Tender and flaky on the inside and crunchy on the outside is what you get in this Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich recipe! Grab a toasted bun and tartar sauce, and don’t forget that cheese for the perfect lunch or dinner.

Crispy Fish Sandwich

Crispy Fish Sandwiches are a satisfying and delicious meal perfect for lunch or dinner. With a perfectly fried, crispy whitefish filet, creamy tartar sauce, and melted cheese, this sandwich offers a delightful crunch and flavor in every bite. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by all ages, making it a great option for family meals or casual gatherings.

I think that fish is food that gets overlooked in a lot of homes. At least it did here. People are nervous about cooking it “wrong” or intimidated by it, or just aren’t super experienced preparing fresh fish.

I get it!

Fish can be a fairly spendy protein and BAD fish has a bad wrap for a good reason. Overcooked fish is not your friend.

You don’t have to be nervous though. You can make delicious fish sandwiches at home that don’t take a lot of work at all, and are SO easy that anyone can make them!

Skip the frozen fish sticks and buy some fresh fish and let me help you to create that tender fish sandwich you always order at your favorite restaurant. Pair with some salty chips, fries, or even crisp veggies and you have one of my favorite dinners, ever.

What Makes The Best Fish Sandwich?

Nothing is better than using fresh fish to create a sandwich. If you are not lucky enough to catch fresh fish, head on to the store and go to the counter and pick out some nice filets. They will work just as well for this recipe!

This is a traditional breaded and fried fish sandwich. You use a simple seasoned flour mixture, an egg wash, and panko breadcrumbs for a crispy crust that has the perfect crunch when fried. If you want to skip the bun, feel free! My homemade fish sandwich tastes just as good without. We just love a hearty sandwich in our home, but the choice is entirely up to you.

I’ve used this exact recipe for fish & chips before when I’m looking for more crunch than a beer batter will typically provide.

Fish sandwiches are almost always tasty, just like a piece of pizza. Some are better than others, but you hardly ever run across a bad one.

What really makes or breaks things though is the crust.

This one has some seriously satisfying CRUNCH to it, so make sure and plan accordingly!

My basic seasoning mix for almost any meats I am cooking is a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs. Which herbs depend on what kind of meat I’m cooking, what I’m serving it with, and what kind of mood I’m in, but that’s the basics all of my always.

Get all of my Fish Recipes here!

Fish Sandwich shopping list

Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Flour Mixture
  • All-Purpose Flour
  • Garlic Powder
  • Salt
  • White Pepper
• Egg Wash
  • Large Eggs
  • Milk
• Panko Breadcrumbs
• Whitefish Filets
• Buns
• Cheese Slices
• Tartar Sauce
• Oil for Frying

Try our Homemade Fish Sticks, too!

How To Make a Breaded Fish Sandwich

Start by dipping your fish filets in your seasoned flour mixture, and tapping off any excess. Follow by dunking into your egg wash mixture, and then dip your fish in the panko-breadcrumbs and press down gently.

Your oil should be at 350°, and you’ll want to fry each filet until it is golden brown and the fish inside is flaky and white. This typically will take about 4-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the filet.

The process is straightforward to follow, and once you try making your fish fillets and see how easy it is, this recipe will become a must-have in your weekly meal plan.

Recipe Process Overview

1. Prepare Coatings: Combine flour mixture ingredients in one container. In another bowl, beat together the eggs and milk. Place panko in a separate bowl.
2. Coat Fish: Dredge each fish filet in the flour mixture, dip into the egg wash, and coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.
3. Fry Fish: Heat oil to 350°F. Fry the fish filets until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Drain: Remove fish from oil and drain on paper towels.
5. Assemble Sandwiches: Place the fried fish on buns, add cheese slices and tartar sauce, and serve.

Enjoy our Lingcod with Wine and Garlic

What toppings are best for a fish sandwich?

In our home, we reach for a good tartar sauce and cheese. If you have a homemade tartar sauce recipe, even better! You can do whatever you and your family enjoy. You could even slap on a slice of lettuce if you would like.

I even enjoy putting coleslaw on my sandwich! Where you live will depend on what you are used to seeing on a fish fillet sandwich at your local restaurants.

Slap on a toasted bun (another must), and you have one juicy sandwich waiting for you. The toasted bread adds a different flavor element and texture that completes the sandwich in my eyes.

Serve This With…

Need help deciding what to make with your sandwich, here are some of our favorite side dishes to consider.

• Greek Pasta Salad
• Fresh French Fries
• Vinegar Coleslaw
• Triple Berry Trifle