McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish has long held a special place in the fast food landscape, available throughout the year and loved for its simple yet satisfying flavor. Its widespread availability and familiar taste have made it a go-to choice for many, even sparking online protests when fans felt its size was shrinking. Despite its popularity and cult following, this iconic fish sandwich, complete with American cheese and tartar sauce, only managed to rank tenth in a recent taste test of 11 fast food fish sandwiches. One editor described it as “pretty bland” and suggested exploring “plenty of other fish sandwiches in the sea.”
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As fish fry season approaches, the question arises: which fast food fish sandwich truly deserves the crown? To uncover the answer, we consulted culinary experts to share their insights on what makes a fast food fish sandwich exceptional, and to reveal their top picks.
What Qualities Define the Best Fast Food Fish Sandwich?
According to chefs, several key characteristics distinguish a truly outstanding fish sandwich from the rest. If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate seafood sandwich experience, keep an eye out for these features:
Real Fish Fillet
Just like chicken nuggets and crispy chicken sandwiches, fast food fish sandwiches can vary significantly in their primary ingredient. They can be made with a whole fillet of fish or a processed, ground fish product. Chefs unanimously agree that a real fillet is the superior choice. Chef Iannarelli emphasizes its importance, stating it’s “the most important part of any fried fish, whether it’s for a sandwich or fish and chips.” For frying, the best fish are typically white, mild, lean, and firm, such as cod, haddock, pollock, or flounder. While fillet is preferred, some processed fish sandwiches can still be surprisingly good, as we’ll see later.
Crispy Coating
A crispy exterior is crucial for the best fish sandwich, providing a delightful textural contrast. Chef Schultz points out that many fast food fish sandwiches suffer from sogginess, lacking the “shatteringly crisp crunch” that elevates the experience of a fried fish fillet. A soggy coating can lead to a monotonous texture, where “the fish becomes the same texture of the bun,” diminishing the overall enjoyment.
Texture Contrast Between Fillet and Bun
Beyond a crispy coating, the interplay of textures is vital. Chefs highlight the importance of a soft bun to complement the crispy fish. Chef Iannarelli explains that “the sandwich should be built on a soft bun so the crispiness of the fish can shine through.” This contrast enhances the eating experience, making each bite more satisfying.
Crunchy Vegetables
For an added layer of crispness and flavor complexity, crunchy vegetables are essential. Pickles are a must-have for all three chefs. Chef Iannarelli even requests extra pickles, while Chef Schultz emphasizes the importance of their brininess. “The acidity plays such a key role [in] breaking through all the rich components of the sandwich and making a balanced bite every time.” Fresh lettuce is also a welcome addition, provided it’s crisp and fresh, not wilted.
Sauce to Harmonize Flavors
Tartar sauce reigns supreme as the preferred condiment for fish sandwiches among the chefs. Mayo is considered an acceptable alternative. Chef Iannarelli suggests that “hot sauce and malt vinegar are always welcome” for those seeking an extra kick of spice or tang, offering customizable flavor profiles.
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Chef-Recommended Best Fast Food Fish Sandwiches
Forget the Filet-O-Fish; it didn’t make the cut in this expert ranking. The title of Best Fast Food Fish Sandwich, according to our panel of chefs, goes to Culver’s North Atlantic Cod Sandwich. Chef Schultz declares it “the best, hands down,” a sentiment echoed by Chef Hill, both of whom are part of the Culver’s fan club.
These chefs acknowledge a potential bias, given their Wisconsin roots, the home state of Culver’s. Chef Schultz considers this sandwich an “underrated fast food item,” highlighting Culver’s use of North Atlantic cod. This fish maintains its texture when fried, and as Schultz notes, “It’s not a mysterious, perfect square shape like the other places.”
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Chef Schultz raves about the batter’s crispiness, comparing it to a “beer batter” that “elevates this sandwich to make it seem like you’re eating a non-fast food sandwich.” The perfectly fried fillet is complemented by crisp lettuce, a touch of Cheddar cheese, and Culver’s signature tartar sauce recipe.
Chef Hill agrees on the exceptional fish quality, stating, “the quality of their fish really stands out.” However, she does mention a couple of minor drawbacks: the bun is “too dense for the delicate fish fillet,” and pickles, while available for free, must be specifically requested. These points led Chef Hill to declare a tie for her top pick.
Runner-Up Fast Food Fish Sandwiches (Tied)
Two other contenders earned a runner-up position, each receiving a vote from one chef:
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Popeyes Classic Flounder Fish Sandwich: Chef Hill’s other top pick, this “seasonal menu item” features a “fried fish patty” that is “perfectly spiced rather than just deep-fried,” boasting “exceptionally crunchy breading, just like their famous chicken.” She also appreciates Popeyes’ Spicy version with its “mayo with a kick.” The Classic version, with tartar sauce, lettuce, and pickles, also delivers excellent flavor. Chef Hill suggests that “If Popeyes opted for a breaded fish fillet like Culver’s, they would be unstoppable.”
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Long John Silver’s Fish Sandwich: Chef Iannarelli champions this fast food seafood chain’s sandwich. “The batter is what moves this to the top of my list,” she explains. It features a fried, flaky Alaska pollock fillet, accompanied by tartar sauce, pickles, and a soft bun. Lettuce is available upon request.
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Crafting Your Best Fast Food Fish Sandwich Meal at Home
While these fast food fish sandwiches are all highly recommended, chefs acknowledge that personal preferences can lead to minor tweaks for the perfect bite. If you have the time and inclination, creating your ideal fish sandwich at home can be a rewarding culinary adventure.
Begin with homemade hamburger buns using Chef John’s recipe, whip up a batch of classic tartar sauce, prepare some refrigerator pickles, and then follow a recipe for crispy fried fish, or even a copycat McDonald’s Filet-o-Fish Sandwich recipe. To complete your ultimate fish basket meal, add sweet restaurant slaw and sides like hush puppies or french fries. This homemade approach allows for full customization and the potential to create your very own best fast food fish sandwich experience.
