Copycat McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish: The Ultimate Homemade Recipe
Craving that classic, comforting taste of a McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish but want a homemade version that’s arguably even better? Look no further! This recipe will guide you through creating a perfect copycat Filet-O-Fish sandwich right in your own kitchen. We’re talking flaky, tender fish, crispy breading, tangy tartar sauce, and that perfectly steamed bun – all made with quality ingredients and a whole lot of love. Forget the drive-thru; let’s get cooking!
## Why Make Your Own Filet-O-Fish?
While the McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish is a fast-food staple, making it at home offers several advantages:
* **Quality Control:** You get to choose the freshest, highest-quality fish fillets. No mystery meat here!
* **Customization:** Adjust the seasoning and tartar sauce to your exact preferences.
* **Healthier Option:** You can control the amount of oil used for frying and opt for healthier breading options.
* **Cost-Effective:** Making a batch of Filet-O-Fish sandwiches at home can be more economical than buying them individually.
* **Satisfaction:** There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating a delicious meal from scratch.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make your copycat Filet-O-Fish:
**For the Fish Fillets:**
* **4 Fish Fillets:** Cod, haddock, or pollock are excellent choices. Aim for fillets that are about 4-5 ounces each and roughly the same size and thickness for even cooking. Frozen fillets, thawed completely, work perfectly well. Pat them dry with paper towels before breading.
* **1 cup All-Purpose Flour:** This provides the base for the breading, helping it adhere to the fish.
* **1 teaspoon Salt:** Enhances the flavor of the fish and the breading.
* **1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper:** Adds a touch of spice and warmth.
* **1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder:** Contributes a savory depth of flavor.
* **1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder:** Similar to garlic powder, adds a savory note.
* **1/4 teaspoon Paprika:** Provides a subtle smoky flavor and a beautiful color to the breading.
* **1 cup Breadcrumbs:** Panko breadcrumbs are recommended for extra crispiness, but regular breadcrumbs will also work. You can also use crushed Ritz crackers for a slightly sweeter and richer flavor.
* **2 Large Eggs:** Beaten, these act as a binder, helping the breadcrumbs adhere to the flour-coated fish.
* **Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil:** For frying. Use enough oil to submerge the fish fillets halfway.
**For the Tartar Sauce:**
* **1 cup Mayonnaise:** The base of the tartar sauce. Use your favorite brand.
* **2 tablespoons Sweet Pickle Relish:** Adds sweetness and a tangy crunch.
* **1 tablespoon Dill Pickle Relish:** Provides a more pronounced dill flavor.
* **1 tablespoon Lemon Juice:** Adds brightness and acidity.
* **1 tablespoon White Vinegar:** Enhances the tanginess of the sauce.
* **1 teaspoon Dried Dill:** Adds a classic dill flavor.
* **1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder:** Contributes a subtle savory flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon Salt:** To taste.
* **1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper:** To taste.
**For the Sandwich:**
* **4 Hamburger Buns:** Preferably steamed or lightly toasted. Steaming mimics the texture of the McDonald’s buns. Brioche buns also work well for a richer flavor.
* **4 slices American Cheese:** Optional, but it’s a key component of the classic Filet-O-Fish. You can substitute with cheddar or another cheese of your choice.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Shallow Dishes or Bowls:** For breading the fish.
* **Large Skillet or Deep Fryer:** For frying the fish.
* **Tongs or Slotted Spoon:** For handling the fish during frying.
* **Paper Towels:** For draining excess oil.
* **Small Bowl:** For mixing the tartar sauce.
* **Steamer Basket (Optional):** For steaming the buns.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making your copycat Filet-O-Fish:
**1. Prepare the Fish Fillets:**
* If using frozen fish, ensure the fillets are completely thawed. Gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the breading adhere better.
* Inspect the fillets for any pin bones. Remove them with tweezers if necessary. While most commercially sold fillets are deboned, it’s always a good idea to double-check.
**2. Set Up the Breading Station:**
* In a shallow dish or bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix well with a fork to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. This is your dry mixture.
* In a second shallow dish or bowl, beat the eggs lightly with a fork until the yolks and whites are fully combined. This is your wet mixture.
* In a third shallow dish or bowl, place the breadcrumbs. If using Panko breadcrumbs, you can lightly crush them with your hands to make them adhere better. If using Ritz crackers, crush them into fine crumbs before placing them in the bowl.
**3. Bread the Fish Fillets:**
* Take one fish fillet and dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated. Shake off any excess flour. The flour acts as a binder, helping the egg wash stick to the fish.
* Next, dip the floured fillet into the beaten egg, making sure it’s fully coated on both sides. Allow any excess egg to drip off. The egg helps the breadcrumbs adhere and creates a golden-brown crust.
* Finally, dredge the egg-coated fillet in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere evenly to all surfaces. Make sure the entire fillet is covered with breadcrumbs. This is what gives the fish its crispy texture.
* Repeat this process with the remaining fish fillets. Once breaded, the fillets can be refrigerated for up to 30 minutes before frying. This allows the breading to set and prevents it from falling off during frying. However, avoid refrigerating for longer than 30 minutes, as the breading may become soggy.
**4. Prepare the Tartar Sauce:**
* In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, dill pickle relish, lemon juice, white vinegar, dried dill, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
* Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more lemon juice for extra tanginess or more relish for added sweetness and crunch.
* Cover the tartar sauce and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it sits, the better it will taste. Tartar sauce can be made a day ahead of time.
**5. Fry the Fish Fillets:**
* Pour vegetable oil or canola oil into a large skillet or deep fryer, filling it to a depth of about 1/2 inch. The oil should be deep enough to submerge the fish fillets halfway. Using a deep fryer will provide more even cooking, but a skillet works just as well.
* Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of breadcrumb into it. If the breadcrumb sizzles and turns golden brown in about 15-20 seconds, the oil is ready.
* Carefully place the breaded fish fillets into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding the skillet will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy, unevenly cooked fish. Fry the fish in batches if necessary.
* Fry the fish fillets for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the fish should reach 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The fish should be flaky and easily separated with a fork.
* Remove the fried fish fillets from the skillet or deep fryer with tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil. This will help keep the fish crispy.
**6. Steam the Buns (Optional):**
* Steaming the buns is key to replicating the soft, pillowy texture of the McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish buns. If you have a steamer basket, place it over a pot of simmering water. Place the hamburger buns in the steamer basket and cover with a lid. Steam for 1-2 minutes, or until the buns are soft and pliable.
* If you don’t have a steamer basket, you can wrap the buns in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 10-15 seconds, or until they are soft. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become tough.
* Alternatively, you can lightly toast the buns in a toaster or under the broiler for a slightly crisper texture.
**7. Assemble the Filet-O-Fish Sandwiches:**
* Spread a generous amount of tartar sauce on the bottom bun.
* Place a slice of American cheese (optional) on top of the tartar sauce.
* Top with a fried fish fillet.
* Spread another layer of tartar sauce on the top bun.
* Place the top bun on top of the fish fillet to complete the sandwich.
**8. Serve and Enjoy!**
* Serve your homemade Filet-O-Fish sandwiches immediately while they are still warm and crispy. Enjoy with your favorite sides, such as french fries, coleslaw, or onion rings.
## Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Filet-O-Fish
* **Use Fresh, High-Quality Fish:** The key to a great Filet-O-Fish is using fresh, high-quality fish. Cod, haddock, or pollock are all excellent choices. Look for fillets that are firm and have a fresh, clean smell. Avoid fillets that look discolored or have a fishy odor.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** When frying the fish, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding the skillet will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy, unevenly cooked fish. Fry the fish in batches if necessary.
* **Use a Deep-Fry Thermometer:** Using a deep-fry thermometer is the best way to ensure that the oil is at the correct temperature. If the oil is too hot, the fish will burn on the outside before it’s cooked through on the inside. If the oil is too cold, the fish will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
* **Drain Excess Oil:** After frying the fish, be sure to drain off any excess oil by placing the fish on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help keep the fish crispy.
* **Steam the Buns:** Steaming the buns is key to replicating the soft, pillowy texture of the McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish buns. If you don’t have a steamer basket, you can wrap the buns in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 10-15 seconds.
* **Customize the Tartar Sauce:** Feel free to customize the tartar sauce to your liking. You can add more lemon juice for extra tanginess, more relish for added sweetness and crunch, or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
* **Make it a Meal:** Serve your homemade Filet-O-Fish sandwiches with your favorite sides, such as french fries, coleslaw, or onion rings. You can also add a side salad for a healthier option.
## Variations and Adaptations
* **Spicy Filet-O-Fish:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breading for a spicy kick. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the tartar sauce.
* **Garlic Parmesan Filet-O-Fish:** Add grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder to the breadcrumb mixture for a flavorful twist.
* **Lemon Herb Filet-O-Fish:** Add lemon zest and dried herbs, such as parsley, thyme, or oregano, to the breading for a bright and aromatic flavor.
* **Gluten-Free Filet-O-Fish:** Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make a gluten-free version of this recipe.
* **Air Fryer Filet-O-Fish:** For a healthier option, you can air fry the fish fillets instead of deep-frying them. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the breaded fish fillets with cooking spray and air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through.
## Serving Suggestions
* **Classic Combo:** Serve with crispy french fries and a creamy coleslaw.
* **Healthier Option:** Pair with a side salad and sweet potato fries.
* **Seafood Feast:** Serve alongside other seafood favorites like shrimp scampi or crab cakes.
* **Party Platter:** Cut the sandwiches into smaller portions and serve as appetizers at a party.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
* The tartar sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* The breaded fish fillets can be prepared up to 30 minutes in advance and stored in the refrigerator. However, avoid refrigerating for longer than 30 minutes, as the breading may become soggy.
* For best results, fry the fish fillets just before serving.
## Storage Instructions
* Leftover Filet-O-Fish sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
* To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in a microwave, but the breading may become soggy.
## Recipe Card
**Copycat McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish**
**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 4 fish fillets (cod, haddock, or pollock)
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika
* 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended)
* 2 large eggs, beaten
* Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying
**Tartar Sauce:**
* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
* 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon white vinegar
* 1 teaspoon dried dill
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
**Sandwich:**
* 4 hamburger buns
* 4 slices American cheese (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Prepare the fish fillets by patting them dry and removing any pin bones.
2. Set up the breading station with flour mixture, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
3. Bread the fish fillets by dredging in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
4. Prepare the tartar sauce by combining all ingredients in a bowl and refrigerating.
5. Heat oil in a skillet or deep fryer to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
6. Fry the fish fillets for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
8. Steam or toast the hamburger buns.
9. Assemble the sandwiches with tartar sauce, cheese (optional), fish fillet, and top bun.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy!
## Conclusion
There you have it – a delicious and satisfying copycat McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish recipe that you can easily make at home. With fresh ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy this classic sandwich without ever having to leave your kitchen. So, ditch the drive-thru and get cooking! You won’t be disappointed.