Crispy Fish Sandwiches with Pickle Slaw
In short: Cornmeal-coated white fish fried in a shallow layer of oil, stacked on soft buns with a crunchy pickle slaw and a creamy lemon sauce. It takes about 35 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 35 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 650 kcal
A good fish sandwich is all about contrast: a crisp coating, soft fish, crunchy slaw and a toasted bun. The cornmeal and flour crust fries in a shallow layer of oil, so you do not need a deep fryer. The slaw is dressed with pickle brine for sharpness, which cuts through the richness of the fried fish. Make it for a casual dinner when everyone wants something satisfying.
Instructions
- Toss the cabbage, carrot, pickles, pickle brine, 2 tbsp mayonnaise and 1/4 tsp salt in a bowl. Chill while you cook the fish.
- Stir the 4 tbsp mayonnaise, lemon juice and capers together for the sauce.
- Trim each fillet to fit a bun and pat dry. Mix the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a shallow dish, and pour the buttermilk into another.
- Dip each fillet in the buttermilk, let the excess drip off, then press it into the cornmeal mixture to coat both sides.
- Heat the oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat to about 180°C (350°F), until a pinch of coating sizzles at once. Fry the fish for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until deep golden and 63°C (145°F) inside.
- Drain on a rack or paper towels. Spread sauce on the buns, add lettuce, fish and a pile of slaw, and serve immediately.
Tips
- Keep the oil at a steady heat. If it smokes, lower the flame, and if the coating looks pale and greasy, raise it.
- To bake instead, spray the coated fish with oil and bake at 220°C (425°F) for 12 to 14 minutes on a hot tray.
Questions and answers
What fish is best for fish sandwiches?
Cod, pollock, haddock and hake stay in large flakes and fry well. Choose thick, even fillets.
Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
It keeps in the fridge for a day, though the cabbage softens as it sits. For the best crunch, dress it up to 2 hours before eating.
Is there a way to avoid deep frying?
Shallow frying uses far less oil than a deep fryer, and baking on a hot tray also gives a crisp crust. Both work well here.
How long does it take to make Crispy Fish Sandwiches with Pickle Slaw?
About 35 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Crispy Fish Sandwiches with Pickle Slaw?
About 650 kcal per serving, with 35 g of protein, 52 g of carbohydrates and 34 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 650 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Fat | 34 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 1250 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
