Molly’s Fillet-Ope-Fish Sandwich: A Midwestern Delight

Welcome to the delicious world of Molly’s Fillet-Ope-Fish Sandwich! This recipe offers a heartier take on fast-food fried fish sandwiches, showcasing not just flavor but also clever Midwestern wordplay. Perfect for a fun lunch or a laid-back dinner, these sandwiches are sure to impress with their crunchy texture and savory sauce.

Ingredients

For the Ketchup Tartar Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup finely diced dill pickle
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Fish:

• Neutral oil, for frying
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 3 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 pound Atlantic cod, cut into four pieces (1/2 inch thick, trimmed to fit bun)
• Flaky salt, for seasoning
• 4 slices American cheese

For Assembly:

• 4 challah rolls, toasted with butter
• 4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
• Dill pickle chips
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

Prepare the Ketchup Tartar Sauce:

1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, dill pickle, fresh dill, lemon juice, onion powder, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoning to taste. Set aside until ready to use.

Fry the Fish:

2. In a deep, heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 1 inch of neutral oil over medium heat until it reaches 325°F (use a deep-fry thermometer for accuracy).
3. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and paprika.
4. Place the panko breadcrumbs in another shallow bowl.
5. Dip each piece of cod into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off, then coat thoroughly in panko, pressing down firmly for an even breading.
6. Carefully fry the breaded fish, a few pieces at a time, for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
7. Transfer the fish to a cooling rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and season with flaky salt. Top each piece with a slice of American cheese, allowing it to melt.

Assemble the Sandwich:

8. Spread the ketchup tartar sauce on both sides of the toasted challah rolls.
9. Layer shredded lettuce on the bottom half, followed by a cheesy piece of fried fish and dill pickle chips. Finish with the top bun.
10. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick!

With its crispy fish and creamy sauce, Molly’s Fillet-Ope-Fish Sandwich takes fast food to gourmet heights right in your kitchen. Dive into this fish-tastic creation and enjoy every flavorful bite!

Watch the video by Food Network

Video “Molly's Fillet-Ope-Fish Sandwich | Girl Meets Farm | Food Network” was uploaded on 07/24/2026 to Youtube Channel Food Network