Fish sandwiches are popular in regions of the United States where fresh seafood is readily available. This includes the Gulf Coast, the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, and the Great Lakes region. In the 20th century, fish sandwiches became a menu item at many fast food chains, making them available around the country. The fish fillets are typically breaded and fried, then served on a bun and often topped with lettuce and tartar sauce. Wedges of lemon are commonly served on the side.
Recipe Servings: 4
+ 20 minutes resting
Ingredients
Fish:
- Vegetable oil, as needed for frying
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- 1 Tbsp kosher salt
- 1 bottle (12 oz) amber beer
- 2 tsp hot sauce
- 2 fish fillets (about 6 oz each), cut in half
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Lemon Tarragon Tartar Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp minced bread and butter pickles
- 2 Tbsp minced scallions
- 1 Tbsp capers, drained and coarsely chopped
- 1 Tbsp minced fresh tarragon
- 1 tsp stone ground mustard
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Assembly:
Directions
- Fill a Dutch oven halfway full with oil and heat to 350°F.
- Whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- Whisk in the beer, stirring until no lumps remain. Season with hot sauce.
- Season fish fillets on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Working one at a time, dip each fillet in beer batter and add to the fryer.
- Fry 3–4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until brown and crispy.
- Transfer fried fillets to a wire rack on a baking sheet and season with salt and pepper.
- Repeat process with remaining fillets.
- Blend together mayonnaise, pickles, scallions, capers, tarragon, mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a large bowl.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve, about 20 minutes.
- Spread the tartar sauce on the bottoms and tops of the rolls.
- Add the fillets and top with desired amount of lettuce.
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
For Fish:
For Lemon Tarragon Tartar Sauce:
For Assembly:
Recipe introduction and directions © Copyright 2016-2026 World Trade Press. All rights reserved.
Recipes and food information are shared for cultural and educational purposes. Results may vary based on ingredients, equipment, and individual cooking skill. Always follow proper food safety practices and use care with sharp tools and hot surfaces.
Check all ingredients for possible allergens before preparing or serving any dish. World Trade Press has not tested every recipe and cannot guarantee results, accuracy, or safety.