Homemade Crispy Fish Sandwich with Fennel Slaw – Restaurant-Quality Recipe
Homemade Crispy Fish Sandwich with a Zingy Fennel Slaw on Magic in Kitchen
Homemade crispy fish sandwich recipe
Master the best Homemade crispy fish sandwich recipe with this simple recipe from Magic in Kitchen. Featuring a perfectly golden fish fillet and a fresh, zingy fennel slaw, this sandwich is a delicious and easy meal for the whole family.
Table of Contents
Why This Crispy Fish Sandwich Will Be Your New Favorite Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a perfectly made fish sandwich. The contrast of a flaky, tender fish fillet with a golden-brown, crispy crust is pure culinary bliss. But what truly elevates it from good to great is a vibrant, zesty slaw that cuts through the richness. This homemade crispy fish sandwich recipe delivers on all fronts. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but so flavorful and impressive that it could be served for a special occasion.
This isn’t just any fish sandwich. It’s a complete meal with a balanced and delicious flavor profile. The star is the perfectly cooked fish—flaky on the inside, crispy on the outside. But the secret weapon is the fennel slaw. Its fresh, anise-like flavor and satisfying crunch are the perfect counterpoint to the fried fish. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make all the time.
Ingredients
Making this amazing fish sandwich requires a few key ingredients for both the fish and the slaw.
For the Crispy Fish:
- 1 1/2 lbs firm white fish fillets, such as cod, halibut, or haddock
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cold seltzer or sparkling water
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
For the Fennel Slaw:
- 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced or mandolined
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or dill
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 4 brioche buns or soft rolls, toasted
- Tartar sauce or a lemon wedge for serving
Preparation Instructions
Follow these detailed, step-by-step instructions to create the ultimate homemade crispy fish sandwich. The key is to work in stages to ensure everything is perfect.
Step 1: Make the Fennel Slaw In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced fennel, red onion, and fresh parsley or dill. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the fish.
Step 2: Prepare the Fish and Breading Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick. In a large, shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in the cold seltzer or sparkling water until you have a smooth, thin batter. The cornstarch and seltzer are the secret to a light, extra-crispy batter that clings to the fish.
Step 3: Fry the Fish Pour about 1-2 inches of oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven. Heat the oil to 350°F. Working with one or two fillets at a time, gently dip the fish into the batter, letting any excess drip off. Carefully place the battered fillet into the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the coating is golden-brown and crispy. Use a slotted spatula to remove the fried fish from the oil and place it on a wire rack to drain.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich Toast your brioche buns or rolls. Spread your favorite tartar sauce on the top and bottom bun. Place a crispy fish fillet on the bottom bun. Top generously with the prepared fennel slaw. Place the top bun on the slaw and serve immediately. This fish sandwich is best enjoyed fresh!
Serving Suggestions
This homemade crispy fish sandwich is a fantastic meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with these side dish ideas.
- Classic Pairings: Serve with a side of French fries, sweet potato fries, or potato chips.
- Lighter Options: A simple green salad or roasted vegetables make for a lighter, but still delicious, meal.
- Dipping Sauces: In addition to the slaw, a side of tartar sauce, a creamy dill sauce, or malt vinegar are great for dipping.
Homemade Crispy Fish Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Fish
- Pat fish fillets dry. In one bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, and paprika. In another bowl, whisk egg and milk together.
- Coat the Fish
- Dip each fillet into the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour-cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to coat.
- Heat Oil
- In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about ½ inch of oil over medium-high heat until shimmering (or 350°F / 175°C if using a thermometer).
- Fry the Fish
- Fry fillets in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
- Assemble Sandwiches
- Toast buns lightly if desired. Spread tartar sauce on both sides, then layer with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and crispy fish fillet. Top with bun and serve immediately.
Notes
FAQ
Q: Can I bake the fish instead of frying it? A: This recipe is designed for frying to achieve that crispy texture. You can bake the fish with a light breadcrumb coating, but the result will be different. For a truly crispy fish sandwich, frying is the way to go.
Q: What kind of fish works best? A: Firm, white fish like cod, haddock, or halibut are ideal because they hold their shape well and have a mild flavor.
Q: Can I make the slaw ahead of time? A: Yes. You can make the fennel slaw up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld, making it even more delicious.
Q: How do I know the oil is hot enough? A: The best way is to use a cooking thermometer. If you don’t have one, you can test the oil by dropping a small amount of batter into it. If it sizzles and immediately floats to the top, the oil is ready.
Conclusion
There you have it—a truly delicious and satisfying homemade crispy fish sandwich recipe. It’s a testament to how fresh ingredients and a simple technique can create a meal that is both comforting and exciting. The contrast between the crispy fish and the zesty fennel slaw is what makes this recipe a true standout.
We hope you’ll try this amazing fish sandwich and enjoy it as much as we do. Be sure to share your experience and your favorite way to serve it in the comments below! And for more amazing recipes that will become family favorites, come back and visit us at Magic in Kitchen. We’re your go-to source for making everyday cooking feel like magic.
