Arby’s Fish Sandwich is Back! Plus, Easy Homemade Fish Sandwich Recipe

Arby’s is bringing back its popular fish sandwiches for a limited time, just in time for the Lenten season. For seafood lovers and those observing Lent, this is welcome news. But what if you can’t get to an Arby’s, or simply prefer to make your own? This article will dive into the return of Arby’s fish sandwiches and provide you with a delicious and easy homemade fish sandwich recipe to satisfy your cravings any time.

## Arby’s Fish Sandwich Lineup Returns

Arby’s is offering a trio of fish sandwiches for a limited time this year. Here’s a breakdown:

* **Crispy Fish Sandwich:** This classic features a crispy-fried Alaskan Pollock fillet, shredded lettuce, and tartar sauce on a sesame seed bun. It’s a simple and satisfying choice for those who enjoy a traditional fish sandwich.
* **King’s Hawaiian Fish Deluxe Sandwich:** This option takes the Crispy Fish Sandwich and elevates it with the addition of cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and King’s Hawaiian sweet bun. The sweetness of the bun complements the savory fish and tartar sauce, creating a unique and flavorful experience.
* **Spicy Fish Sandwich:** New to the lineup, this sandwich offers a kick of heat. It features a crispy fried Alaskan Pollock fillet seasoned with fiery spices, topped with fiery sauce, lettuce, and tomato on a toasted sesame seed bun. It’s the perfect choice for those who like a little spice in their life.

These sandwiches are available for a limited time at participating Arby’s locations. Availability and pricing may vary, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local Arby’s before heading out.

## Homemade Fish Sandwich Recipe: Crispy, Flavorful, and Easy

While Arby’s offers a convenient option for a quick fish sandwich, making your own at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize it to your liking. This recipe focuses on creating a crispy, flavorful fish fillet that rivals anything you’d find at a fast-food restaurant.

**Yields:** 4 sandwiches
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* **For the Fish:**
* 1.5 pounds cod, haddock, or pollock fillets, cut into 4 equal portions
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
* Vegetable oil, for frying
* **For the Tartar Sauce:**
* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickles
* 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* **For the Sandwiches:**
* 4 sesame seed buns, or your favorite buns
* Shredded lettuce
* Sliced tomato (optional)
* Sliced cheddar cheese (optional)

**Equipment:**

* 3 shallow dishes
* Large skillet or deep fryer
* Tongs
* Paper towels

**Instructions:**

**1. Prepare the Tartar Sauce:**

* In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, chopped pickles, onion, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and pepper. Mix well. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

**2. Prepare the Fish:**

* Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the breading adhere better.
* In a shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
* In a second shallow dish, pour in the buttermilk.
* In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.

**3. Bread the Fish:**

* Dredge each fish fillet in the flour mixture, making sure to coat all sides.
* Dip the floured fillet into the buttermilk, ensuring it’s fully submerged.
* Finally, coat the fillet with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help them adhere. Make sure the entire fillet is covered in breadcrumbs.

**4. Fry the Fish:**

* Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or deep fryer to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
* Carefully place the breaded fish fillets into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry in batches if necessary.
* Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
* Remove the fish fillets from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

**5. Assemble the Sandwiches:**

* Lightly toast the sesame seed buns, if desired.
* Spread a generous amount of tartar sauce on both halves of each bun.
* Place a crispy fish fillet on the bottom bun.
* Top with shredded lettuce, sliced tomato (if using), and sliced cheddar cheese (if using).
* Place the top bun over the fillings.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for the Perfect Homemade Fish Sandwich

* **Choose the right fish:** Cod, haddock, and pollock are all excellent choices for fish sandwiches. They are relatively inexpensive, have a mild flavor, and flake easily when cooked. Other options include tilapia or mahi-mahi, but these tend to be more expensive.
* **Dry the fish thoroughly:** Patting the fish fillets dry before breading is crucial for achieving a crispy coating. Excess moisture will prevent the breading from sticking and result in a soggy sandwich.
* **Don’t overcrowd the skillet:** Frying too many fish fillets at once will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy fish. Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
* **Use a thermometer:** Using a thermometer to check the oil temperature is essential for consistent results. If the oil is too hot, the breading will burn before the fish is cooked through. If the oil is not hot enough, the fish will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
* **Toast the buns:** Toasting the buns adds a nice texture and prevents them from becoming soggy.
* **Customize the toppings:** Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking. Add pickles, coleslaw, or other vegetables to create your perfect fish sandwich.
* **Make your own tartar sauce:** While store-bought tartar sauce is convenient, making your own allows you to control the ingredients and create a flavor that is perfectly suited to your taste. This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and seasonings.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or use a spicy mayo for a kick.
* **Air Fryer Option:** For a healthier alternative, you can air fry the fish fillets. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded fish fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown and cooked through.

## Variations on the Classic Fish Sandwich

While the classic fish sandwich with tartar sauce and lettuce is a beloved staple, there are endless possibilities for variations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* **Spicy Fish Sandwich:** Use a spicy mayo or sriracha mayo instead of tartar sauce. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for an extra kick. Top with pickled jalapeños for added heat.
* **Blackened Fish Sandwich:** Season the fish fillets with a blackened seasoning blend before cooking. Serve on a toasted bun with coleslaw and a remoulade sauce.
* **Grilled Fish Sandwich:** Grill the fish fillets instead of frying them. Marinate the fish in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs before grilling. Serve on a toasted bun with a lemon aioli and your favorite toppings.
* **Fish Taco Sandwich:** Use a flaky white fish like cod or mahi-mahi. Season with taco seasoning and grill or pan-fry. Serve on a toasted bun with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and a creamy cilantro-lime dressing.
* **Mediterranean Fish Sandwich:** Season the fish with oregano, lemon zest, and garlic. Grill or pan-fry. Serve on a toasted bun with hummus, feta cheese, olives, and sliced cucumbers.
* **Cajun Fish Sandwich:** Season the fish with cajun spices and pan fry. Serve on a toasted bun with coleslaw and a remoulade sauce.

## Serving Suggestions

Fish sandwiches are a versatile meal that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

* **French Fries:** A classic pairing for fish sandwiches.
* **Coleslaw:** Adds a cool and crunchy contrast to the crispy fish.
* **Onion Rings:** Another classic fried side dish.
* **Potato Salad:** A creamy and flavorful side dish.
* **Macaroni Salad:** A sweet and tangy side dish.
* **Corn on the Cob:** A simple and summery side dish.
* **Green Salad:** A healthy and refreshing side dish.
* **Soup:** Pair with clam chowder or a tomato soup for a heartier meal.

## Why Make Your Own Fish Sandwich?

While grabbing a fish sandwich at Arby’s is convenient, making your own offers several advantages:

* **Control Over Ingredients:** You know exactly what’s going into your sandwich. This is especially important if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
* **Customization:** You can customize the sandwich to your exact preferences. Choose your favorite fish, toppings, and sauces.
* **Healthier Option:** You can use healthier cooking methods, such as air frying or grilling, and choose healthier ingredients, such as whole-wheat buns and low-fat mayonnaise.
* **Cost-Effective:** Making your own fish sandwiches can be more cost-effective than buying them from a restaurant, especially if you’re making them for a family.
* **Satisfaction:** There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from making your own food. You can take pride in creating a delicious and satisfying meal from scratch.

## Final Thoughts

Whether you’re excited about the return of Arby’s fish sandwiches or prefer to create your own culinary masterpiece at home, there’s a fish sandwich option for everyone. The homemade recipe provided here is a great starting point for creating a delicious and satisfying fish sandwich that you can customize to your liking. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove or air fryer, and get ready to enjoy a crispy, flavorful, and homemade fish sandwich!