McDonalds Fish Sandwich Copycat
This McDonalds Fish Sandwich Copycat is perfectly crispy, flaky, and loaded with tangy tartar sauce for a homemade classic you’ll crave again and again.
Equipment
- Non-stick skillet or frying pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Whisk or fork
- Spatula or tongs
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
For the Breading
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 lb white fish fillets flat, such as cod, haddock, or pollock
- 4 soft hamburger buns or brioche buns
- 4 slices cheddar cheese sharp
- oil spray for cooking
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise for egg wash mixture
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 0.5 teaspoon salt for breading
- 0.125 teaspoon ground black pepper for breading
For the Tartar Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise base of tartar sauce
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle very finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon capers drained and finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 0.25 teaspoon salt or to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Tartar Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles, 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon finely chopped capers, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon white sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix well and refrigerate while preparing the fish to allow the flavors to meld.
Prep the Breading Station
- Set up three shallow dishes. In the first, place 1 tablespoon flour mixed with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper. In the second dish, whisk together 1 egg, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon pickle juice until smooth. In the third, pour 2 cups panko breadcrumbs.
Bread the Fish Fillets
- Pat the white fish fillets dry with paper towels. Dredge each fillet in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg mixture, coating thoroughly. Finally, press the fillets into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even, thick coating on all sides.
Cook the Fish
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly spray with oil. Cook each breaded fillet for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The fish should flake easily with a fork. Alternatively, you can bake the fish on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Toast the Buns and Melt Cheese
- While the fish cooks, lightly toast the hamburger or brioche buns. Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each bun bottom and allow it to melt slightly from the residual heat of the fish or briefly in the oven/toaster oven.
Assemble Your Sandwich
- Spread a generous layer of the prepared tartar sauce on the bottom bun. Add the crispy fish fillet with melted cheddar cheese, then top with the bun crown. Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor.
Notes
- Pat fish dry before breading to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Chill breaded fish for 10-15 minutes before cooking for a crispier crust.
- Store tartar sauce in the fridge up to two days; prepare fish fresh for best crunch.