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McDonald's Filet-O-Fish (Copycat)
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About
• 1 pound (450g) white fish fillets (cod, pollock, or haddock), cut into 4 thick squares
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (1g) black pepper
• Vegetable oil for deep frying
FOR THE BREADING:
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 2 Tablespoons (30ml) milk or water
• 1 cup (115g) fine unseasoned breadcrumbs (pulse panko in a blender if it's too chunky)
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt
FOR THE TARTAR SAUCE:
• 1/2 cup (120ml) mayonnaise
• 2 Tablespoons (30g) sweet pickle relish
• 1 Tablespoon (10g) finely minced white onion (or 1 teaspoon onion powder)
• 1/2 teaspoon (2ml) lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
FOR ASSEMBLY:
• 2 soft, plain hamburger buns
• 1 slices American cheese, cut in half
Recipe
- 1First, let's get our fish squared away — literally. Take your white fish fillets and trim them into 4 even square blocks, about 3x3 inches so they fit the bun perfectly. Season them lightly on both sides with salt and pepper.
- 2Mix up that iconic tartar sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayo, sweet pickle relish, minced onion, lemon juice, and dried parsley. Stir it well and let it chill in the fridge so the flavors meld together. Don't skip the chill time; it thickens the sauce up.
- 3Set up a standard breading station in three separate shallow dishes: flour in the first, whisked egg and milk in the second, and the fine breadcrumbs mixed with salt in the third. Dip each fish square into the flour, then the egg wash, and finally pack on the breadcrumbs. You want a tight, even coating with no bald spots.
- 4Heat your vegetable oil to 350°F (180°C) in a deep skillet or pot. Carefully drop in the breaded fish squares and fry for about 4 to 5 minutes until they're beautifully golden brown and crispy. Transfer them to a wire rack so they don't get soggy underneath.
- 5Here is the biggest secret to a real Filet-O-Fish: you must STEAM the buns. Do not toast them! Wrap your plain hamburger buns in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 10-15 seconds until they are incredibly warm, soft, and squishy.
- 6Time to build. On the bottom steamed bun, place exactly ONE HALF slice of American cheese. Yes, just half — that's the authentic McDonald's ratio so the cheese doesn't overpower the delicate fish. Place your hot, crispy fish square right on top of the cheese to start melting it. Slather a generous amount of tartar sauce on the top bun and crown your sandwich. Dig in immediately!