By: Jill Mills Posted: Oct 15, 2024

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

If you’re a fan of the iconic McDonald’s Filet O Fish, then you’re in for a treat! This copycat Filet O Fish recipe perfectly captures that beloved flavor you crave. Imagine biting into a golden, crispy fillet of perfectly seasoned cod, just like the original, but even better because it’s homemade! Plus, we’ve included a creamy homemade tartar sauce that takes this sandwich to the next level.

A close-up of a person holding a Filet-O-Fish sandwich, with the golden fish fillet visible between the top and bottom buns.

Homemade Filet O Fish Sandwich

The well-known fried fish sandwich is very underrated. Most people go to McDonald’s for nuggets or a Big Mac, but I love the Filet O Fish. It’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside with a tangy sauce and cheese. It’s the few seafood items that I enjoy eating with cheese. Now that I make it at home, it saves me trips out for fast food. This recipe features crispy cod filets, which are mild fish that fries well and takes on flavor, too.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Filet O Fish

Easy to make. This is a simple fried fish sandwich recipe that anyone can put together.
Great copycat. This is by far the closest out of other copycat Filet O Fish recipes.
30-minute meal. Preparing and cooking takes less than 30 minutes, making this a great quick dinner.

Another angle of the Filet-O-Fish sandwich served with fries, garnished with a parsley bunch in the background and a glass of soda on a wooden surface.

What You’ll Need

You receive two recipes here — the sandwich and the tartar sauce. If you prefer, you may use your favorite store-bought tartar sauce. The ingredients needed for the Filet O Fish are easy to find and affordable!

For the sandwiches

Cod filets: Pat your fish filets dry before coating them to ensure the breading sticks well. I also use skinless cod.
Egg: This is an important ingredient in the wet mixture because it helps the breading stick to the fish.
Mayonnaise: I add mayo to the mixture as well to add to the fat content. It keeps the fish tender as it cooks.
American Cheese: To make an authentic filet-o-fish sandwich use a half slice of American cheese on your sandwich.
Dijon mustard: The tangy and slightly spicy mustard brightens the sandwich.
Cornstarch and flour: I use a combination of cornstarch and flour to keep the coating light and crispy.
Spices: Paprika and salt are mixed with the panko for flavor. I also add some salt to the wet dredge to make sure that every layer is well seasoned.
Breadcrumbs: I like panko breadcrumbs for this recipe because they make the fish extra crispy.
Potato buns: McDonald’s uses potato buns, so I do as well to keep it authentic.

For the tartar sauce

Mayonnaise: This is the base for the tartar sauce. It adds fat and richness.
Dill relish: I use dill relish for texture, and the sour flavor balances the other ingredients.
Sugar: I add a little sugar to balance the pickle flavor.
White onion: Finely dice white onion for texture. It also makes the sauce taste a lot like McDonald’s recipe.

Overhead view of the ingredients needed for making a Filet-O-Fish sandwich, including fish fillets, breadcrumbs, spices, mayonnaise, flour, egg, mustard, cheese slices, and sandwich buns arranged on a marble countertop.

How to Make Filet O Fish

Make the wet mixture. Add the egg, mayo, mustard, cornstarch, flour, and ½ teaspoon of salt to a mixing bowl. Whisk the ingredients until they are well combined.
Pulse and season the breadcrumbs. For finer crumbs, I like to pulse the panko in a food processor. Then pour them into a separate bowl and stir in the remaining salt and paprika.

Overhead view of the preparation process showing raw fish fillets on a plate, a bowl with batter mixture, and a tray of breadcrumbs ready for coating.

A plate with breaded fish fillets ready for frying, covered in golden breadcrumbs on a paper plate with blue leaf designs.

Prep the skillet. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.
Dredge the fish. Coat each fish filet in the wet mixture and then the breadcrumbs.
Fry. Add the filets to the hot oil and fry them for 3-4 minutes per side or until they are golden brown. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up extra grease.

Ingredients for homemade tartar sauce, including chopped pickles, diced onions, salt, and mayonnaise arranged in small bowls.

A bowl of creamy homemade tartar sauce, with small bits of onions and pickles visible throughout.

Make the tartar sauce. Combine the mayo, relish, sugar, and onion in a small bowl. Stir the ingredients until they are well mixed.
Assemble and serve. Place a slice of American cheese on the bottom of each steamed bun and then put a hot piece of fish on top. Spread the tartar sauce on the top bun and enjoy your tasty fish sandwich.

A Filet-O-Fish sandwich with golden fries and a soft drink in a glass, placed on a plate and surrounded by a rustic wooden setting, garnished with parsley in the background.

Tips for Success

Steam the buns. For a more authentic experience, steam the potato buns before assembling the sandwiches. You can substitute steamed brioche buns if you prefer.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet. If necessary, fry the fish filets in batches. If you overcrowd the pan, they will not cook properly.
Add more toppings. Try adding lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles to your sandwiches.
Save just the fish filets. When saving leftovers, do not save sandwiches. Keep the layers separate, or the buns will become soggy.

A side view of the Filet-O-Fish sandwich with melted cheese and creamy mayonnaise served with fries and soda on a rustic blue plate and wooden surface.

Proper Storage

Any leftover fish filets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent them from becoming soggy, reheat them in the oven. If you choose to freeze the cooked filets, you should place them in a reusable bag, and you can freeze them for up to 2 months.

Copycat Filet O Fish Recipe