The Filet-O-Fish from McDonald's features a tender, flaky white fish fillet topped with tangy tartar sauce and melted American cheese, all nestled inside a soft, steamed bun for a classic, savory seafood sandwich experience.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry baskets
- Food thermometer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Bun steamer
- Cheese slicer
- Spatula
- Sandwich assembly station
- Sauce dispenser
- Serving trays
- Bun storage bin
- Fish filet holding tray
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) white fish fillets (e.g., pollock or cod)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cold water
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 soft hamburger buns
- 4 slices American cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
You should use fresh, flaky white fish fillets such as pollock or cod to replicate the authentic texture and flavor of the Filet-O-Fish. Maintaining cold water for the batter ensures a light, crispy coating when fried in vegetable oil at the right temperature. Soft hamburger buns must be gently steamed to achieve the signature moist and tender bun experience. The tartar sauce blend combining mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, finely chopped onion, and lemon juice balances the sandwich's savory profile perfectly. This McDonald's Filet-O-Fish copycat menu emphasizes fresh ingredients and precise techniques to deliver the classic seafood sandwich you love.
Instructions
- Preheat the deep fryer and fill with vegetable oil.
- Mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add cold water and stir until a smooth batter forms.
- Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels.
- Dip fillets into the batter, coating evenly.
- Carefully place battered fillets into the fryer basket.
- Lower basket into hot oil and fry until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes).
- Use a food thermometer to check fish is cooked (internal temp 145°F/63°C).
- Remove fillets with tongs and drain on a holding tray.
- Steam hamburger buns until soft using bun steamer.
- Mix mayonnaise, pickle relish, onion, and lemon juice in a bowl to prepare tartar sauce.
- Place bottom half of each steamed bun on assembly station.
- Add a fried fish fillet to each bun base.
- Place a slice of American cheese over each fillet.
- Dispense tartar sauce over the cheese.
- Top with the other half of each bun.
- Place assembled sandwiches on serving trays.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Filet-O-Fish copycat offers a deliciously tender white fish fillet with a crispy fried coating, melted American cheese, and tangy tartar sauce inside a soft steamed bun, mimicking the classic McDonald's favorite. If you can't find pollock or cod, tilapia or haddock are excellent alternatives for a similar texture and flavor. Use a food thermometer to ensure the fish is fried to a safe internal temperature of 145degF (63degC) for optimal safety and quality. When steaming buns, avoid over-steaming to keep them soft but not soggy, preserving the sandwich's ideal texture. Keep your tartar sauce chilled until assembly to maintain its fresh, tangy taste for your sandwich.
Tips
Make sure to pat your fish fillets completely dry before dipping them into the batter to ensure a crisp and even coating. Use a food thermometer to confirm the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145degF (63degC) for safe consumption. When frying, avoid overcrowding the fryer basket to maintain oil temperature and achieve a golden-brown crust. Your tartar sauce will taste best if you mix it fresh, balancing the flavors of mayonnaise, pickle relish, chopped onion, and lemon juice just before assembling the sandwich.
Nutritions
The Filet-O-Fish sandwich provides a source of protein from the 8 oz white fish fillets, typically pollock or cod, which are low in fat and rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids. The batter and deep frying add carbohydrates and fats, contributing to the caloric content, while the American cheese slice offers calcium and additional protein. The tartar sauce, made from mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, onion, and lemon juice, adds flavor but also increases fat and sodium levels. Your choice to enjoy this sandwich should consider its balance of macronutrients and how it fits within your overall dietary goals.
Storage
To maintain the freshness of your Filet-O-Fish sandwich, store the fried fish fillets separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, ensuring the internal temperature stays below 40degF (4degC). Keep steamed buns in a sealed bun storage bin or wrapped in plastic to preserve softness without drying out. Assemble the sandwich just before serving to prevent the tartar sauce from making the bun soggy and to enjoy the optimal texture and flavor balance.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute cod or pollock with tilapia or haddock for a similar mild flavor and flaky texture. For a healthier twist, bake the battered fish fillets at 425degF (220degC) for 12-15 minutes instead of deep frying, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 145degF (63degC). Swap the American cheese with a slice of smoked Gouda or cheddar for a richer taste. Your tartar sauce can also be customized by adding capers or chopped fresh dill to enhance the flavor profile.
Allergies
The Filet-O-Fish contains common allergens such as fish, wheat (from the flour in the breading and buns), and dairy (from the American cheese and tartar sauce). Your sensitivity to these ingredients could trigger allergic reactions ranging from mild to severe. Always check ingredient labels and inform restaurant staff about your allergies before ordering to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
The Filet-O-Fish from McDonald's features a perfectly crispy, golden fried fish fillet made from white Alaskan Pollock, topped with creamy tartar sauce and a slice of melted American cheese, all sandwiched between a soft, steamed bun. This combination delivers a well-balanced flavor profile that appeals to both seafood lovers and casual diners seeking a lighter alternative to traditional beef burgers. Its unique taste and texture make attempting a homemade copycat recipe worthwhile, allowing you to customize ingredients for freshness and dietary preferences while recreating the iconic fast-food experience. Your culinary skills can bring this classic menu item to life in your own kitchen, providing a satisfying and cost-effective alternative to dining out.