This Filet-O-Fish Burger is a delicious and satisfying meal that brings together crispy, golden fish fillets, tangy tartar sauce, and fresh veggies. The crispy fish fillet is the star of this burger, served on a soft, toasted bun with a handful of fresh lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and crunchy red onion. It’s perfect for a casual dinner or even a weekend treat with friends and family.
The tartar sauce adds a creamy, tangy kick that pairs beautifully with the crispy fish. This burger is easily customizable: you can adjust the toppings to suit your taste or add a dash of hot sauce for a little extra zing. Serve it with a side of fries or a fresh salad for the ultimate meal experience!
Full Recipe:
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4 white fish fillets (such as cod or haddock)
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs
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1 egg, beaten
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1/2 cup flour
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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4 soft burger buns
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1/2 cup tartar sauce
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Lettuce leaves
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Tomato slices
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1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet for frying.
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Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper.
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Dredge the fillets first in flour, then dip them into the beaten egg, and finally coat them in panko breadcrumbs.
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Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or fry the fillets in a deep fryer until golden and crispy on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
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While the fish is cooking, toast the burger buns until lightly golden.
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Once the fish fillets are cooked, place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
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Assemble the burgers: Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, followed by a fish fillet, a spoonful of tartar sauce, a slice of tomato, and some red onion. Top with the other bun half.
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Serve immediately with your favorite side dish.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Homemade Filet-O-Fish Burger: A Delicious and Healthier Take on the Classic
The Homemade Filet-O-Fish Burger is a healthier alternative to the popular fast-food version, offering the same delicious taste but with a few thoughtful modifications. By baking instead of frying the fish fillets, you create a lighter and more nutritious version of the classic fish burger. This recipe not only replicates the flavor of McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish but also gives you more control over the ingredients, ensuring that each bite is fresh, flavorful, and wholesome.
Why Opt for a Homemade Fish Burger?
Homemade versions of fast-food favorites often come with the benefit of being healthier, and the Filet-O-Fish Burger is no exception. While the iconic fast-food burger is deep-fried, this version uses a clever oven-baking method that maintains the crispy texture of the fish while reducing excess fat. This makes it a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a classic burger without the guilt of deep frying. Furthermore, making the burger from scratch allows you to select the freshest fish, adjust seasoning to taste, and even control the level of oil used in the cooking process.
The Benefits of Baking Instead of Frying
Baking instead of frying the fish fillets is a major win for those watching their calorie intake or looking to make more heart-healthy choices. When food is fried, it absorbs much more oil, resulting in higher calorie content and potentially unhealthy fats. By using the oven to bake the crumbed fish fillets, the fish retains its crispy, crunchy coating without the additional oils, giving you a lighter and more nutritious meal. Plus, this baking method is mess-free, eliminating the need for splattering oil and making cleanup a breeze.
Choosing the Right Fish for Your Burger
The key to a great homemade fish burger is selecting the right fish fillets. For the closest match to the classic Filet-O-Fish, you’ll want to choose a firm, white fish such as cod, haddock, or pollock. These types of fish are mild in flavor and hold up well during cooking. The fillets should be flat and thin, making them easy to cut into square-shaped pieces that resemble the classic fast-food patty. You can also experiment with other types of white fish if you prefer, but be sure to pick a fish that will hold its shape during baking.
Crumb Coating: Toasting Breadcrumbs for Extra Crunch
One of the secrets to achieving a perfectly crispy fish patty is the breadcrumb coating. The key here is to toast the breadcrumbs in the oven before using them to coat the fish. This pre-toasting method ensures that the breadcrumbs are already golden and crispy before the fish even hits the oven. As a result, you end up with a fish fillet that is crispy all over, even without the need for frying. This technique helps create a delicious crunch while keeping the fish moist and tender inside.
Creating the Perfect Tartar Sauce
No Filet-O-Fish burger is complete without its signature tartar sauce. To replicate the iconic tartar sauce used in the fast-food version, this recipe calls for a simple combination of mayonnaise, pickles, capers, lemon juice, salt, sugar, and parsley. The tartar sauce adds a creamy, tangy element to the burger, balancing the richness of the fish and the sweetness of the brioche buns. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, whether you prefer a bit more pickle for tang or extra lemon for a fresh zing.
Choosing the Right Bun
While McDonald’s uses a soft, sweet bun for their Filet-O-Fish burger, the closest equivalent you can find at most grocery stores is a brioche bun. Brioche buns are soft and slightly sweet, making them an excellent choice for this burger. They provide a sturdy base that complements the crispy fish and creamy tartar sauce, without overpowering the other flavors. However, if you can’t find brioche buns, soft hamburger buns will work as well. Just be sure to choose buns that are soft enough to complement the fish without becoming too soggy when the sauce is added.
Assembling the Burger
Once the fish fillets are baked and the tartar sauce is ready, it’s time to assemble your burger. Start by placing a dollop of tartar sauce on the bottom of the bun, followed by a layer of lettuce and a slice of tomato for added freshness. Then, carefully stack the crispy fish fillet, followed by a slice of cheese. While the fish is hot, the cheese will slightly melt, creating a gooey layer of goodness. Finish with the top bun, and your homemade Filet-O-Fish burger is ready to enjoy!
Healthy Substitutions and Customizations
One of the great things about making your Filet-O-Fish burger at home is the ability to customize it to your dietary preferences. For a lighter version, you can skip the cheese or use a lower-fat alternative. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns. You can also swap out the tartar sauce for a lighter version made with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, or experiment with different toppings like avocado or sliced cucumbers for added freshness.
Serving Suggestions
The Filet-O-Fish burger pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a classic fast-food experience, serve it with crispy fries or potato wedges. If you’re looking for a lighter option, a side salad or coleslaw makes a great complement. You can also serve the burger with pickles, as the tangy flavor helps cut through the richness of the fish and tartar sauce.
Conclusion: A Delicious Homemade Alternative
In conclusion, the Homemade Filet-O-Fish Burger offers a delicious and healthier alternative to the fast-food classic. By baking the fish fillets instead of frying them, you create a lighter, yet still crispy and satisfying, burger. The combination of freshly baked fish, a tangy tartar sauce, and soft brioche buns makes for a meal that’s both comforting and flavorful. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner or a satisfying weekend treat, this homemade Filet-O-Fish burger will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Plus, with the option to customize the recipe, you can make it your own, ensuring that each burger is just the way you like it.