There is something truly special about a sandwich that combines crunch, flavor, and freshness all in one bite, which is exactly what this Crispy Fried Cod Sandwich Recipe delivers. Imagine tender, flaky cod fillets coated in a perfectly seasoned, golden crust, nestled within a soft brioche bun, and complemented with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, tangy pickles, and a zingy tartar sauce. This sandwich is an absolute showstopper for lunch, dinner, or any time you’re craving something satisfying that feels like a treat. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to shake up your sandwich routine, this recipe is simple to make yet indulgently delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Crispy Fried Cod Sandwich Recipe come together to create a harmony of textures and tastes. Each item plays a key role, from the crunchy coating to the creamy sauce and fresh veggies that add brightness and balance.
- 4 cod fillets (about 4–6 oz each): The star of the sandwich, providing flaky and mild white fish perfect for frying.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: To create a light base for the crispy coating that sticks perfectly to the fish.
- 1 cup cornmeal: Adds a wonderful crunch and a golden color to the crust.
- 2 eggs: Bind the coating together and help it adhere to the fillets evenly.
- ½ cup buttermilk: Tenderizes the fish and adds a subtle tang to the batter.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a smoky depth and vibrant color to the coating mix.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory note that pairs perfectly with the mild cod.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a touch of gentle heat and complexity.
- 4 brioche buns: Soft, buttery buns that cradle the sandwich layers without overwhelming them.
- ½ cup tartar sauce: Creamy and tangy, it ties all the flavors together.
- 4 lettuce leaves: Provide crisp freshness and a vibrant green touch.
- 4 tomato slices: Juicy sweetness that balances the fried elements.
- ½ cup pickles: Adds a punch of acidity and crunch to elevate the sandwich.
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a mild sharpness for extra flavor contrast.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: Neutral oil for achieving a perfectly crisp and golden crust.
How to Make Crispy Fried Cod Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Coating Mixture
Start by combining the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. This flavorful blend is what creates that iconic crispy shell on the cod fillets that makes this Crispy Fried Cod Sandwich Recipe so irresistible.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg and Buttermilk
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. This mixture not only acts as a glue for the coating but also imparts tenderness and a subtle tang that enhances the overall flavor of the fish.
Step 3: Coat the Cod Fillets
Gently pat each cod fillet dry using paper towels; this step is crucial for the coating to stick properly. Then, dip each fillet first into the flour mixture, followed by the egg and buttermilk blend, and finally back into the flour mixture again to achieve a double coating. This double-dip method ensures that every bite is covered in a satisfyingly crunchy crust.
Step 4: Fry the Cod Fillets
Heat your vegetable oil in a heavy skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the coated cod fillets in the hot oil and fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy. Once done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil, keeping the crust perfectly crisp and light.
Step 5: Toast the Brioche Buns and Assemble
While the fish is frying, lightly toast the brioche buns until they turn golden and slightly crispy on the edges. Spread a generous layer of tartar sauce on the bottom half of each bun, then layer with fresh lettuce, tomato slices, your crispy fried cod fillet, pickles, and thinly sliced red onions. Top with the remaining bun halves to complete the sandwich.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Crispy Fried Cod Sandwich Recipe hot, paired with your favorite sides. This sandwich is best enjoyed immediately so the contrast between the crunchy cod and soft bun truly shines.
How to Serve Crispy Fried Cod Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes to your Crispy Fried Cod Sandwich Recipe can elevate both the visual appeal and flavor complexity. Fresh dill or a sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note, while a squeeze of lemon juice over the fillets brings a lively citrus zing that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs wonderfully with classic fries, whether crispy potatoes or sweet potato fries, creating a delightful texture combo. For a lighter option, serve with a simple coleslaw or a crisp cucumber salad to refresh the palate and balance the fried fish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Crispy Fried Cod Sandwich Recipe open-faced with an extra drizzle of spicy aioli or a dash of hot sauce. Alternatively, place the sandwiches on a wooden board with small bowls of different dipping sauces like lemon garlic mayo, cocktail sauce, or even a tangy remoulade to let guests customize their flavor experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover sandwiches, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the coating may lose some of its crispness, so it’s best to reheat them properly.
Freezing
The cod fillets themselves freeze really well if you want to prepare ahead. After frying and cooling, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing the whole sandwich to maintain optimal texture.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers without sacrificing crispiness, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the cod fillets on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method revives the crunch while warming the fish evenly. Toast the buns separately to keep everything fresh.
FAQs
Can I use another type of fish instead of cod?
Absolutely! While cod is ideal for its flaky texture and mild flavor, other white fish like haddock, pollock, or tilapia work wonderfully in this Crispy Fried Cod Sandwich Recipe. Just adjust frying time slightly based on thickness.
How do I ensure the coating sticks to the fish properly?
Patting the fish dry is key before dredging it in the flour and egg mixtures. The double coating method—flour, egg, then flour again—creates a sturdy crust that adheres well and stays crunchy after frying.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to ½ cup of milk; let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This gives you the same tenderizing effect in the coating mix.
Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour and cornmeal for gluten-free alternatives, like rice flour or gluten-free cornmeal. Be sure your buns are gluten-free as well to maintain the sandwich’s integrity.
What’s the best oil to use for frying?
Use an oil with a high smoke point and neutral flavor such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. These options create the perfect crisp crust without adding unwanted flavors.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the joy of biting into a Crispy Fried Cod Sandwich Recipe that’s golden, crunchy, and bursting with fresh flavors. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between easy preparation and mouthwatering results, making it a must-try for anyone who loves comforting sandwiches with a seafood twist. Go ahead and give it a try—you’re going to love how it tastes and how effortlessly it comes together!
Print
Crispy Fried Cod Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Fried Cod Sandwich is a deliciously crunchy and flavorful seafood treat, featuring tender cod fillets coated with a seasoned flour and cornmeal crust, fried to golden perfection and served on toasted brioche buns with classic toppings like tartar sauce, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and red onion. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, this recipe combines a crisp exterior with moist, flaky fish inside.
Ingredients
For the Cod and Coating
- 4 cod fillets (about 4–6 oz each)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sandwich Assembly
- 4 brioche buns
- ½ cup tartar sauce
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 4 tomato slices
- ½ cup pickles
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to evenly distribute the spices throughout the flour and cornmeal mixture.
- Make the Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until fully blended; this will help the coating adhere to the cod fillets.
- Coat the Cod Fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Dip each fillet first into the flour mixture, then into the egg and buttermilk wash, and finally back into the flour mixture to ensure a thick, even coating.
- Fry the Cod: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry each coated cod fillet for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the crust is golden brown and the fish is cooked through. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Toast the Buns and Assemble: Toast the brioche buns lightly. Spread each bun bottom with tartar sauce, then layer with a lettuce leaf, a tomato slice, the crispy fried cod fillet, pickles, and thinly sliced red onion. Top with the bun crown.
- Serve: Serve the sandwiches hot with your favorite sides like fries or a salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make sure the oil temperature stays steady at around 350°F to ensure crispy, non-greasy fish.
- Use fresh cod fillets for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust seasoning in the coating to your taste—adding cayenne pepper can add a nice kick.
- To keep the crust crispy longer, place fried fillets on a wire rack rather than paper towels after frying.
- You can substitute brioche buns with other soft bread rolls if preferred.
