The Giant Fish Sandwich from Captain D's features a generous, flaky white fish fillet fried to golden perfection, layered with crisp lettuce and creamy tartar sauce, all nestled between a soft, toasted bun for a satisfying seafood experience.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Sheet pan or tray (for draining)
- Bun toaster or grill
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Portion scoop or spoon (for tartar sauce)
- Squeeze bottle or spoon (for tartar sauce, if pre-prepared)
- Sandwich assembly station / prep table
Ingredients
- 1 large white fish fillet (e.g., cod, pollock, or haddock)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 sandwich buns
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup tartar sauce
Ensure the white fish fillet you choose, such as cod, pollock, or haddock, is fresh and flaky for the best texture. Proper seasoning of the flour and cornmeal coating with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder enhances the fish's flavor. Soaking the fillet in buttermilk before dredging helps tenderize it and allows the coating to adhere better during frying. Use vegetable oil heated to the right temperature for a crispy golden finish without excess oil absorption. Your homemade Giant Fish Sandwich from Captain D's copycat menu will delight with its crispy fillet, crisp lettuce, and creamy tartar sauce in a toasted bun.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer to 350°F (175°C) and fill with vegetable oil.
- Set up breading station: combine flour, cornmeal, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl.
- Pour buttermilk into a separate bowl.
- Pat dry fish fillets with paper towels.
- Dip fish fillets into buttermilk, coating completely.
- Dredge fish fillets in the seasoned flour-cornmeal mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Use tongs to carefully lower breaded fillets into the hot oil.
- Fry fish fillets for 4-6 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove fish fillets with tongs and place on a sheet pan or tray lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Toast sandwich buns on a bun toaster or grill until lightly golden.
- Place bottom halves of buns on the sandwich assembly station.
- Add an even layer of shredded iceberg lettuce onto the bun bottoms.
- Place a fried fish fillet on top of the lettuce.
- Spoon or squeeze a generous portion of tartar sauce over the fried fish.
- Cap with the top half of the toasted bun.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Giant Fish Sandwich from Captain D's copycat menu can be customized by substituting the white fish fillet with other flaky, mild fish like tilapia or catfish if preferred. If you lack a deep fryer, a heavy skillet with a generous amount of oil can mimic frying to achieve a crispy crust. When making tartar sauce, using store-bought options works well for convenience and consistent flavor, but you can adjust the amount or add extra pickles or herbs to suit your taste. Toasting the buns on a grill or in a pan ensures they stay crisp and prevent sogginess from the sauce and fish. For a lighter variant, swapping the fried fish for a grilled fillet still pairs deliciously with the lettuce and tartar sauce while reducing oil consumption.
Tips
Ensure the fish fillet is thoroughly patted dry before dipping into buttermilk to help the breading adhere properly and prevent sogginess during frying. Maintain the oil temperature steadily at 350degF (175degC) to achieve a crisp, golden crust without overcooking the fish. Drain the fried fillets on paper towels to remove excess oil, keeping the sandwich from becoming greasy. When assembling, distribute the lettuce and tartar sauce evenly to balance texture and flavor in every bite, enhancing Your seafood sandwich experience.
Nutritions
The Giant Fish Sandwich delivers a rich source of protein from its large white fish fillet, providing essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and growth. Breaded and fried in vegetable oil, the sandwich contains moderate amounts of fats, including some saturated fats, contributing to its crispy texture and flavor. The iceberg lettuce adds a small boost of dietary fiber and vitamins, while the tartar sauce contributes additional fats and calories, primarily from mayonnaise and pickles. Your meal offers a balance of nutrients, but be mindful of the calorie and fat content typical of fried foods.
Storage
Store leftover Giant Fish Sandwich components separately to maintain optimal texture and flavor. Keep the fried fish fillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, reheating it in a toaster oven or air fryer to preserve its crispiness. Your sandwich buns and lettuce should be stored separately at room temperature and refrigerate the tartar sauce to prevent spoilage.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the all-purpose flour and cornmeal breading with panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese for a crunchier texture. To add a zesty twist, mix lemon zest or Cajun seasoning into the flour mixture before dredging the fish. Swap iceberg lettuce for arugula or butter lettuce to enhance the sandwich's freshness and flavor. For a healthier option, try baking the fish fillets at 400degF (200degC) for 15-20 minutes instead of deep frying.
Allergies
The Giant Fish Sandwich contains common allergens such as fish (cod, pollock, or haddock) and wheat (all-purpose flour and sandwich buns). The tartar sauce may also contain eggs, which is another potential allergen to be aware of. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, it's important to take caution or consult with the restaurant before consumption.
Why this recipe?
The Giant Fish Sandwich at Captain D's restaurant is favored for its generous portion size, crispy golden breading, and fresh, flaky fish fillets that deliver a satisfying texture and taste. Customers appreciate the combination of fresh lettuce, tangy pickles, and flavorful tartar sauce that enhances every bite, making it a well-balanced seafood sandwich. You will find it worthwhile to create a copycat version to enjoy the authentic flavors and indulgent experience at home while customizing it to your preferred seasoning and ingredients. Replicating this iconic menu item allows you to savor Captain D's quality seafood without leaving your kitchen.