use a thermometer to keep the oil at 350°F for the crispiest results.
- Fresh cod (or your chosen fish) makes a big difference in flavor.
- Let the batter sit for a few minutes before frying for extra lightness.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 sandwiches
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Oil too cool: If it’s not 350°F, the fish will be greasy, not crispy.
- Overcrowding the pot: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature.
- Skipping the wire rack: Draining on paper towels can make the fish soggy.
Variations
Make this Crispy Fried Cod Sandwich your own with these ideas:
- Swap cod for halibut or walleye.
- Add a pinch of cayenne to the batter for a spicy kick.
- Use brioche buns for a sweeter, richer sandwich.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Best eaten fresh, but store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freezing: Not recommended—the batter loses its texture.
FAQs
- Can I use a different fish?
Yes, any flaky white fish like halibut or walleye works great. - What if I don’t have club soda?
Substitute with beer or sparkling water for similar results. - How do I know the oil is ready?
Test it at 350°F with a thermometer, or drop in a bit of batter—it should sizzle immediately. - Can I make the tartar sauce ahead?
Absolutely! It keeps in the fridge for up to 2 days. - Is there a baked option?
Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, though it won’t be as crispy.
Conclusion
This Crispy Fried Cod Sandwich is a winning combination of crunchy, flavorful fish and zesty homemade tartar sauce. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for Lent or any seafood-loving day. Try it out, and let us know how it turns out in the comments! For more recipes like this, subscribe to our blog, and don’t forget to visit Our Shop for all your kitchen tool needs. Enjoy!
