Discover the secrets to making the perfect homemade Filet O Fish, combining crispy, flaky fish with a tangy sauce for a deliciously satisfying meal.

What Is A Filet-O-Fish Sandwich?

My husband has a huge obsession with Filet-O-Fish Sandwiches! He sneaks off for a secret Fish Sandwich lunch at least twice a week!

The famous Filet-O-Fish is a classic fish sandwich made popular by the “Golden Arches”… McDonald’s. It features a golden, crispy breaded white fish fillet topped with melty American cheese and tangy tartar sauce, all tucked inside a soft, lightly steamed bun.

Since my husband is going to keep sneaking off for his favorite fish sandwich… I decided why not make it at home? Homemade food is always better, right?

In this case it is! Oh my goodness. You get perfectly golden crispy flaky fish, sliced cheddar cheese, a buttery toasted bun, and a creamy homemade sauce that takes this sandwich from “pretty good” to absolutely irresistible. Let’s make a Filet-O-Fish that’s fresher, crispier, and downright delicious!

Ingredients Needed For The Perfect Filet-O-Fish

• Oil, for frying
• 4 (4-ounce) skinless cod fillets (about 4×4 inches large and 1-inch thick)
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning, divided
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups plain breadcrumbs
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 2 cups of shredded iceberg lettuce
• 4 brioche hamburger buns, split
• 4 (1/2 ounce each) Cheddar cheese slices or processed American Cheese slices

Filet-O-Fish Sauce Ingredients

• 1 Cup Mayonnaise
• 1 Tablespoon prepared mustard
• 2 Tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• ¼ teaspoon old bay seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of half a lemon — About 1 Tablespoon

How To Make Copy Cat Filet-O-Fish Sandwiches

Gather all the ingredients. Pour oil to a depth of 1 inch into a large deep heavy skillet, heat oil over medium-high to 360 degrees F (182 C). Preheat oven to 200 degrees F (93 degrees C)

Set a wire rack inside a large rimmed baking sheet; set aside.

Making The Tangy Sauce From Scratch

In a medium-sized bowl, add mayonnaise, mustard, relish, lemon juice and seasonings. Mix until well combined.

TIP: Be sure to taste test! If it needs a little more “tang” for your taste, add another squeeze of lemon juice.

Cover and chill until ready to assemble fish sandwiches.

TIP: Tartar sauce should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Choosing the right fish

The best fish to use for a copycat McDonald’s Fish Sandwich is Alaskan Pollock. The same mild white fish used in the original Filet-O-Fish sandwich. It has a mild flavor, not “fishy”, which keeps the sandwich family-friendly. It is flaky but firm in texture. Holds together beautifully when breaded and fried.

If you can’t find pollock, which can be difficult to find in smaller towns like mine, there are some excellent alternatives:

• Cod – Which is what I used, is slightly thicker and meatier, but still mild and delicious.
• Haddock — Very close in flavor and texture to pollock.
• Tilapia – A more mild fish, but a bit softer and thinner than the other fish choices.

Preparing the Fish for the Crispiest Outcome

While the oil heats, pat the fillets dry with a paper towel. Whisk the eggs in a shallow bowl or dredging tray. In another shallow bowl, combine plain crumbs and ½ teaspoon old bay seasoning. In another shallow bowl, combine the panko crumbs and remaining ½ teaspoon old bay seasoning.

Working with one fillet at a time, dip into the beaten egg mixture, flipping to coat both sides and letting excess drip off.

Place in the bowl, or dredging pan, with plain bread crumbs and old bay seasoning, coating all sides.

Place the fillet back into the beaten eggs and coat evenly again. This process produces an EXTRA golden crispy coating that is so good!

Place the double-dipped fillet into the seasoned panko crumbs, being sure to coat all sides.

Panko, Japanese-style breadcrumbs, add an extra “crisp” to this breading. A must in my book!

Frying Prepared Fish

I prefer skillet frying these fish fillets. It uses less oil, still produces a beautiful golden crispy fish patty, and creates less mess. An all around win in my book!

TIP: You can “deep-fry” the fish by adding about 2 inches of oil to a large Dutch Oven and preheat the oil to 360°(F).

To “pan fry” you will need a large heavy 3-inch deep skillet and 1-inch of oil. I use vegetable oil, but you can use canola oil, or a combination of butter and olive oil.

SAFETY TIP: When frying in a skillet, ALWAYS turn the handle AWAY from you to prevent knocking the pan off the heat! If possible, and safe for your stove top, fry on the back burner.

Gently add 2 fillets to the hot oil; fry, gently flipping the fillets in the oil occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. About 3–5 minutes per side.

Remove the fillet from the oil using a slotted spoon, or fish spatula, and place on a paper towel-lined plate.

Place the drained fish on the prepared wired rack. Place in preheated oven to keep warm while repeating the frying process with the remaining 2 fillets.

TIP: You can add the slices of cheese before placing the fish in the warm oven! Just place one slice on top of each cooked fish fillet before placing the baking sheet on the wire rack in the oven. Keep an eye on them though so the cheese doesn’t run right off that fish!

Assembling The Filet O Fish Sandwich

On a large working surface, split the buns. Place a large heaping tablespoon of the homemade tartar sauce on the top and bottom of each half the buns.

On the bottom of each bun, place about a ½ cup of shredded lettuce. This is totally optional, but I love the additional “crunch” this provides for this sandwich!

Remove the fish from the oven.

Top each bottom bun, with the lettuce, with a fish fillet and one slice of cheese. Cover with top buns and serve immediately.

Tips For Serving And Pairing With Sides

• Serve immediately while the fish is hot and crispy. That first bite with melty cheese and creamy tartar sauce is pure magic. Swoon worthy for sure!
• Lightly steam or warm the buns before assembling for that soft, authentic texture.
• Add an extra spoonful, or more, of the homemade tartar sauce on the side for dipping (because more sauce is always a good idea!)

Perfect Side Pairings

• Crispy French fries – The classic choice and always a winner. As you can see, it is my choice of side for this delicious sandwich.
• Coleslaw – Cool, creamy, and the perfect contrast to the warm sandwich. My California Creamy Coleslaw is a great addition to this meal.
• Sweet Potato Fries – A slightly sweeter twist that pairs beautifully with the savory fish.
• Simple Green Salad – To keep things light and fresh.
• Macaroni Salad – For a picnic-style meal everyone will love. My Traditional Hawaiian Pasta Salad is fantastic with this sandwich!

Round it out with an ice-cold lemonade, sweet tea, or even a frosty root beet for that full “fast -food at home” experience…only better! WAY better!

Variations And Customizations

There are so many ways you can customize this fish sandwich recipe to make it your own and fit the tastes of your family!

Cheese Swaps

• Pepper Jack for a little kick.
• Sharp Cheddar for a richer flavor.
• Swiss for a mild, melty twist

Bun Options

• Swap the soft brioche bun for a sesame hamburger bun.
• Try a pretzel bun for extra flavor and texture.
• Make it lighter with a toasted English Muffin.

Turn Up the Flavor

• Add a dash of hot sauce to your tartar sauce.
• Mix in chopped capers or fresh dill for a brighter, homemade touch.
• Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard for a depth of flavor.

Change the Cooking Method

• Air Fry for a lighter option with great crispiness. Be sure to spray your breaded fish with cooking oil before frying in your air fryer.
• Deep-fry in 2 inches of oil for a more authentic deep-fried fish sandwich.
• Bake for an easy, hands-off approach.

Enjoying Your Homemade Filet-O-Fish

There’s something so satisfying about recreating a classic like the Filet-O-Fish from McDonald’s right in your own kitchen. That crispy golden fish, the melty cheese, the creamy tartar sauce, and that soft warm bun all come together in the most comforting, nostalgic way — only fresher and even more delicious.

The best part? You know exactly what went into it, and you can make it just the way your family loves it.

Whether you serve it with a pile of hot fries, a scoop of coleslaw, or enjoy it straight off the skillet standing at the counter (no judgment here!), this homemade Filet-O-Fish is simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

So go ahead — take that first big bite and enjoy every crispy, creamy, perfectly balanced mouthful. Homemade really is better.

Other Favorite Sandwich Recipes

• Simple Egg Salad Sandwiches
• Chopped Italian Grinder Sandwiches
• Air Fryer Toasted Turkey Sandwiches
• Simple Delicious Chicken Salad Sandwiches
• Slow Cooker Meatball Sub Sandwiches

As always, thank you for stopping by and visiting today! I hope you enjoy this copycat recipe as much as we do!

Happy Nesting Friends!

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