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Weeknight • Seafood

Golden Panko-Crusted Fish Sandwiches

Crispy panko-crusted fish fillets make for perfectly craveable sandwiches, ready in under 30 minutes.

Prep
15 min
Cook
15 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Golden Panko-Crusted Fish Sandwiches

Forget the drive-thru, because these Golden Panko-Crusted Fish Sandwiches are about to become your new fast-food favorite, made right in your kitchen! Flaky white fish gets coated in a crunchy panko crust and pan-fried to golden perfection, then loaded onto soft buns with a zesty slaw. It’s speedy, satisfying, and seriously delicious.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

For the Fish

  • 1.5 lbs firm white fish fillets (like cod, tilapia, or mahi-mahi), about 4-6 oz each
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water
  • 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil, for frying

For the Slaw & Assembly

  • 2 cups pre-shredded coleslaw mix
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 4 hamburger buns, toasted
  • Optional toppings: pickle slices, hot sauce

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Set up a breading station: one shallow dish with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with panko mixed with garlic powder and onion powder.

  2. Step 2

    Dredge each fish fillet in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg wash, letting excess drip off, then press firmly into the panko mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.

  3. Step 3

    In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully add fish fillets (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (fish will flake easily with a fork).

  4. Step 4

    While fish cooks, prepare the slaw: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Add coleslaw mix and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  5. Step 5

    Assemble sandwiches: generously spread slaw on toasted buns, top with a crispy fish fillet, and add any desired optional toppings like pickles. Serve immediately!

Tips

  • Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the fish to get that perfect crispy crust. If it's too cool, the fish will absorb too much oil.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan! Cook fish in batches if necessary to maintain even cooking and crispiness.
  • Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the panko for a little kick!

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