Copycat McDonalds Filet-o-Fish

Get ready to unlock the secret for creating McDonald’s famous Copycat McDonald’s Filet-o-Fish right in your own kitchen. You can enjoy that iconic crispy, golden fish filet and creamy tartar sauce with just a few simple ingredients-no drive-thru needed!

A breaded McDonalds Filet-O-Fish with mayonnaise, served with French fries on a white plate. A glass of iced drink and a potted plant are in the background.

McDonald’s Filet-o-Fish Sandwich

McDonald’s Filet O Fish sandwich might not always get the same spotlight as their burgers do, but it definitely has many loyal fans! Now you can whip up this copycat version right at home and skip the drive-thru. Soft buns, melted American cheese, a crispy fish filet, and a tangy tartar sauce come together to make one irresistible sandwich.

You’ll even get the recipe for their delicious tartar sauce. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a classic fast-food favorite that tastes just as good, if not better, than McDonald’s version. Plus, you can customize it to your taste and make it as mild or as spicy as you like.

For the perfect sweet treat to finish this meal, you should also try this copycat McDonald’s Eggnog Milkshake!

Why You’ll Love Our Copycat Filet-o-Fish Recipe

Crispy perfection – Panko breadcrumbs create a wonderfully crispy crust on the fish, giving each bite a delicious crunch.
Classic flavor – This recipe brings the same flavors of the classic fast-food sandwich taste right to your kitchen.
Homemade tartar sauce – The creamy, tangy tartar sauce takes the sandwich to a whole new level.
Quick and easy – With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s easier to make than it is to take a trip to the golden arches!

Ingredients For this McDonald’s Copycat Recipe

Ingredients for McDonalds Filet-O-Fish include cod fillets, kosher salt, egg, mayonnaise, dijon mustard, cornstarch, flour, paprika, panko breadcrumbs, light oil, soft brioche buns or potato buns, and American cheese slices. For homemade tartar sauce ingredients are mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, sugar, and white onion.

For the Fish Filets

Cod filets – You can use tilapia fillets or any firm, flaky white fish, like cod for this recipe.
Kosher salt – Season the fish with kosher salt to bring out its natural flavor.
Egg – The egg helps the coating stick to the fish perfectly.
Mayonnaise – The creaminess helps the breadcrumbs stick.
Dijon Mustard – Dijon mustard gives a subtle tangy kick to the mayo mixture.
Cornstarch – Ensures the coating on the fish is crispy and light.
Flour – Flour helps the egg mixture adhere to the fish to create the crust.
Paprika – Adds a bit of color and a mild, smoky flavor.
Panko breadcrumbs – Create a light and crispy crust when fried.
Light oil – Use light oil for frying to get a golden, crispy texture.
Soft brioche buns or potato buns – Perfect for holding the fish and toppings.
American cheese slices – A melty cheese that is so delicious with the fried fish.

Homemade Tartar Sauce

Mayonnaise – Mayonnaise forms the base of the tartar sauce, making it smooth and creamy.
Dill pickle relish – Dill pickle relish adds a tangy flavor to the sauce.
Sugar – Balances the tartness of the relish.
White Onion – Finely chopped onion gives the sauce a bit of bite.

How to Make this McDonald’s Fish Sandwich

Step One: Combine Wet Ingredients

A metal bowl with a mustard-based batter, a plate with raw fish fillets, and a container of breadcrumbs sit on a white marble countertop. An orange kitchen item is visible in the upper right corner for McDonalds Filet-O-Fish

Pat fillets dry with paper towels and set them aside.
In a bowl whisk together your egg, mayo, mustard, corn starch and flour and ½ teaspoon of the kosher salt.

Step Two: Make the Breadcrumb Mixture

A paper plate with a blue floral design holds several pieces of breaded McDonalds Filet-O-Fish on a white marble surface.

In a food processor pulse your panko breadcrumbs a bit just to get them a little finer.
Combine the breadcrumbs with the paprika and the remaining salt.

Step Three: Fry the Fish

Three pieces of golden-brown breaded McDonalds Filet-O-Fish on a white paper towel.

Heat about an inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As the oil heats, dredge the filets in the wet batter then in the dry and set aside.
Once all the filets are breaded add them to the hot oil, careful not to overcrowd. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes per side until crispy golden brown on each side.
Set them on a wire rack or a large plate lined with a paper towel to drain any excess grease.

Step Four: Make the Tarter Sauce

Four small bowls containing mayonnaise, chopped onions, pickles in liquid, and salt, arranged on a white marble surface for McDonalds Filet-O-Fish recipe

Meanwhile make your tartar sauce by combining the mayo, relish, sugar and onion.

Step Five: Assemble the Sandwich and Serve

A white plate contains three open-faced sandwiches with breaded McDonalds Filet-O-Fish and cheese.

To assemble your sandwiches, place a slice of American cheese on the bottom buns and top with a hot filet.
Spoon your homemade delicious tartar sauce on top of each crispy fish filet and top them with the top buns.

How to Store Leftovers

Three pieces of breaded fish topped with cheese and a dollop of white sauce on a plate, with bread halves in the background on a marble surface for McDonalds Filet-O-Fish recipe

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

What Kind of Fish Should I Use?

For a crispy and flavorful fish sandwich, you can use other firm, flaky white fish varieties besides cod. Some good alternatives include:

Haddock –Similar to cod, haddock has a mild flavor and firm texture.
Pollock – Often used in fish sticks and fillets, it has a delicate taste and good flakiness.
Halibut – A bit firmer and thicker, halibut is excellent for frying and grilling.
Tilapia – Mild and versatile, tilapia works well for breaded and fried dishes.
Snapper – Offers a slightly sweet flavor and firm texture, making it a great choice for a crispy coating.

What is the McDonalds Filet o Fish Price?

A plate of McDonalds Filet-O-Fish sandwich and fries sits on a striped napkin, accompanied by a glass of iced soda and a potted plant.

The price you can expect to pay for the famous filet-o-fish is between $4.50 and $5.00, depending on where in the country you live.

What to Serve with Filet-o-Fish Sandwiches?

French fries or waffle fries
Coleslaw
Sweet potato fries
Potato wedges
Garden salad
Onion rings
Tater Tots
Steamed vegetables

Variations and Add-ins

Slider version – For a small, kid-size version, you can make these sandwiches with smaller fish fillets and use slider buns.
Lemon juice – Add a splash of lemon juice to the fish or tartar sauce for an extra tangy kick.
Seasonings – Add a sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper or black pepper for more flavor.
Breadcrumbs – Substitute panko with regular bread crumbs if you prefer a different texture.
Cheese – Use any melty cheese you prefer. McDonald’s uses half a slice of cheese, so you can use either half or a whole slice depending on your preference.
Pickles, lettuce tomatoes – Feel free to add pickles, tomatoes for lettuce for extra freshness.
Steamed buns – Steam your buns for a soft, authentic touch that mimics the fast-food original.
Store-bought tartar sauce: You can use store-bought tartar sauce if you’d like a quicker option.

Other Helpful FAQs

Can I use frozen fish fillets?

Yes, you can use frozen fish fillets. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before breading and frying.

How do I get the fish crispy?

Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the fish, and don’t overcrowd the pan. This allows each piece to fry evenly and get a golden, crispy crust.

Can I make the tartar sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the tartar sauce a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

Can I bake the fish instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the fish. Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the breaded fish on a baking sheet, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the coating is crispy.

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Categories:

American, Copycat Recipe, Fish, Food,

Copycat McDonalds Filet-o-Fish

McDonald’s Filet-o-Fish Sandwich

Why You’ll Love Our Copycat Filet-o-Fish Recipe