Use What You Have
Copycat McDonald's Filet-o-Fish Sandwich Recipe
If you adore the classic McDonald's Filet-o-Fish Sandwich, you are going to love this homemade version that takes it up a notch. Our version features a thick, golden-fried cod filet nestled in a soft, steamed brioche bun, topped with melty American cheese and drizzled with tangy tartar sauce. Every bite offers the perfect contrast of crispy exterior and tender, flaky fish inside. Serve it alongside crispy shoestring fries for the ultimate indulgence.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- Canola oil, for frying
- 4 (4-ounce) skinless cod fillets (about 4 x 4-inch, 1-inch thick)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 4 brioche hamburger buns, split
- 4 slices processed American cheese (1/2-ounce each)
- 2 teaspoons water
- McDonalds Tartar Sauce
- Cooked shoestring fries, for serving
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients. Pour canola oil to a depth of 2 inches into a large Dutch oven and heat over medium-high to 360F (182C). Preheat oven to 200F (93C). Set a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet and set aside.
- Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and sprinkle evenly with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
- In a medium shallow bowl, whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, corn starch, flour, paprika, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt until smooth. Place panko in a separate shallow bowl.
- Dip each fillet into the egg mixture, coating all sides and letting excess drip off, then press into panko to coat evenly. Place on a large plate and repeat with remaining fillets.
- Carefully add 2 fillets at a time to the hot oil. Fry, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to the prepared wire rack. Keep warm in the oven while frying the remaining fillets.
- Working with 2 buns at a time, place the bottom halves on a microwave-safe plate and top each with a slice of cheese. Lightly sprinkle a small paper towel with water, place over the buns, and cover with an inverted microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH for 15-20 seconds until buns are steamed and cheese has melted. Repeat with top buns for 10-15 seconds.
- Immediately top each bottom bun with a fried fish filet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of tartar sauce. Cover with the top bun and serve hot with shoestring fries. Repeat with remaining sandwiches.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 766
- Total Fat: 25g (32% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 7g (36% DV)
- Cholesterol: 149mg (50% DV)
- Sodium: 1535mg (67% DV)
- Total Carbohydrates: 87g (32% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 5g (18% DV)
- Total Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 45g (89% DV)
- Vitamin C: 3mg (4% DV)
- Calcium: 408mg (31% DV)
- Iron: 6mg (33% DV)
- Potassium: 700mg (15% DV)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your individual calorie needs.
History of the Filet-o-Fish
The origins of the Filet-o-Fish date back to the early 1960s, when McDonalds franchise owner Lou Groen sought to create a sandwich that would appeal to Catholic customers abstaining from meat on Fridays. His creationan uncomplicated fried fish patty served on a steamed bun with tartar saucequickly gained popularity. It soon became a permanent menu item and a defining part of the McDonalds identity. The copycat version preserves this nostalgic classic while adding a homemade touch.
Regional Variations
Although the Filet-o-Fish is globally recognizable, many regions add their own character. In Japan, seasonal versions with different sauces appear during Lent. In some European countries, the fish patty is prepared with local species, creating subtle flavor differences. Homemade adaptations often incorporate local breadcrumbs or spices, such as panko for extra crispiness in East Asianinspired kitchens.
How It Differs From Similar Dishes
Compared to traditional fish sandwiches that use thicker cuts, artisanal buns, or bold sauces, the Filet-o-Fish stands apart for its simplicity. Its steamed bun, mild processed cheese, and creamy tartar sauce create a soft, comforting profile. Unlike fish burgers crafted with grilled fillets or spiced coatings, this sandwich relies on a delicate crunch and gentle flavor balance, which the copycat recipe enhances with a crispier crust and richer seasoning.
Where It Is Commonly Served
The Filet-o-Fish is most often associated with fast-food restaurants, especially McDonalds, where it remains a year-round staple and a peak-season favorite during Lent. Homemade versions are frequently served at family dinners, casual gatherings, or as a quick lunch paired with fries. Its mild, universally appealing flavor makes it a reliable choice in cafeterias and food courts across many countries.
Interesting Facts
Few know that the Filet-o-Fish was McDonald's first permanent non-beef menu item. The original competitorcalled the Hula Burger, a slice of grilled pineapplelost out to the fish sandwich in a sales test. The steamed bun technique is another unique feature, contributing to the sandwichs signature texture. Even today, the Filet-o-Fish remains one of the chains top-selling items during religious holidays, proving the lasting popularity of its simple concept. The copycat version mirrors this legacy while allowing home cooks to elevate textures and flavors beyond the drive-thru classic.
FAQ about Copycat McDonald's Filet-o-Fish Sandwich Recipe
Comments
TealPear1780
10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM
Look up copy cat recipe for McDonalds tarter sauce..
HandyBacon2324
11/11/2024 02:16:58 AM
Call me a cheater. My shortcut to this delicious dinner goes to a local store to buy beer-battered fish fillets and a bag of tator tots. Air fried in 10 minutes. Less mess, extra flavor added from our favorite spices. Simple tarter sauce made with Mayo & sweet relish. Even clean up is simple.
Jeanne Flowers
08/29/2024 02:01:48 AM
Very good. I used flounder fillets and rolled them in cornstarch after salting and before dipping in the batter. They were very flavorful and crispy. Delicious, but the flavor was different from Mc D's. Next time I'll cut the Panko BC by about half. Thanks for the recipe!
Sebastian
08/06/2025 11:43:18 PM
Eh I Prefer The Original Fillet-o-Fish
Jim Zaretskie
08/05/2025 05:55:14 PM
Love mickey d's filet o fish and this recipe along with the copycat tartar sauce is an excellent substitute for the original. I make them often.
Michael Greeley
11/06/2024 12:07:11 AM
Taste better than Mickey D
Patrick Scott
09/06/2024 07:21:17 PM
Made it for the family and everyone asked for seconds.
KindYeast7788
03/29/2024 09:35:12 PM
This is a spot on Copy Cat but Better! Will definitely make again. The tartar sauce is the bomb too! Thanks Nicole you are the Best!
grommetik
03/15/2024 08:31:18 PM
Filet came out crispy and so flavorful. Much depends on the fish itself but the dipping batter used before the panko was delicious. Not enough can be said about the tartar sauce. It’s the best. Just a tad runny but that could be because of the relish juice.
Adam Johnson
03/06/2024 06:48:40 PM
Everyone at home enjoyed it.
AceJam2672
03/01/2024 04:10:38 PM
In response to where to get the sauce I would say the drive thru
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