Crispy Fried Fish Sandwich

Ingredients:

For the Fish:

• 4 fillets white fish (cod, haddock, tilapia, or pollock – about 4 oz each)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cornstarch

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup cold sparkling water or cold beer

• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Sandwich:

• 4 brioche buns (or your favorite sandwich buns)

• Butter (for toasting the buns)

• Lettuce (romaine or shredded)

• Tomato slices

• Pickles (optional)

For the Tartar Sauce (Quick Homemade):

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp finely chopped pickles or relish

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• Optional: 1 tbsp capers or chopped fresh dill

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Make the Tartar Sauce:

In a small bowl, mix all tartar sauce ingredients. Cover and refrigerate to let flavors meld.

2. Prep the Fish:

• Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.

• In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.

• Slowly add cold sparkling water or beer, whisking until smooth but not overmixed. The batter should be like thick pancake batter.

3. Fry the Fish:

• Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or large heavy skillet (at least 2 inches deep).

• Dip each fish fillet into the batter, let the excess drip off, and gently place in the oil.

• Fry 1–2 fillets at a time until golden brown and crispy, about 4–6 minutes, flipping halfway if shallow frying.

• Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Season with a pinch of salt while hot.

4. Toast the Buns:

• Lightly butter the inside of each bun.

• Toast in a skillet or under the broiler until golden.

5. Assemble the Sandwiches:

1. Spread tartar sauce on both sides of each bun.

2. Layer with lettuce, tomato slices, a crispy fish fillet, and pickles if using.

3. Top with the bun and serve hot!

🍟 Serving Ideas:

• Serve with fries, potato wedges, coleslaw, or a simple cucumber salad.

• Optional: Add a slice of cheese for a deluxe version (American or cheddar melts nicely over hot fish).