Description

This crispy fried cod sandwich delivers restaurant-quality crunch at home using a double-coating technique and perfectly controlled oil temperature. Tender, flaky cod wrapped in ultra-crispy panko breading and finished with homemade tartar sauce makes this the ultimate homemade fish fry.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cod

1.5 lbs cod fillets, skinless, cut into portions
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
4–6 cups vegetable oil for frying

For the Tartar Sauce

1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup dill pickle relish
2 tablespoons red onion, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon capers, chopped (optional)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Assembly

4–6 brioche buns
Lettuce leaves
Tomato slices (optional)
Red onion slices (optional)
Lemon wedges

Instructions

Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels.
Set up three shallow bowls: seasoned flour, egg wash, and panko breadcrumbs.
Coat cod in flour, dip in egg wash, roll in breadcrumbs, then repeat egg and breadcrumb coating.
Place breaded cod on a wire rack and rest for 10–15 minutes.
Mix all tartar sauce ingredients and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Heat oil in a heavy pot to 350–375°F.
Fry cod in batches for 4–5 minutes total, turning once, until golden brown.
Drain on a wire rack and season lightly with salt.
Toast buns lightly.
Assemble sandwiches with tartar sauce, lettuce, cod, and optional toppings.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature for maximum crispiness. Let breaded fish rest before frying to prevent coating from falling off.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 500
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 1050mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: crispy fried cod sandwich, fish sandwich recipe, fried cod, fish fry