This Crispy Cod Fish Sandwich features golden battered cod, melty American cheese, and tartar sauce on a toasted brioche bun. It’s flaky, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
I’ve always loved McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish, so I wanted to make my own version at home. Since I’m also a big fan of the black miso cod from Costco, that’s what I used.
I coated the cod in batter, fried it until golden, and served it on a toasted brioche bun with homemade tartar sauce and American cheese.
And it came out amazing. The miso cod gives the sandwich extra flavor you wouldn’t normally get from a fish sandwich.
If you love a good fish sandwich, add this to your list.
Why You’ll Love This Cod Fish Sandwich Recipe
If you’re craving a crispy fish sandwich, this recipe delivers.
- The batter is perfectly crispy. The battered cod fries up golden and crispy on the outside while staying tender and flaky inside.
- The miso cod adds great flavor. Using Costco miso cod adds a subtle sweet and savory flavor that makes the sandwich extra delicious.
- The tartar sauce ties everything together. The creamy, tangy sauce balances the crispy fish and soft bun.
- It tastes like a homemade Filet-O-Fish. With crispy fish, melted cheese, and tangy tartar sauce, it’s a lot like a Filet-O-Fish.
Ingredients for Homemade Fish Fillet Sandwich
You don’t need anything fancy to make this crispy fish sandwich at home.
- Costco Miso Cod. I like using the black miso cod from Costco because it already has great flavor from the marinade and cooks up tender and flaky.
- Flour. Flour forms the base of the batter and helps create that crispy golden coating.
- Cornstarch. Cornstarch helps lighten the batter and makes the coating extra crisp.
- Salt and Pepper. A little seasoning in the batter helps bring out the flavor of the fish.
- Baking powder. Baking powder helps the batter puff slightly as it fries, creating a lighter, crispier texture.
- Sprite or beer. Beer is the classic liquid for fish batter. It helps create a light, crispy coating. I used Sprite here because I didn’t have beer on hand, and it still worked well.
- Brioche buns. Brioche buns are soft and slightly sweet, which pairs nicely with the crispy fish and tangy sauce.
- American cheese. American cheese melts easily and adds a creamy layer to the sandwich.
- Tartar sauce. You can find my simple tartar sauce recipe in the recipe section below. It’s creamy, tangy, and perfect with the crispy fish.
How to Make Cod Fish Sandwich
Making crispy cod fish sandwich at home is easier than it looks.
1. Make the tartar sauce. Combine mayonnaise, relish, capers, onion, black pepper, sugar, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
2. Prepare the dry mixture. In a bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dredge the fish. Dredge the cod fillets in the dry mixture, coating all sides lightly.
4. Make the batter. Add the baking powder and Sprite to the same bowl and whisk until a smooth batter forms.
5. Heat the oil. Pour 1 to 1½ inches of oil into a skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small drop of batter sizzles right away and rises to the top.
6. Fry the fish. Dip each dredged cod fillet into the batter, letting the excess drip off. Carefully place it into the hot oil. Fry for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden and crisp. Transfer fish to a rack to drain.
7. Assemble the sandwich. Place the bottom bun on a plate, add the crispy cod fillet, then top with a slice of American cheese. Spread tartar sauce on the top bun, then close the sandwich.
8. Serve and enjoy!
Using Costco Miso Cod for This Recipe
I always get the black miso cod from Costco – it tastes really good and it’s super easy to cook. I usually just eat it with rice, but this time I wanted to try it as a sandwich for something different.
I’m glad I did because it worked beautifully.
Costco miso cod works perfectly here since it’s already marinated in a sweet and savory miso glaze.
Just pat the fillets very dry before dredging so the batter sticks properly. Once fried, the miso marinade adds extra flavor.
Tips for the Best Fish Fillet Sandwich
Want the crispiest fish possible? These tips will help you get there.
- Start with dry fish. Pat the cod very dry with paper towels so the batter sticks properly and fries up crisp.
- Don’t skip the dredge. Coating the fish in dry flour before dipping it in the batter helps the batter cling to the fish.
- Use beer if you have it. Beer is traditionally used for fish batter because it creates a light, crispy coating. I used Sprite here simply because I didn’t have beer on hand.
- Use cold liquid. Make sure your liquid is cold before mixing the batter. Cold beer or Sprite helps the batter fry up lighter and crispier.
- Make sure the oil is hot. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the batter will absorb oil and turn greasy instead of crispy.
- Serve immediately. Fried fish is crispiest right after cooking, so assemble the sandwich and enjoy it while it’s hot.
What to Serve With a Cod Fish Sandwich
Pair your crispy cod fish sandwich with classic sides like French fries, potato wedges, or sweet potato fries.
For something lighter, serve it with coleslaw, a simple green salad, or sliced pickles.
Storage and Reheating
To Store: Store leftover fried cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the fish separate from the buns and toppings so it doesn’t get soggy.To Reheat: Air fry the fish at 375°F for 3-4 minutes or in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Costco miso black cod for this recipe?
Yes. Costco miso cod works great for this sandwich because the marinade already adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor. Just pat the fish dry so the batter sticks properly.
Can I use another fish instead of cod?
Yes. Haddock, pollock, halibut, or tilapia all work well for a crispy fish sandwich.
How do I keep fried fish crispy?
Place the fried fish on a wire rack instead of paper towels after cooking. This allows air to circulate and keeps the batter from getting soggy.
What kind of buns are best for a fish sandwich?
Brioche buns work especially well because they’re soft and slightly sweet, which balances the crispy fish and tartar sauce. You can also use potato buns, burger buns, and sandwich rolls.
More Seafood Recipes You’ll Love
Crispy Cod Fish Sandwich Recipe (with Costco Miso Cod)
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons relish
- 1 tablespoon minced capers
- 1 tablespoon minced onion
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 cod fillets Costco miso cod, fully defrosted
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup Sprite
- Oil for frying about 1-1½ inches in the pan
- 2 brioche buns
- 2 slices American cheese
- Prepared tartar sauce
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, relish, capers, onion, black pepper, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and set aside.
- Pat the cod fillets very dry with paper towels.
- Combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Dredge the cod fillets in the dry mixture, coating all sides lightly.
- Add the baking powder and Sprite to the same bowl and whisk until a smooth batter forms.
- Heat about 1 to 1½ inches of oil into a skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small drop of batter sizzles right away and rises to the top.
- Dip each dredged cod fillet into the batter, letting the excess drip off, then carefully place it into the hot oil.
- Fry for about 2 minutes per side, or until the batter is golden and crisp. Transfer the fish to a rack to drain.
- Lightly toast the brioche buns until golden.
- To assemble, place the bottom bun on a plate, add the crispy cod fillet, then top with a slice of American cheese. Spread tartar sauce on the top bun, then close the sandwich. Serve and enjoy!
