The Fish Sandwich You Can't Miss
The Fish Sandwich You Can't Miss is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 600 calories per serving. Recipe by All Wings Everything on YouTube.
Prep: 22 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 42 min
Cost: $10.93 total, $5.47 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Red Snapper Fillets (about 6 oz each, skin removed)
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (for dredging)
- 2 tablespoons Buttermilk Powder (adds tangy flavor to coating)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning (spice blend for fish)
- 1 large Egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon Hot Sauce (adds heat to egg wash)
- 2 cups Vegetable Oil (neutral oil for deep frying)
- 2 pieces Sesame Seed Bun (soft bun with sesame seeds)
- 0.25 cup Mayonnaise (base for tarar sauce)
- 2 tablespoons Sweet Pickle Relish (adds sweetness and crunch)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (seasoning)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Make Tarar Sauce
In a mixing bowl combine mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, a pinch of salt and pepper, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Seasoned Flour
In another bowl whisk together all‑purpose flour, buttermilk powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you don’t have seasoned flour, add garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to regular flour.
Time: PT3M
Season the Fish
Sprinkle Cajun seasoning evenly over both sides of the fish fillets and gently pat it in.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Egg Wash
Crack the egg into a small bowl, add hot sauce, and whisk until fully blended.
Time: PT2M
Dredge the Fish
Coat each fillet first in the seasoned flour, then dip into the egg wash, and finally back into the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
Time: PT5M
Heat Oil
Fill the Dutch oven with vegetable oil to a depth of about 1‑1.5 inches. Heat over medium‑high until the oil reaches 350°F, using a thermometer.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Fry the Fish
Carefully lower the coated fillets into the hot oil. Fry for 4‑5 minutes, turning once, until the coating is golden‑brown and the fish is cooked through.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Rest the Fish
Remove the fillets with tongs and place on a cooling rack to drain excess oil for 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Assemble the Sandwich
Slice the sesame seed buns, spread a generous layer of tarar sauce on each side, place a hot fish filet on the bottom bun, then top with the other bun.
Time: PT3M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 600
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 30 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Contains fish, Contains egg, Contains sesame
Allergens: Fish, Egg, Dairy, Wheat, Sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Red Snapper Fillets: any firm white fish such as cod, halibut, tilapia
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Buttermilk Powder: liquid buttermilk (use 2 Tbsp liquid)
- Instead of Cajun Seasoning: paprika and cayenne mix
- Instead of Egg: egg substitute or 1 Tbsp aquafaba
- Instead of Hot Sauce: Sriracha or chili flakes
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: canola oil, peanut oil
- Instead of Sesame Seed Bun: any sandwich bun, brioche bun
- Instead of Mayonnaise: aioli, Greek yogurt
- Instead of Sweet Pickle Relish: diced pickles
- Instead of Lemon Juice: bottled lemon juice
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Fork
- Shallow Dish
- Dutch Oven
- Food Thermometer
- Tongs
- Cooling Rack
- Cutting Board
- Spatula
- Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Heat oil to 350°F before adding fish
- Fry fish until golden crisp (4‑5 minutes)
- Properly dredge fish using flour, egg wash, then flour again
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra crunch, mix panko breadcrumbs into the seasoned flour
- Maintain oil temperature by adjusting heat between batches
- Pat the fish dry with paper towels before dredging to improve adhesion
Troubleshooting
Fish is not crispy
Make sure the oil is at 350°F before adding the fillet and avoid crowding the pan; also pat the fish dry before dredging.
Sauce is too watery
Add a bit more mayonnaise or let the sauce sit refrigerated for 10‑15 minutes to thicken.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover fish and buns separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days
Freezer: Not recommended; fish may become soggy
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the tarar sauce up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate
- Seasoned flour mixture can be stored in an airtight container for a few days
- If needed, keep fried fish warm in a low oven (200°F) but serve within 30 minutes for best texture
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the Ultimate Fish Filet Sandwich in American cuisine?
The fish sandwich has roots in coastal American fare, especially in New England and the South where fried fish is a staple. This version adds a Southern‑style Cajun kick and a tangy mayo‑relish sauce, reflecting the fusion of Southern comfort food with classic fish‑and‑chips tradition.
What are the traditional regional variations of fried fish sandwiches in the United States?
In the Northeast, you’ll find the classic New England fish sandwich served on a plain bun with tartar sauce. The Southern version often uses a spicy Cajun rub and a buttery bun, while West Coast styles may incorporate avocado or a citrus‑yogurt sauce. The Ultimate Fish Filet Sandwich blends Southern spice with a creamy tarar sauce.
How is the Ultimate Fish Filet Sandwich traditionally served in Southern American cuisine?
It’s typically served hot on a soft sesame‑seed bun, topped with a generous spread of mayo‑relish sauce, and accompanied by pickles or coleslaw on the side. The fish is fried to a golden crisp, and the sandwich is eaten immediately for maximum crunch.
What occasions or celebrations is the Ultimate Fish Filet Sandwich associated with in American culture?
Fried fish sandwiches are popular at casual gatherings, beach picnics, and Southern BBQs. They’re also a favorite menu item at fish‑shack festivals and summer cook‑outs where quick, hearty handhelds are prized.
What authentic ingredients make the Ultimate Fish Filet Sandwich unique compared to a standard fish sandwich?
The use of red snapper (or any firm white fish), buttermilk powder in the coating, Cajun seasoning, and a homemade tarar sauce made from mayo, sweet pickle relish, lemon juice, and a dash of hot sauce set this sandwich apart from a basic fish sandwich that might only use plain flour and tartar sauce.
What other Southern American dishes pair well with the Ultimate Fish Filet Sandwich?
Serve it alongside classic sides like coleslaw, hush‑puppy cornmeal fritters, sweet potato fries, or a simple cucumber‑tomato salad. A cold glass of sweet tea or a light lager complements the spicy, creamy flavors nicely.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Ultimate Fish Filet Sandwich?
Common errors include frying at too low a temperature, which makes the coating soggy; overcrowding the pan, which drops the oil temperature; and not patting the fish dry before dredging, which prevents the coating from adhering properly.
Why does this recipe use buttermilk powder instead of liquid buttermilk in the coating?
Buttermilk powder mixes evenly into the flour, giving a consistent tang without adding extra moisture that could make the batter too thin. It also extends shelf life and makes the coating crispier when fried.
Can I make the Ultimate Fish Filet Sandwich ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the tarar sauce and seasoned flour mixture up to a day ahead. Fry the fish just before serving for optimal crispness; if needed, keep the fried fillets warm in a 200°F oven for up to 20 minutes. Store components separately in the refrigerator.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the fish is done cooking?
The coating should be a deep golden‑brown, flaky, and crisp to the touch. The fish interior should be opaque and flake easily with a fork, indicating it has reached an internal temperature of 145°F.
What does the YouTube channel All Wings Everything specialize in?
The YouTube channel All Wings Everything focuses on bold, flavor‑forward recipes that often feature wings, fried foods, and hearty comfort dishes, delivering step‑by‑step tutorials with a fun, energetic style.
How does the YouTube channel All Wings Everything's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
All Wings Everything emphasizes high‑impact seasoning blends, quick‑fire cooking techniques, and a casual, entertaining presentation, often incorporating unconventional twists like Cajun spices or unique sauces that set its recipes apart from more traditional, instructional cooking channels.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
