Name: Crispy Fish Fry with Tartar Sauce for a Homemade Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Center cut cod (Use fresh or previously frozen and always pat dry for the best results.); 2 medium Eggs (Lightly beaten; acts as a binder for the crispy coating.); 0.5 cup Flour (Helps create a base for the batter that adheres to the fish beautifully.); 0.25 cup Water (Adjusts the batter's consistency.); 1 tbsp Hot sauce (Adds a zing of flavor and a touch of heat.); 2 tsp Dijon mustard (Enhances the flavor complexity.); 1.5 tsp Old Bay seasoning (Classic seasoning that brings a touch of the sea.); 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs (For a light and crispy exterior.); Kosher salt & freshly cracked black pepper (Essential for seasoning your fish to perfection.); Canola oil (Ideal for frying.); 0.75 cup Mayonnaise (Creamy base for the sauce.); 0.25 cup Chopped cornichon or dill pickles (Adds zesty tartness.); 1 small Minced shallot (Enhances depth and richness.); 1 tbsp Capers (Provides a delightful briny bite.); 1 tsp Lemon zest (Brightens the flavor and aroma.); 3 tbsp Lemon juice (Balances the richness.); 1 tbsp Minced fresh dill; 1 tbsp Minced Italian parsley

As the golden rays of the setting sun peek through my kitchen window, the tantalizing aroma of sizzling fish begins to fill the air—a sure sign that a delightful dinner is on the way. There’s something inherently comforting about a classic Midwest Fish Fry with Tartar Sauce, especially when it involves crispy, flaky pan-fried cod that perfectly dances alongside zesty homemade tartar sauce. This quick dinner option is not just a recipe; it’s an experience that transforms any ordinary weeknight into a culinary celebration. With a satisfying crunch on the outside and tender fish within, it serves as a reminder of cherished traditions and warm gatherings. Curious about how to create this comfort meal in your own kitchen? Let’s dive into the magic of frying fish!

Why is Fish Fry So Irresistible?

Crispiness Everywhere: Each bite of this pan-fried cod delivers a satisfying crunch that will have your family coming back for more.

Homemade Goodness: The zesty tartar sauce is not only easy to whip up, but it adds a refreshing kick that elevates the flavor profile of the fish.

Quick and Simple: Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Versatile Recipe: While cod is a fantastic choice, you can easily swap in haddock, perch, or walleye for a variety of tastes.

Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether you’re serving family or hosting friends, a fish fry always brings joy and unforgettable conversations to the table. Enjoy it with sides like potato salad or even a cooling cucumber yogurt salad for a complete feast!

Fish Fry with Tartar Sauce Ingredients

For the Fish Fry
• Center cut cod (1 ½ lbs) – Use fresh or previously frozen and always pat dry for the best results.
• Eggs (2, lightly beaten) – These act as a binder for the crispy coating.
• Flour (½ cup) – It helps create a base for the batter that adheres to the fish beautifully.
• Water (¼ cup) – Adjusts the batter’s consistency, ensuring it clings well.
• Hot sauce (1 tbsp, like Crystal or Tabasco) – Adds a zing of flavor and a touch of heat to the batter.
• Dijon mustard (2 tsp) – This enhances the flavor complexity, making it irresistible.
• Old Bay seasoning (1 ½ tsp) – A classic seasoning that brings a touch of the sea.
• Panko breadcrumbs (1 ½ cups) – For a light and crispy exterior; feel free to substitute with regular breadcrumbs if desired.
• Kosher salt & freshly cracked black pepper – Essential for seasoning your fish to perfection.
• Canola oil – Ideal for frying, as it maintains a high temperature without smoking.

For the Tartar Sauce
• Mayonnaise (¾ cup) – This creamy base brings the sauce together beautifully.
• Chopped cornichon or dill pickles (¼ cup) – Adds a zesty tartness that complements the fish fry wonderfully.
• Minced shallot (1 small) – Enhances depth and richness of flavor.
• Capers (1 tbsp, chopped) – Provides a delightful briny bite.
• Lemon zest (1 tsp) – Brightens the flavor and aroma of the tartar sauce.
• Lemon juice (3 tbsp) – Balances the richness with the right amount of acidity.
• Minced fresh dill & Italian parsley (1 tbsp each) – These fresh herbs offer a vibrant flavor boost.

Enjoy creating this delicious Fish Fry with Tartar Sauce, perfect for any gathering or weeknight dinner!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Fish Fry with Tartar Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Tartar Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup mayonnaise with ¼ cup chopped cornichons, 1 minced shallot, 1 tablespoon chopped capers, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and 3 tablespoons lemon juice. Stir in 1 tablespoon each of minced fresh dill and Italian parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy, then refrigerate while you prepare the fish fry for the best flavor.

Step 2: Prep Fish
Take 1 ½ pounds of center cut cod and cut it into 4-6 even pieces, ensuring uniform cooking. Pat each piece dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick. Lightly season the fish with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This simple seasoning will enhance the delicious flavors of your crispy fish fry.

Step 3: Make Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 lightly beaten eggs, ½ cup flour, ¼ cup water, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, and 1 ½ teaspoons Old Bay seasoning until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. In a separate shallow dish, place 1 ½ cups of panko breadcrumbs, which will give the fish its delightful crunch during frying.

Step 4: Heat Oil
In a large skillet, pour enough canola oil to cover the fish pieces about halfway, approximately ½ inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature of 350-375°F. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and float to the surface within seconds, indicating it’s ready for frying.

Step 5: Coat Fish
Take each cod piece and dip it into the egg batter, ensuring it’s completely coated. Let any excess batter drip off before rolling the fish in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure a good adhesion. This two-step coating process is key to achieving that crunchy exterior for your fish fry with tartar sauce.

Step 6: Fry Fish
Carefully place the coated fish pieces into the hot oil, allowing enough space between them to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each piece for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn a deep golden brown and are cooked through. The fish should easily flake with a fork when done. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 7: Serve
Once the fried cod is perfectly crispy, plate the fish alongside some lemon wedges and your homemade tartar sauce. Serve immediately while hot for the best taste experience. Watching the steam rise as you present your fish fry with tartar sauce will surely make everyone’s mouth water with anticipation!

Fish Fry with Tartar Sauce Variations

Feel free to get creative with this delicious recipe and make it uniquely yours!

Different Fish: Swap cod for haddock, tilapia, or walleye for exciting new flavors and textures—each offering a delightful spin on your fish fry. Explore what your local fish market has to offer!
Crispy Alternatives: Instead of panko, use crushed cornflakes or even crushed tortilla chips for a fun twist that adds a crunchier texture. It’s all about finding the right crunch to suit your preference.
Batter Up: For a gluten-free option, substitute regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring everyone can enjoy this tasty meal without worry.
Herb Infusion: Add herbs like thyme or tarragon to the batter or the tartar sauce for an aromatic twist that brightens up every bite. Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
Zesty Kick: Incorporate some finely chopped jalapeños into the tartar sauce for that extra layer of heat. It’s a fantastic way to keep things interesting!
Serving Style: Try serving the fish over a bed of lemon-infused arugula or alongside a light cucumber yogurt salad for a refreshing contrast to the flaky fish.
Flavorful Marinade: Marinate the fish in some lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs for 30 minutes before frying to enhance the flavor absorption. It’s a simple step that makes a noticeable difference.
Tartar Sauce Variations: Add a spoonful of horseradish to your tartar sauce for an exciting kick of flavor or swap out dill for fresh chives. A little creativity here can lead to incredible flavor combinations, as seen in my popular Coconut Lime Fish or Shrimp Poblano Sauce that serve as great examples!

With these tempting variations, your fish fry will always be a new and delightful experience!

What to Serve with Crispy Pan-Fried Cod with Homemade Tartar Sauce

The perfect meal calls for delightful pairings that elevate your dish to new heights and fill your table with joy.

Creamy Coleslaw: This crunchy, creamy classic adds a refreshing texture that complements the crispy fish beautifully. The tanginess balances the richness of the fried cod.
Lemon Garlic Rice: Light, fluffy rice infused with lemon and garlic creates a refreshing contrast, soaking up the flavors. Add fresh herbs to brighten each bite.
Sweet Potato Fries: These crispy, sweet bites serve as a delightful contrast to the flaky cod. The sweetness enhances the savory aspects of the dish beautifully.
Garlic Butter Green Beans: Tender green beans sautéed in garlic butter offer a vibrant, fresh element against the crunch of the fish. They are quick to prepare and pair perfectly!
Refreshing Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers in a tangy dressing provide a cooling contrast to the warmth of the fish fry. It’s light and oh-so-refreshing!
Homemade Potato Salad: A rich and creamy potato salad adds heartiness to the meal, making it ideal for gatherings. Its flavors mesh seamlessly with the savory notes of the cod.
Fizzy Lemonade: A sparkling lemonade adds a zingy refreshment, washing down the richness of the fried fish with its bubbly and sweet-tart embrace.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: For dessert, warm chocolate chip cookies bring a comforting sweetness that everyone loves! It’s a perfect ending to your fun fish fry evening.

These delightful sides not only enhance the experience of your Fish Fry with Tartar Sauce, but they also bring their unique textures and flavors to the table, creating memorable moments with every bite.

Expert Tips for Fish Fry with Tartar Sauce

Dry the Fish: Ensure the cod is thoroughly dried before battering; moisture can prevent the coating from adhering properly, leading to a soggy fish.
Crispier Batter: Shake off excess batter before coating with panko. This ensures a light, crisp crust that’s beautifully golden when cooked.
Temperature Matters: Keep the oil at a steady 350-375°F. A thermometer is your best friend here—too cool and your fish gets greasy, too hot and it burns.
Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain even cooking temperatures. Fry in small batches for consistently crispy fish fry with tartar sauce.
Flaky Salt Finish: Sprinkling flaky salt on the fish immediately after frying enhances the flavor and gives that delightful crunch.
Sauce Pairing: For an extra kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of herbs to your tartar sauce just before serving for added zing!

Make Ahead Options

Preparing the Fish Fry with Tartar Sauce in advance is a fantastic way to save time during busy weeknights! You can make the tartar sauce up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate it; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Additionally, you can cut and season the cod pieces, storing them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Just ensure you pat the fish dry before breading to maintain that desired crispiness. When you’re ready to fry, simply coat the fish in the batter and panko, then fry for 2-3 minutes on each side for that golden perfection. With these make-ahead options, you can enjoy a delicious homemade fish fry with minimal effort!

Storage Tips for Fish Fry with Tartar Sauce

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Ensure the fish is completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the fish fry (without tartar sauce) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a resealable bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Reheat the fish fry in an air fryer or oven to preserve crispiness, avoiding the microwave as it can make the fish soggy.

Tartar Sauce Storage: Keep the homemade tartar sauce in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week, ensuring freshness for your next serving of fish fry with tartar sauce.

Fish Fry with Tartar Sauce Recipe FAQs

What type of fish is best for a fish fry?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses pan-fried cod, you can also use haddock, perch, walleye, or even bluegill depending on your preference. Fresh or previously frozen fish works well, just make sure to pat it dry before cooking to achieve that perfect crust.

How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be sure the fish has cooled completely before sealing it up to avoid moisture buildup, which can lead to sogginess.

Can I freeze my fish fry?
Yes, you can freeze the fish fry! To do this, lay the cooked fish in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the fish to a resealable bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, reheat it in the oven or air fryer to keep that delightful crunch!

Why is my fish not getting crispy?
The key to crispy fish lies in a few factors: Ensure the cod is thoroughly dried before battering, use a high enough oil temperature (350-375°F), and avoid overcrowding the pan while frying. This maintains consistent heat and helps the fish become nice and golden brown without becoming greasy.

Is the tartar sauce suitable for dietary restrictions?
This homemade tartar sauce contains mayonnaise, which might not be suitable for those with egg allergies. You can make a vegan version by substituting the mayo with a plant-based alternative. The rest of the ingredients, like dill, pickle, and capers, should be safe for most diets, but always check for specific allergies related to each component.

How can I keep my fish fry crispy when reheating?
To maintain that crispy texture, avoid using the microwave for reheating. Instead, use an air fryer or oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes, checking frequently. This method will help restore the crunchiness of your delicious fish fry with tartar sauce!