Copycat Filet-O-Fish Burger: A Home Cook’s Version
Recreate the popular Filet-O-Fish burger from your favorite fast food spot at home with this simple and delicious recipe. With a perfectly crispy fish patty, creamy tartar sauce, and a soft bun, it’s everything you love about the original. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures you can enjoy it fresh from your kitchen.
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The Filet-O-Fish burger is a classic for a reason. That crispy fish, the tangy tartar sauce, and the simplicity of it all – it’s a winning combination. I love how it strikes the perfect balance between crispy, creamy, and satisfying.
But sometimes, you just want to enjoy that flavor at home, maybe with a side of fries you cooked yourself. This recipe is all about recreating that classic fast-food experience in your own kitchen.
Making it at home turned out to be easier than I expected, and the results were just as good—if not better—than the drive-thru version. I love being able to control the ingredients and enjoy them fresh off the stove. It works perfectly as a tasty weeknight meal or a fun weekend treat, and this copycat fish burger recipe has become a favorite in my house.
Ingredients
White Fish Fillets: For the perfect crispy fish patty, I recommend using mild, flaky white fish like cod, haddock, or pangasius. These varieties hold up well when fried and have a neutral flavor that complements the tangy tartar sauce perfectly. Cod is often a favorite for its light texture, but any of these will work wonderfully in this recipe.
Breading: The breading is key to achieving that satisfying crunch. I use a combination of breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, and eggs to create the ideal coating. For extra crunch, feel free to use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, airier texture.
Tartar Sauce: This homemade tartar sauce is what ties everything together. I use mayonnaise as the base, with pickles, lemon juice, and a dash of mustard for a flavorful finish. It’s simple but adds the ideal zing to complement the crispy fish.
See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1: Cut the fish fillets into portions and season with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour and dip in the beaten egg.
Step 2: Then coat in breadcrumbs. Let it sit in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. Fry each fillet for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crisp.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix the tartar sauce ingredients. Lightly toast the buns.
Step 4: On the bottom half, place a fish fillet and spoon on tartar sauce.
Step 5: Add a slice of cheese and a lettuce leaf. Top with the other half of the bun. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Before breading, make sure to pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. This prevents excess moisture, which can make the coating soggy when fried.
- For an even crispier coating, try double-breading the fish. First, dip the fillet in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Repeat the process for an extra-crunchy crust that stays intact during frying.
- After breading, let the fish rest in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. This allows the breading to set, resulting in a crispier crust.
- For meal prepping, store the fish fillets and tartar sauce separately. Store the fish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to make burgers, reheat the fillets at 350F for about 10 minutes. The tartar sauce can be kept in the fridge for up to a week.
What To Serve With Fish Burgers
- Serve your Filet-O-Fish burger with a side of crispy air fryer fries or air fryer sweet potato fries for the ultimate fast-food experience at home. A light, tangy coleslaw also pairs perfectly.
- Create a make-your-own burger bar with toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, and sliced onions, allowing everyone to customize their burger to their liking.
- Pair the burger with a zesty cucumber salad or pickled vegetables to add a tangy bite that complements the richness of the fish and tartar sauce.
More Seafood Recipes
- Get perfectly cooked, juicy salmon in no time with this 10-minute air fryer salmon recipe! A quick, delicious dinner option that’s sure to become a favorite. Serve it with your go-to sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Creamy, smoky, and oh-so-delicious! This smoked salmon and egg dip is the perfect addition to your appetizer spread. Made with simple ingredients, it’s a quick recipe that delivers big on flavor. This dip will become a favorite for brunch, a party, or just a snack!
- This Salmon and White Bean Salad is light, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Salmon, beans, fresh veggies, and a tangy lemon dressing – what’s not to love? Perfect for a quick lunch or a refreshing dinner.
- These crispy, juicy air fryer shrimp are the easiest and quickest meal you’ll make this week. No breading, just full of flavor—perfect for a weeknight dinner! Serve them on their own or toss them in your favorite taco!
If you tried this Filet-O-Fish Burger Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Fish Fillet:
- 3 white fish fillets like cod, haddock, or pangasius
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
For the Tartar Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 tablespoons pickles finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients:
- 3 burger buns halved
- 3 cheese slices
- Lettuce leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the fish: Cut the fish fillets into portions and season with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, dip in the beaten egg, and then coat in breadcrumbs. Let them sit in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
- Fry the fish: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry each fillet for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the tartar sauce: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, pickles, lemon juice, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the sandwich: Lightly toast the buns. On the bottom half, place a fish fillet and spoon on tartar sauce. Add a slice of cheese and a lettuce leaf. Top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve: Enjoy your homemade Fish-O-Fillet sandwich while the fish is still warm and crispy.
Notes
- Before breading, make sure to pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. This prevents excess moisture, which can make the coating soggy when fried.
- For an even crispier coating, try double-breading the fish. First, dip the fillet in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Repeat the process for an extra-crunchy crust that stays intact during frying.
- After breading, let the fish rest for 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator. This allows the breading to set, resulting in a crispier crust.
Nutrition
