Crispy & Spicy Fish Sandwich: Your Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Solution
Experience the perfect blend of crispy fish, creamy coleslaw, and a fiery homemade tartar sauce in this easy-to-make, family-friendly sandwich. Ideal for any night of the week!
There’s a special place in our family’s heart for fish and seafood in almost any preparation. From succulent shrimp dishes to classic fish and chips, these versatile ingredients are a constant presence in our freezer, ready to transform into quick and satisfying meals. We’ve mastered favorites like the Buffalo Shrimp Po’ Boy, and thanks to a beloved copycat Red Lobster Tartar sauce recipe, we can even recreate the restaurant experience of crispy fish and chips right at home.
Today, we’re taking our love for crispy fish to the next level with an exciting and flavorful Spicy Fish Sandwich. This isn’t just any fish sandwich; it’s a symphony of textures and tastes, featuring perfectly cooked fish, a refreshing homemade coleslaw, and a vibrant, spicy tartar sauce that adds an unforgettable kick.
Partnering with Gorton’s Seafood for Quality and Convenience
We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Gorton’s Seafood. Over the past year, we’ve incorporated their exceptional products into many of our recipes, and they consistently deliver on quality and taste. For this particular sandwich, we’re showcasing their fantastic fish sandwich fillets. Made with 100% real fish, these fillets offer a reliably delicious and crispy foundation for any fish sandwich creation.
Life in our household, like many others, is a constant whirlwind. After-school activities range from cross-country and basketball practice to LEGO robotics and band rehearsals, all alongside homework and countless other responsibilities. In this bustling environment, having quick, reliable, and high-quality meal solutions is invaluable. Gorton’s Seafood consistently meets this need, allowing us to prepare wholesome and delicious dinners even on the busiest weeknights without compromising on flavor or ingredient integrity. Their long-standing reputation, built over 167 years, speaks volumes about their commitment to producing products you can truly trust.
Crafting Your Perfect Spicy Fish Sandwich
This sandwich is a beautiful interplay of textures and flavors. We start with the perfectly crispy Gorton’s fish fillets, which bake up golden and flaky every time. The next layer introduces a cool, creamy, and slightly tangy coleslaw, offering a refreshing contrast to the warm fish. But what truly elevates this sandwich is our homemade spicy tartar sauce. Because my family appreciates a good kick, I’ve doctored up a classic tartar sauce with a blend of Cajun seasoning and a dash of hot sauce, allowing you to customize the heat to your preference. This creates a bold, zesty condiment that perfectly complements the rich fish.
To truly take this sandwich “over the top,” as I like to say, serving it on homemade pretzel rolls is highly recommended. The slightly chewy texture and distinctive flavor of pretzel buns add another dimension to the sandwich experience, though any good quality sandwich bun will work wonderfully. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference, transforming a simple meal into something truly special.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Dinner Recipe
- Unbeatable Flavor Profile: The combination of crispy fish, creamy, crunchy coleslaw, and spicy, tangy tartar sauce creates a dynamic and incredibly satisfying bite.
- Effortless Weeknight Meal: With Gorton’s fish fillets, the cooking process is streamlined. While the fish bakes, you can quickly whip up the coleslaw and tartar sauce, making this a meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable Spice: Tailor the heat level of your tartar sauce to suit everyone at the table. For younger palates or those who prefer less spice, simply omit the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce.
- Versatile Serving: Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying weekend lunch, or even a casual gathering. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to scale up or down.
- Wholesome and Delicious: Enjoy a flavorful meal knowing you’re serving real fish, paired with fresh ingredients for a balanced and enjoyable experience.
This Spicy Fish Sandwich offers everything you could want in a quick and flavorful meal. The crispiness of the fish, the refreshing crunch of the coleslaw, and the vibrant kick from the tartar sauce combine to create a truly memorable sandwich. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when thoughtfully combined, can yield extraordinary results. The ease of preparation makes it a standout choice for busy individuals and families alike, proving that delicious home-cooked meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Tips for the Best Spicy Fish Sandwich
- Choose Your Fish Wisely: While we love Gorton’s Fish Sandwich Fillets for their convenience and consistent crispiness, you can also use other white fish fillets like cod, haddock, or tilapia. Just ensure they are breaded and cooked to a golden crisp.
- Don’t Skimp on the Coleslaw: The coleslaw isn’t just a side; it’s an integral part of the sandwich, providing essential moisture, crunch, and a cool contrast to the spicy elements. Make sure it’s well-chilled for optimal flavor.
- Adjust the Tartar Sauce to Taste: The “spicy” in this sandwich is all about the tartar sauce. Start with a smaller amount of Cajun seasoning and hot sauce, then taste and add more until you reach your desired level of heat. Different brands of Cajun seasoning can vary in spiciness, so adjust accordingly.
- Toast Your Buns: Lightly toasting your sandwich buns, whether they’re homemade pretzel rolls or store-bought, adds another layer of texture and prevents them from getting soggy.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, assemble and serve the sandwiches right after the fish is cooked to ensure maximum crispiness.
This recipe is designed to be flexible. If you have picky eaters or younger children, simply prepare a batch of plain tartar sauce for them, keeping the spicy version for the adults or those who love a bit of heat. This way, everyone can enjoy a delicious fish sandwich tailored to their preferences. The versatility of Gorton’s fish fillets also means you can pair them with different toppings and sauces for endless variations – perhaps a squeeze of lemon and some fresh dill for a lighter take, or even a drizzle of sriracha mayo for a different kind of spice.
So, the next time you find yourself browsing the frozen food aisle, grab a bag of Gorton’s Fish Sandwich Fillets. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be able to whip up these incredible Spicy Fish Sandwiches in minutes, making any night of the week feel like a special occasion. It’s truly a game-changer for quick, delicious, and satisfying family meals.
Spicy Fish Sandwich
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Ingredients
- 4 Gorton’s Fish Sandwich Fillets
- 4 Sandwich buns (homemade pretzel buns recommended!)
Coleslaw
- 3 Tbls mayo
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 2 tsp cider vinegar
- 1 Tbls sugar
- 2 cups coleslaw mix
- salt and pepper to taste
Spicy Tartar Sauce
- 1 cup prepared tartar sauce
- 2 tsp cajun seasoning
- dash of hot sauce to taste (e.g., Tabasco, sriracha)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Place the Gorton’s fish fillets on a baking sheet and cook them according to the package directions until golden brown and crispy. This typically takes about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Coleslaw
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, dijon mustard, cider vinegar, and sugar until smooth. Add the coleslaw mix and toss gently until all the cabbage is evenly coated. Season generously with salt and fresh black pepper to taste. For best results, chill the coleslaw for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Spicy Tartar Sauce
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In a small bowl, combine the prepared tartar sauce with the Cajun seasoning. Stir well to integrate the spices. Add hot sauce, a dash at a time, until you reach your desired level of heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
To Assemble the Sandwiches
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Slice each sandwich bun in half. If desired, lightly toast the buns. Place a generous scoop (about 1/2 cup) of the creamy coleslaw on the bottom half of each bun. Top the coleslaw with one perfectly crispy fish fillet. Drizzle a liberal amount of the spicy tartar sauce over the fish.
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Complete each sandwich with the top bun and serve immediately. Offer additional spicy tartar sauce on the side for those who crave an extra punch of flavor and heat. Enjoy this flavorful and easy weeknight delight!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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**This post is sponsored by Gorton’s Seafood. All thoughts and opinions expressed are 100% my own, reflecting my genuine experience with their products.**