Healthy Homemade Filet-O-Fish Copycat McDonald’s

fish fillet

🥗Healthier: grilled fish

💰Cheaper: canned tuna

Canned tuna is more affordable and still provides a similar flavor profile.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Processed cheese is often less expensive and melts well.

bun

🥗Healthier: whole grain bun

💰Cheaper: white sandwich bread

White bread is a cost-effective alternative, though it lacks fiber.

tartar sauce

🥗Healthier: yogurt-based sauce

💰Cheaper: mayo

Mayo is a cheaper option that can mimic the creaminess of tartar sauce.

First thing to prep is the tartare sauce. It has to be chilled before you serve it with the burger.

In a bowl whisk together full fat mayonnaise, gherkins/cornichons, capers, parsley, lemon juice, sugar, salt and pepper.

Keep the bowl covered in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes or until chilled.

Prep Work: Preheat oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Make the wet crumb by mixing in a bowl egg, mayonnaise, flour, paprika, garlic powder, pepper and salt. Whisk well into a lump-free mix. Keep aside.

In a plate spread panko breadcrumbs and keep aside.

Note – if you want an even golden brown panko crust on the fish fillet, you can roast panko breadcrumbs first in a baking tray at 350 Fahrenheit for about 3 minutes.

Cut cod fillet into square fillet of size slightly bigger than your buns. Remember fillets will shrink after cooking.

Dip a fillet in wet crumb first on both sides to ensure it coats the fillets evenly. Remove it from the bowl using tongs and gently shake off the excess crumb coating.

Place the coated fillet on panko breadcrumbs. Using your fingers, pick up dry breadcrumbs from the sides of the plate and sprinkle it on the top of the fillet first to avoid sticky/cakey fingers. Then gently press the breadcrumbs on the fillets of both sides.

Remove and place it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Repeat the above step for all the remaining fillets.

Arrange fillets with 1 inch gap between them. Spray oil generously on all the fillets.

Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 14 minutes or until fish is cooked and crumb begins to brown.

Just before removing fish from the oven, place ½ a slice of cheese on top of each fillet and let it remain in oven for a minute or two until cheese slice begins to melt.

Remove the tray from oven and let it cool down slightly before you remove the fish from the tray.

Cut burger buns into half using a sharp serrated knife.

Place a fish fillet on the bottom half of the burger. Spread 1 tablespoon of chilled tartare sauce on top, cover with the top half of the bun. Serve immediately.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens