🐟 Copycat McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish Sandwich (Spot-On Version!)
This spot-on Copycat Filet-O-Fish Sandwich features crispy golden fish, creamy tangy tartar sauce, a soft steamed bun, and just half a slice of melted cheese—just like McDonald’s. 🍔 Skip the drive-thru and make this fast-food favorite at home in minutes!
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✔️ Spot-on flavor and texture—just like the original
- ✔️ Made with real ingredients (no fillers or additives)
- ✔️ Cheaper than drive-thru versions
- ✔️ Freezer-friendly for easy prep ahead
🛒 Ingredient Notes
- White Fish Fillets – Use Alaskan Pollock or cod for authentic taste.
- Club Soda – Adds crispness and lightness to the batter.
- Sweet Pickle Relish – The secret to copycat tartar sauce.
- Half Slice American Cheese – Yes, really. It’s what McD’s does.
- Soft Hamburger Buns – Steamed, not toasted, for that signature bite.
👩🍳 How to Make Copycat Filet-O-Fish
You’ll Need:
- 2 white fish filets (Alaskan Pollock or cod), square-cut to bun size
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1/2 cup cold club soda (adds that signature airy crispness)
- Neutral oil for frying (canola or vegetable)
For the Tartar Sauce (Copycat McDonald’s):
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 2 tbsp finely chopped sweet pickle relish
- 1 tsp finely chopped onion (optional, but authentic)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Pinch of sugar
- Pinch of salt
Other Essentials:
- 2 soft hamburger buns (preferably steamed, not toasted)
- 2 slices of half-cut processed American cheese (yes—McDonald’s only uses half a slice!)
1. Make the Tartar Sauce:
Mix 1/2 cup mayo, 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish, 1 tsp finely chopped onion, 1 tsp lemon juice, pinch sugar, and pinch of salt.
Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
2. Prep the Fish:
Cut fillets to fit buns. Pat dry and dust lightly with flour.
3. Make the Batter:
Whisk 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.
Add 1/2 cup cold water + 1/2 cup cold club soda. Stir lightly.
4. Fry the Fillets:
Heat oil to 375°F. Dip fish in batter and fry until golden (3–4 minutes per side).
Drain on paper towels.
5. Steam the Buns:
Wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10–15 seconds.
6. Assemble:
Bottom bun → half slice cheese → fried fish → tartar sauce → top bun. Enjoy!
💸 Budget101® Price Breakdown
| Ingredient | Amount Used | Package Size | Full Cost | Used Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaskan Pollock Fillet | 2 (4 oz each) | 32 oz | $9.78 | $2.44 |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/2 cup | 5 lb | $2.24 | $0.08 |
| Cornstarch | 1/2 cup | 16 oz | $1.38 | $0.12 |
| Club Soda | 1/2 cup | 12 oz can | $1.12 | $0.12 |
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup | 30 oz | $4.24 | $0.28 |
| Sweet Pickle Relish | 2 tbsp | 10 oz | $1.36 | $0.14 |
| American Cheese | 1 slice | 16 slices | $2.24 | $0.14 |
| Hamburger Buns | 2 buns | 8-pack | $1.12 | $0.28 |
| Oil for Frying | 2 cups | 48 oz | $4.88 | $0.75 |
| 🧾 Total Recipe Cost: | $4.35 | |||
| 👨👩👧👦 Cost Per Sandwich (2 servings): | $2.18 | |||
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
That’s how McDonald’s does it—to avoid overpowering the delicate fish flavor. But feel free to go rogue and use a full slice!
Wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10–15 seconds. They’ll be soft, pillowy, and perfect.
You can air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway—but you’ll miss out on that classic crispiness.
You can freeze the cooked fish fillets (not assembled sandwiches). Wrap them tightly and reheat in the air fryer or oven for best results. Assemble with fresh buns and tartar sauce when ready to eat.
Use an air fryer at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. You can also oven-bake at 425°F with a wire rack to circulate air. Using cold club soda batter helps achieve a light, crunchy texture.
McDonald’s uses wild-caught Alaskan Pollock in their Filet-O-Fish. It’s a mild, flaky white fish that holds up well when battered and fried. For a copycat, Pollock or cod are the best substitutes.
McDonald’s uses a plain white hamburger bun, lightly steamed—not toasted—for a soft bite. At home, use soft hamburger buns and microwave them briefly with a damp paper towel to mimic that signature texture.
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💡 Expert Tips
- Use *ice-cold* club soda for the crispiest batter.
- Don’t skip the tartar sauce—it makes the whole sandwich sing.
- Let fried fish rest on a wire rack for max crispiness.
🎨 Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Fish Swap: Try tilapia or haddock if Pollock isn’t available.
- Cheese Swap: Try white American or cheddar for a twist.
- Spicy Version: Add a dash of hot sauce to the tartar mix.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crispy shoestring fries and a side of coleslaw.
- Add a lemon wedge for a gourmet touch.
📦 Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store leftover fish in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked filets for up to 2 months. Reheat in air fryer or oven.
Tried this recipe? Mention @Budget101com or tag #Budget101
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🖨️ Print-Friendly McDonald’s Filet o-Fish Recipe
Copycat McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish Sandwich (Spot-On Version)
Equipment
- Deep skillet or fryer
- Steamer or microwave
- Wire rack (optional, for draining)
Ingredients
- 4 white fish fillets (Pollock or cod, about 4 oz each)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup cold water
- ½ cup club soda (chilled)
- Neutral oil for frying (canola or vegetable)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tsp finely chopped onion (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Pinch sugar
- Pinch salt
- 4 hamburger buns (steamed, not toasted)
- 2 slices American cheese (halved (you'll use 1/2 slice per sandwich))
Instructions
Make the Tartar Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine mayo, relish, chopped onion, lemon juice, sugar, and salt. Mix well and chill for at least 30 minutes.1/2 cup mayonnaise2 tbsp sweet pickle relish1 tsp finely chopped onion1 tsp lemon juicePinch sugarPinch salt
Prepare the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold water and club soda, whisking until a light batter forms. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if it’s slightly lumpy.1/2 cup all-purpose flour1/2 cup cornstarch1/2 tsp baking powder1/2 tsp salt1/2 cup cold water1/2 cup club soda
Batter & Fry the Fish:
- Heat oil to 375°F in a skillet. Dip each fillet into the batter, let excess drip off, and carefully place into hot oil. Fry 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels or wire rack.4 white fish filletsNeutral oil for frying
Steam the Buns:
- Wrap hamburger buns in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15 seconds or use a steamer basket for 1–2 minutes until soft and warm.4 hamburger buns
Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Place 1/2 slice of cheese on the bottom bun, top with a crispy fish fillet, and add a dollop of tartar sauce. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.2 slices American cheese
Equipment
Notes
Recipe Notes & Bonus Tips:
Want extra crispiness? Double-fry the fish (first fry at 325°F, second at 375°F). Use square-shaped fillets for an authentic McD’s look. For a lighter version, air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes. You can freeze cooked fillets for future sandwiches—just reheat in the oven or air fryer.If you altered the ingedients above by doubling or tripling the recipe, you may also need to change the pan/dish size and adjust the cooking/baking time.
Nutrition
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