Introduction and Preparing the Tartar Sauce

When it comes to the ultimate comfort food, the Fried Cod Fish Sandwich reigns supreme. It’s the kind of meal that feels nostalgic yet elevated—a crispy, golden cod fillet nestled in a perfectly toasted bun with tangy tartar sauce, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomato slices. Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next get-together, this recipe is guaranteed to hit all the right notes.

I remember the first time I made this dish—it was one of those days when I craved something indulgent but didn’t want to order takeout. With a little trial and error (and some mess in the kitchen), I nailed the crispy batter and found the perfect toppings. Now, this sandwich is a family favorite that feels like a hug in food form.

Let’s dive in and start with one of the stars of the show: the tartar sauce. Sure, you can buy it at the store, but trust me, homemade tartar sauce takes this sandwich to a whole new level of deliciousness.

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The Secret to Great Tartar Sauce

The tartar sauce is the ultimate companion to the crispy fried cod—it’s creamy, tangy, and adds just the right amount of zest. Making it from scratch is surprisingly simple and so worth it.

Ingredients for Homemade Tartar Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix it up: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Taste and adjust: Stir everything together until smooth. Taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed—add a little more lemon juice for extra tang or a pinch of salt for balance.
3. Chill: Pop it in the fridge while you prepare the rest of the recipe. Letting it chill for a bit allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Pro Tip: Love a little extra kick? Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of dill to your tartar sauce for a personalized twist!

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Prepping the Batter for That Perfect Crunch

Now that our tartar sauce is chilling in the fridge, let’s talk about the batter. The secret to crispy, golden cod lies in this light and airy coating. The combination of flour, cornstarch, and cold club soda creates a batter that fries up perfectly crisp without being heavy.

Batter Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cold club soda (or sparkling water)

Instructions:

1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the liquid: Gradually pour in the cold club soda while whisking. Stir just until the batter is smooth and has a pancake-like consistency. Be careful not to overmix—a few small lumps are totally fine.

Pro Tip: Keep the club soda as cold as possible. A chilled batter results in a crispier coating!

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Why This Sandwich Is a Game-Changer

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The cod is tender and flaky, the batter fries up golden and crispy, and the tartar sauce adds that creamy tanginess that ties everything together. And let’s not forget the toasted buns and fresh veggies—they add the perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move on to the exciting part—frying the cod and assembling your masterpiece.

Frying the Cod and Building the Sandwich

Now that you’ve prepped the batter and tartar sauce, it’s time to fry up that cod and assemble the most irresistible sandwich you’ve ever tasted. Frying fish might seem a little intimidating if you haven’t done it before, but with the right technique, it’s easier than you think—and trust me, the results are worth it!

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Step 1: Preheating the Oil

The key to crispy, golden fish is maintaining the right oil temperature. Too cool, and your batter will soak up the oil. Too hot, and the outside will burn before the fish cooks through.

Instructions:

1. Pour 1 cup of vegetable oil into a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, ensuring there’s enough to submerge the fish about halfway.
2. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a tiny bit of batter into the oil—it should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the fish. Frying in small batches helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures even cooking.

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Step 2: Coating and Frying the Cod

Now it’s time to take those flaky cod fillets and transform them into crispy, golden perfection.

Instructions:

1. Pat the fillets dry: Use paper towels to pat the cod fillets completely dry. This step is crucial for helping the batter stick.
2. Coat the fillets: Dip each fillet into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off before placing the fish in the oil.
3. Fry the cod: Gently lower the battered fillets into the hot oil. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the batter is golden brown and crispy, and the fish flakes easily with a fork (an internal temperature of 145°F/63°C).
4. Drain the excess oil: Remove the fillets from the pan using a slotted spoon or tongs, and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.

Pro Tip: For an extra-crispy coating, fry the fillets in two stages. After the initial frying, let them rest for a minute, then return them to the hot oil for a quick second fry.

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Step 3: Toasting the Buns

A toasted bun is the unsung hero of any great sandwich. It adds texture and keeps the bread from getting soggy.

Instructions:

1. While the cod is frying, lightly butter the inside of each sandwich bun.
2. Toast them in a skillet or under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, until golden and slightly crisp.

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Step 4: Assembling the Sandwich

Here’s where the magic happens! Layering the ingredients thoughtfully makes every bite a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Instructions:

1. Spread the tartar sauce: Start by spreading a generous layer of your homemade tartar sauce on the bottom half of each bun.
2. Add the veggies: Layer on shredded lettuce (or mixed greens) and a slice of ripe tomato. If you’re a pickle fan, add a couple of slices here for an extra tangy kick.
3. Top with the cod: Place a crispy fried cod fillet on top of the veggies.
4. Optional toppings: If you’re feeling fancy, now’s the time to add extras like coleslaw, thinly sliced red onion, or a slice of cheese (American, cheddar, or Swiss all work beautifully).
5. Finish with the top bun: Place the top half of the bun on the fillet, gently pressing it down to hold everything together.

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Step 5: Serving and Pairing

These sandwiches are best served immediately, while the cod is still crispy and the buns are warm. Serve them with a wedge of lemon on the side for a fresh burst of brightness.

Perfect Side Dishes:

• Fries: Classic French fries or sweet potato fries are always a win.
• Coleslaw: The tangy crunch complements the richness of the fish beautifully.
• Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the hearty sandwich.
• Potato Chips: A no-fuss option that pairs perfectly with the sandwich’s flavors.

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Why This Recipe is Foolproof

The combination of crispy fried cod, toasted buns, fresh toppings, and homemade tartar sauce creates a sandwich that’s flavorful, satisfying, and downright delicious. By taking the extra steps to pat the fish dry, use cold batter, and maintain the right oil temperature, you’ll achieve restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.