Description
This Golden Cod Sandwich with Creamy Homemade Tartar Sauce is the perfect balance of crispy, flaky fish and smooth, tangy sauce. With golden-brown cod fillets and a rich, homemade tartar sauce, this easy 25-minute recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it’s a family-friendly meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cod fillets (4–6 oz each)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For the Tartar Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles or relish
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped capers (optional)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Assembly:
- 4 sandwich buns or brioche rolls
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 4 tomato slices
- 4 slices cheddar or American cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cod: Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls — one with flour and garlic powder, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Coat each fillet in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so the coating sticks.
- Fry the Cod: Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each fillet for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain.
- Make the Tartar Sauce: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, pickles, lemon juice, mustard, parsley, onion powder, and capers if using. Season with salt and pepper. Chill for 20 minutes before serving.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Toast buns lightly. Spread tartar sauce on both halves, layer with lettuce, tomato, a crispy cod fillet, and cheese if desired. Top with more tartar sauce and close the sandwich.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with fries, salad, or lemon wedges.
Notes
Use haddock or tilapia if cod isn’t available. For a lighter version, bake or air fry the fish at 400°F for 15–18 minutes. The tartar sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 7 days. Toasting the buns helps prevent sogginess. Add a pinch of cayenne or Cajun seasoning for a spicy twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg