Filet O Fish (Better Than McDonald's)

This incredible Filet O Fish is just like the famous sandwich from McDonald's. In fact, it's actually better! Tender, juicy fish filets, melted cheddar cheese, and soft burger buns are the perfect combination of comfort food. The homemade garlic aioli spread is so flavorful you'll be putting it on everything!

The Best Filet-O-Fish Recipe Ever

The filet o fish sandwich is one of the most popular offerings at McDonald's and for good reason! The sandwich is incredibly delicious and filling. The only downside is you can only get McDonald's Filet O Fish at select times throughout the year.

Luckily, with this recipe, you can have a delicious fish sandwich at home whenever you want! My homemade version is even fresher and more delicious than McDonald's. From the perfectly crispy breading on the tender fish to the melted cheese, garlic aioli, and soft buns, there's a whole lot to love about this homemade filet-o-fish burger.

Ingredients For Filet O Fish Sandwich

For the creamy garlic aioli:

• Mayonnaise- the creamy, rich base for the aioli
• Garlic- minced, brings deep flavor to the sauce
• Relish- sweet relish is the perfect choice.
• Lemon juice- for acidity and brightness.
• Seasonings- salt, black pepper, dried parsley.

For the fish sandwich:

• Fish filet- a white fish like Alaskan pollock, or haddock.
• Panko breadcrumbs- Panko gives a very crunchy breading to the fish filet.
• Egg- to dredge the fish filet.
• Mustard- a tangy flavor enhancement.
• Flour- all purpose, the fish is dredged in this mixture.
• Oil- a high temp oil for frying like avocado or canola.
• Cheese- sliced, cheddar or American cheese.
• Burger buns- soft, white buns are the best option here.
• Seasonings- Paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper.

How To Make Filet o Fish Sandwiches

Step 1: Make the aioli. Combine all the ingredients for the sauce in a small bowl. Mix them well, and adjust the seasonings to taste. Cover the bowl and chill in the fridge until needed.

Step 2: Season the fish. Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with ⅛ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the breading. In a bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.

Step 4: Make the flour mixture. In a second bowl, mix flour, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.

Step 5: Make the egg wash. Finally, crack the egg into a third bowl, and whisk it with mustard, ⅛ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper.

Step 6: Dredge the fish. One by one, dredge each piece of fish through the flour, into the egg, then into the breadcrumbs. Work fairly quickly so the batter doesn't go soggy.

Step 7: Fry the fish. Add enough oil to comfortably cover the base of a heavy-bottom/cast-iron pan. Turn the heat to medium-high and allow the oil to reach 180C/350F. Fry the fish on both sides for 2-3mins, or until golden and crisp with the centre piping hot (safe internal temp is 63C/145F).

Step 8: Assemble the sandwiches. Slice your buns open and toast the halves in a pan over medium heat until golden. Start assembling the sandwiches: spread a thin layer of sauce on the lower half of the bun. Add the fish and top with a slice of cheese. Add your preferred amount of sauce, then add the top layer of the bun and enjoy.

Tips To Make The Best Fish Fillet Sandwich

• If you have the time, you can refrigerate the breaded filets for about 30 minutes to get a really crispy crunch when you fry them.
• If you have to cut your fish filets to size, cut them a bit bigger than your buns. When the fish fries, it shrinks down a little bit.
• Add the cheese immediately after putting the hot fish on the bun. This will help the cheese melt slightly.
• Serve these copycat Filet o fish sandwiches up with a side of these copycat McDonald's french fries. 

What To Serve With Filet O Fish

French fries: Nothing goes better with a sandwich than French fries, especially these copycat McDonald's french fries or Taco Bell nacho fries.

Salad: For something a little lighter, serve it with this house salad or chopped salad.

McDonald's meal: If you want to full McDonald's experience, serve it with these McDonald's chicken nuggets and Oreo McFlurry for dessert.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

In the fridge: You can store any leftover fish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

In the freezer: If you have leftover filet o fish sandwiches, you can wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. Put them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating: My favorite way to reheat the fish to get it nice and crispy is to bake it at 275°F for about 10-15 minutes. Allow any frozen fish to thaw in the fridge before reheating.

More McDonald's Copycat Recipes

• Spicy chicken sandwich
• Chicken snack wrap
• Egg McMuffin
• McGriddle
• Pancakes