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A homemade Filet-O-Fish sandwich with a crispy fish fillet, melted American cheese, and creamy tartar sauce on a soft bun. Served on a wooden board with crispy fries, capturing the fresh, homemade fast-food experience.

The best Homemade Mc Donald’s Filet-O-Fish

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Recreate the iconic McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish at home with this crispy, golden fish fillet, creamy tartar sauce, and soft, pillowy bun! 🐟🍔 This fast-food copycat recipe delivers all the nostalgic flavors of the original—flaky white fish, light beer batter, and buttery steamed buns—but made fresh in your kitchen. Whether you’re craving comfort food, observing Lent, or just want a restaurant-style fish sandwich, this homemade version is irresistibly good!

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Fish Patties:

  • 4 white fish fillets (cod, pollock, or haddock), about 6 oz each
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Âź tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup cold beer (or sparkling water for non-alcoholic)
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Tartar Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tbsp chopped dill pickles
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

 

  • 4 hamburger buns (steamed or lightly toasted)
  • Optional: lettuce leaves

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fish Fillets:

  1. Pat fish dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Cut into sandwich-sized portions if necessary.

2. Make the Beer Batter:

  1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Gradually pour in cold beer, whisking continuously until smooth.
  3. Chill the batter in the fridge for 10–15 minutes.

3. Fry the Fish:

  1. Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Dip each fish fillet into the batter, allowing excess to drip off.
  3. Carefully lower into hot oil and fry for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  4. Drain on paper towels.

4. Create the Tartar Sauce:

  1. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, chopped dill pickles, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper.
  2. Refrigerate until ready to use.

5. Assemble the Sandwiches:

 

  1. Steam or lightly toast the hamburger buns for a soft texture.
  2. Spread a generous layer of tartar sauce on the bottom bun.
  3. Place the crispy fish fillet on top, followed by a lettuce leaf (optional).
  4. Add the top bun and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Storage: Store components separately. Reheat fish in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for crispiness.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: Fry fish patties and cool completely, then reheat before assembling.

 

  • Non-Alcoholic Option: Replace beer with sparkling water for a light, crispy batter.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Find it online: https://www.serenarecipes.com/the-best-homemade-mcdonalds-filet-o-fish/