The first bite of this Crispy Panko-Crusted Cod brings a satisfying crunch that’s just like the iconic Friday Night Fish Fry you’d find in a cozy Wisconsin supper club. As soon as I start to dredge my cod in seasoned panko, memories of laughter and the clinking of glasses come rushing back, setting the stage for a perfect evening meal. With this simple recipe, you can capture that classic comfort food experience right in your own kitchen, minus the heaviness of traditional frying.
Paired with a zesty homemade tartar sauce, this dish embodies everything delicious about homemade food while still being light and dairy-free. Whether it’s a special Friday night tradition or a fun weeknight dinner, this fish fry is not only easy to whip up but also guaranteed to satisfy the whole family. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
Why is Friday Night Fish Fry with Tartar Sauce a Must?
Satisfying crunch: The panko-crusted coating delivers a delightful crispiness that elevates your dinner experience.
Homemade goodness: This recipe is easy to make, letting you enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without leaving home.
Flavor-packed tartar sauce: The zesty homemade tartar sauce complements the fish, making each bite a burst of flavor.
Perfect for gatherings: Impress your guests with a dish that feels special yet is effortlessly simple to prepare.
Versatile option: Customize your fish fry by swapping the cod for your favorite fish or adding spices to the panko for a unique twist.
This recipe captures the essence of Wisconsin’s tradition, making it a fantastic addition to your weeknight meal lineup!
Friday Night Fish Fry with Tartar Sauce Ingredients
For the Fish
• Cod – The main protein source; use fresh or previously frozen fillets for the best texture.
• Rice Flour – Helps create a light coating that ensures the egg adheres to the fish.
• Eggs – Acts as a binding agent, crucial for keeping the panko breadcrumbs in place.
• Panko Breadcrumbs – Gives a crispy texture; feel free to substitute regular breadcrumbs if necessary.
• Vegetable Oil – Ideal for frying; choose oil with a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
• Salt – Enhances flavor; use sea salt or kosher salt for seasoning after frying.
For the Tartar Sauce
• Mayo – The creamy base essential for your flavorful tartar sauce.
• Yellow Onion – Adds a sharpness to the sauce; can be substituted with shallots for a milder taste.
• Dill Pickles – Bring tangy flavor to the tartar sauce; sweet pickles can be used for a sweeter twist.
• Lemon Juice – Adds acidity to balance the richness of the mayo; fresh lemon is recommended.
• Fresh Parsley – A garnish and flavor enhancer; substitute with dill for a different profile.
Capture the essence of a classic Friday Night Fish Fry with Tartar Sauce in your kitchen with these simple ingredients!
How to Make Friday Night Fish Fry with Tartar Sauce
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Prep the fish: Begin by patting the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This step helps achieve a nice, crispy crust. Set up your dredging station with bowls of rice flour, whisked eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.
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Dredge the fillets: Coat each cod fillet in the rice flour first. Then dip it into the eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, roll the fillet in panko, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick properly.
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Heat the oil: In a large skillet, pour in vegetable oil to about ½ inch deep. Heat it over medium-high heat until hot; test by dropping a piece of breadcrumb in—if it bubbles vigorously, you’re ready to fry!
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Fry the fish: Carefully add the coated fillets to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each piece for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy.
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Drain excess oil: Once cooked, transfer the fried fish to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any extra oil, and immediately sprinkle with sea salt for added flavor.
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Make the tartar sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the mayo, chopped yellow onion, diced dill pickles, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Stir well to combine, then chill it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
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Serve and enjoy: Plate your crispy fish alongside the zesty tartar sauce. Feel free to add your favorite sides like crispy fries or hashbrowns to complete your meal.
Optional: Serve with a wedge of lemon for an extra pop of freshness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Friday Night Fish Fry with Tartar Sauce components are perfect for busy weeknights! You can prepare the tartar sauce up to 3 days in advance; just mix your mayo, chopped onion, dill pickles, lemon juice, and parsley, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for optimal freshness. The cod fillets can be dredged in rice flour, dipped in eggs, and coated in panko up to 24 hours before frying—just refrigerate them on a parchment-lined tray to keep the crust from getting soggy. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat your oil and fry the fillets until golden and crispy. This way, you’ll enjoy the delightful crunch and flavor of your fish fry with minimal effort!
Storage Tips for Friday Night Fish Fry with Tartar Sauce
Room Temperature: Enjoy your fried fish fresh for optimal taste, but it can sit out for up to 2 hours before needing refrigeration.
Fridge: Store any leftover fish in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This ensures your Friday Night Fish Fry with Tartar Sauce stays flavorful while preventing it from drying out.
Freezer: If you have leftovers, freeze the fried fish in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored for up to 2 months, although the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
Reheating: For best results, reheat your fish in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, to retain that satisfying crunch without getting soggy.
What to Serve with Friday Night Fish Fry with Tartar Sauce?
Pair your crispy delight with fresh and vibrant accompaniments that will enhance every delightful bite.
- Crispy French Fries: Golden, salty fries provide a satisfying crunch that complements the fish’s texture, creating a classic combo.
- Potato Pancakes: These flavorful cakes add a hearty touch, perfect for soaking up the zesty tartar sauce with every bite.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw brings brightness to the meal, balancing the richness of the fish perfectly.
- Garlic Green Beans: Bright, sautéed green beans offer a fresh, herby contrast to the fried fish, keeping the meal light and satisfying.
- Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the dish, enhancing the flavors of both the fish and tartar sauce.
- Brandy Old-Fashioned: For a true Wisconsin experience, this cocktail pairs beautifully, echoing the nostalgic vibes of a fish fry supper club.
Serving these delicious sides with your Friday Night Fish Fry with Tartar Sauce creates a well-rounded, memorable meal that the whole family will love!
Friday Night Fish Fry with Tartar Sauce Variations
Customize your fish fry experience with delightful twists that will keep your taste buds excited and make every meal feel special!
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Different Fish: Swap cod for tilapia, flounder, or catfish for unique flavors and textures. Each fish will bring its own personality to the dish!
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Spicy Panko: Improve the crunch factor and flavor by mixing garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or paprika into the panko. This little kick will have your mouth watering!
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Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko. It’s an easy way to cater to dietary needs while still achieving that crispy finish.
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Herbed Tartar Sauce: Experiment with fresh herbs like chives or cilantro in your tartar sauce for a fresh twist that brings brightness to each bite.
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Crispy Add-Ins: Mix finely chopped nuts or seeds into the panko for added crunch and depth. This will surprise you with new textures and flavors!
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Veggie-Packed: For a fun variation, add grated zucchini or carrots to the panko mixture for extra nutrition and a hint of sweetness.
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Citrus Zing: Incorporate lime juice or zest into the tartar sauce instead of lemon for a zesty, tropical twist that’s refreshing.
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Smoky Flair: Add smoked paprika to the fish coating for a depth of flavor reminiscent of classic BBQ that pairs beautifully with tartar sauce!
Tips for the Best Friday Night Fish Fry
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Oil Temperature: Make sure the vegetable oil is hot enough before frying; drop in a breadcrumb—it should bubble vigorously. This ensures your fish cooks perfectly and doesn’t absorb too much oil.
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Dredging Precision: Pay attention during the dredging process. Make sure to coat the cod fillets thoroughly with rice flour, followed by eggs, then panko. Proper adherence is key for that crunchy texture in your Friday Night Fish Fry with Tartar Sauce.
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Avoid Overcrowding: When frying, don’t crowd the pan; this can cause the oil temperature to drop, resulting in soggy fish. Fry in batches if necessary for even cooking.
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Keep Warm: As you fry the fish, keep cooked fillets warm in a low oven. This prevents them from cooling down too quickly before serving.
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Reheating Tips: If you have leftovers, avoid using the microwave. Instead, reheat your fish in an air fryer or oven to maintain that delightful crispiness.
Friday Night Fish Fry with Tartar Sauce Recipe FAQs
What kind of cod should I use for the fish fry?
Absolutely, for the best texture and flavor, I recommend using fresh cod fillets if possible. However, previously frozen fillets can also work well; just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry to remove excess moisture before cooking.
How should I store leftover crispy cod?
If you have leftover fish, store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh and prevent drying out, I recommend wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in the container.
Can I freeze the leftovers from the fish fry?
Yes! To freeze your Friday Night Fish Fry with Tartar Sauce, place the cooked fish in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze it for about 1-2 hours until solid. After that, transfer the fillets to a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out any excess air. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for about 10 minutes.
How can I avoid sogginess when reheating the fish?
The best way to avoid sogginess is to reheat your fried cod in an air fryer or an oven instead of a microwave. Preheat your air fryer or oven to 375°F, place the fish on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes until it’s crispy again. This method will help maintain that delightful crunch!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Yes! This Friday Night Fish Fry with Tartar Sauce can be tailored for various dietary needs. It’s naturally dairy-free due to the use of mayonnaise and can be made gluten-free by substituting the panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Always check for any allergies related to the specific ingredients, like eggs or seafood, to ensure a safe meal for everyone.
Crispy Friday Night Fish Fry with Tartar Sauce Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by patting the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Set up your dredging station with bowls of rice flour, whisked eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat each cod fillet in the rice flour first, dip it into the eggs, then roll it in panko, pressing to ensure breadcrumbs stick.
- In a large skillet, pour in vegetable oil to about ½ inch deep. Heat it over medium-high heat until test bubbles vigorously.
- Carefully add the coated fillets to the hot oil, frying each piece for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the fried fish to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil, sprinkling with sea salt immediately.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayo, chopped onion, diced pickles, lemon juice, and parsley. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Plate your crispy fish alongside the tartar sauce. Serve with your favorite sides like fries or hashbrowns.