Crispy Fried Cod Sandwich

A must-try recipe for a perfectly crispy fried cod sandwich, complete with a homemade tartar sauce. This easy-to-follow recipe guarantees a delicious and satisfying meal for any occasion.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Servings: 4 sandwiches

Course: Main Course, Sandwich

Cuisine: American

Calories: 750

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Tartar Sauce (Optional)

120 ml mayonnaise Use your favorite brand or make it from scratch.
15 ml pickle relish Adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the sauce.
5 ml Dijon mustard Provides a sharp, tangy kick.
5 ml lemon juice Brightens the sauce and adds freshness.
0.5 g garlic powder Enhances the savory depth of the sauce.
2 g Salt Adjust seasoning to your personal preference.
1 g pepper Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for best flavor.

Crispy Cod Batter

4 fillets cod fillets Ensure fillets are 4-6 ounces each and patted dry.
120 g all-purpose flour Forms the base of the crispy batter.
60 g cornstarch Essential for achieving extra crispiness.
2 g garlic powder Adds aromatic flavor to the batter.
2 g onion powder Complements the garlic powder in the batter.
2 g smoked paprika For a smoky flavor and appealing color.
1 g cayenne pepper Optional, for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
2 g salt Season the batter well for optimal taste.
1 g black pepper Freshly ground black pepper is recommended.
240 ml cold club soda Keeps the batter light and airy, contributing to crispiness.
240 ml vegetable oil For deep frying the cod fillets; ensure it's at the correct temperature.

Sandwich Assembly & Serving

4 buns sandwich buns Lightly toast for the best texture and warmth.
60 ml tartar sauce Use your homemade sauce or a good quality store-bought option.
30 g shredded lettuce Adds freshness and a pleasant crunch.
4 slices tomato Use ripe, firm tomato slices for best flavor and texture.
4 slices pickles Optional, but highly recommended for an added tangy crunch.
1 lemon Lemon wedges For serving, a squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the entire dish.
150 g Coleslaw An optional, refreshing side dish to complete the meal.
30 g Thinly sliced red onion Optional, for those who enjoy a sharp, pungent bite.
4 slices Cheese Optional, for an extra layer of creamy flavor.

Equipment

Large Frying Pan
Whisk
Mixing Bowls
Paper Towels

Method

In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
Gradually whisk in the cold club soda until the batter is smooth, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the batter tough.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Pat the cod fillets very dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for a crispy crust.
Dip each cod fillet into the prepared batter, ensuring it's fully coated. Carefully place the battered cod into the hot oil.
Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the cod is golden brown and crispy, and cooked through. Remove and place on a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil.
While the cod is frying, lightly toast the sandwich buns until golden brown and warm.
Spread a generous amount of tartar sauce on both halves of each toasted bun. Layer with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and optional toppings like pickles, thinly sliced red onion, or cheese.
Place a fried cod fillet on the bottom bun and top with the other half of the bun.
Serve the Crispy Fried Cod Sandwiches immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing. They pair wonderfully with fries, coleslaw, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

For an extra crispy crust, you can double-dip the cod fillets in the dry flour mixture before dipping them into the wet batter. Ensure your oil temperature remains consistent throughout frying for best results. Feel free to customize your sandwich with additional toppings like thinly sliced red onion or cheese. For best results, serve immediately while the cod is hot and crispy.