Crispy Fish Sandwich

This Crispy Fish Sandwich with Wasabi Tartar Sauce is a flavorful and unique twist on the classic fish sandwich. With a perfectly crispy fish fillet, creamy wasabi-infused tartar sauce, and fresh, crunchy toppings, this sandwich is packed with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes. A delicious fusion of Asian-inspired flavors, it’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This fish sandwich is everything you want in a comfort food: crispy, flavorful, and topped with a tangy, creamy sauce. The wasabi tartar sauce adds a delightful kick to the sandwich, making it stand out from the typical tartar sauce. The fish fillets are seasoned and battered to golden perfection, and the fresh vegetables add crunch and freshness. Whether you’re craving a seafood treat for lunch or dinner, this sandwich is a satisfying and tasty choice.

Ingredients

For the Wasabi Tartar Sauce:

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon lime juice

• 1 teaspoon wasabi paste

• Salt (to taste)

For the Fish Sandwiches:

• 4 (6 oz) pieces firm white fish (such as halibut, tilapia, or cod)

• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

• 1/2 cup flour

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 2 eggs

• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

• Fresh lime slices (for garnish)

• 4 firm buns

• Sliced cucumbers

• Sliced radishes

• Shredded cabbage

• Fresh cilantro

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Wasabi Tartar Sauce:

1. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, soy sauce, lime juice, and wasabi paste. Taste and season with salt as needed. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Prepare the Fish:

1. Sprinkle both sides of the fish fillets with Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Prepare the Coatings:

1. In a shallow dish (such as a pie plate), combine flour, ginger, and garlic powder.

2. In a separate shallow dish, whisk the eggs.

3. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.

Coat the Fish:

1. Working with one piece of fish at a time, lightly coat the fish in the flour mixture, then dip it in the egg mixture, and finally coat it in panko breadcrumbs. Press the panko into the fish to ensure it sticks well.

Fry the Fish:

1. Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Fry the fish for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden and crispy.

3. Transfer the fried fish to a cooling rack set over a baking sheet and squeeze a lime slice over each piece.

Assemble the Sandwiches:

1. Spread the wasabi tartar sauce on the inside of the top and bottom of each bun.

2. Place the fried fish fillet on the bottom bun, then top with sliced cucumbers, sliced radishes, shredded cabbage, and cilantro.

3. Place the top bun on and serve immediately!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of wasabi paste in the tartar sauce for a spicier kick. You can also add sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the fish with a firm vegetable like eggplant or zucchini, sliced and battered in the same way for a vegetarian version.

• Pickled Veggies: Swap the fresh cucumbers and radishes for pickled versions for an extra tangy bite.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover fish fillets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the tartar sauce separately.

• Reheating: Reheat the fish in an oven or air fryer to maintain the crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fish soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen fish fillets?

Yes, you can use frozen fish fillets. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before frying.

2. Can I prepare the wasabi tartar sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the wasabi tartar sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

3. What kind of fish should I use for this sandwich?

Firm white fish like halibut, cod, or tilapia works best for this recipe because it holds up well when fried and has a mild flavor.

4. Can I use a different type of bread for the sandwich?

Yes, you can use other types of bread like brioche or sandwich rolls. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the crispy fish.

5. Can I make this sandwich spicy?

Absolutely! You can add extra wasabi to the tartar sauce or drizzle some sriracha on the sandwich for an added spicy kick.

6. How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?

The fish should be golden brown on the outside and flaky on the inside. You can test it with a fork—if it flakes easily, it’s ready!

7. Can I make this sandwich in advance?

The fish is best served immediately, but you can prep the tartar sauce, slice the vegetables, and coat the fish ahead of time. Then, just fry the fish and assemble the sandwiches when ready.

8. Can I use a different type of sauce?

Yes! If you don’t want to use wasabi in the tartar sauce, you can replace it with a little bit of dijon mustard or horseradish for a different flavor profile.

9. How do I get the fish extra crispy?

Make sure the oil is at the right temperature (medium-high heat) and press the panko breadcrumbs into the fish fillets as you coat them. This will help create an extra crispy crust.

10. What should I serve with this sandwich?

This sandwich pairs wonderfully with crispy fries, a light salad, or a side of pickles for a tangy contrast.

Conclusion

This Crispy Fish Sandwich with Wasabi Tartar Sauce is the perfect balance of crispy, savory, and creamy, with a delicious Asian-inspired twist. The wasabi tartar sauce gives the sandwich a bold, tangy kick, while the fresh toppings add crunch and flavor. It’s an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend treat. Enjoy the crispy goodness in every bite!

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