Crispy and packed with flavor, a great fish sandwich is a thing of beauty. But not all fast-food fish sandwiches are created equal. The difference is noticeable from the first bite, making these sandwiches a top choice for seafood lovers. If you’re after the real deal, these chains deliver.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish has been swimming onto trays since 1962. Made with wild-caught Alaskan Pollock, this sandwich proves that simple can be spectacular. The Filet-O-Fish is steamed rather than toasted to give it a softer texture. It’s creamy tartar sauce and half-slice of cheese may seem minimal, but this sandwich continues to sell for millions every year.
Culver’s
Some sandwiches are just built differently. Culver’s North Atlantic Cod Sandwich features a hand-battered fillet fried to perfection. Unlike many competitors, Culver’s sources premium North Atlantic cod, a fish known for its mild flavor and firm texture. Each fillet is hand-dipped in Culver’s signature batter and cooked to order, ensuring peak crispiness.
Arby’s
Arby’s may be known for roast beef, but their fish sandwich is no slouch. The King’s Hawaiian Fish Deluxe stacks a whole fillet of wild-caught Alaskan Pollock on a sweet Hawaiian bun. Plus, the King’s Hawaiian variety adds a touch of sweetness to complement the crispy, savory fish.
Wendy’s
If you’re going to make a fish sandwich, it should be done right. Wendy’s knows it. They take a straightforward approach by pairing the fillet with lettuce, tartar sauce, and a soft bun, but the real star is the fish itself. This brand also avoids artificial flavors and preservatives in its sandwiches.
Popeyes
Fried chicken isn’t Popeyes’ only claim to fame. Their Cajun Flounder Sandwich brings Louisiana spice to the seafood game. Made with a whole flounder fillet, this sandwich is perfectly seasoned with Popeyes’ signature spice blend and fried. Unlike Pollock-based sandwiches, flounder has a slightly firmer texture and richer flavor to set it apart.
Burger King
Burger King’s Big Fish Sandwich takes a White Alaskan Pollock fillet and coats it in crispy panko breadcrumbs. Pollock is a sustainable fish choice, and Burger King emphasizes eco-friendly sourcing to ensure the fish is wild-caught from certified fisheries. The Big Fish is a solid option when you’re craving a seafood fix.
Long John Silver’s
Their wild-caught Alaska Pollock fillet is battered and fried to golden perfection, then put into a soft bun with tartar sauce. Long John Silver’s keeps it on the menu year-round. The secret to their crispy batter? A signature recipe that creates an extra-light crunch to give the fish a tempura-like texture.
Captain D’s
When fast food meets fresh seafood, good things happen. Captain D’s fish sandwich features a whole fillet of hand-battered fish served hot and crispy. The brand specializes in seafood, and its sourcing reflects that commitment. It doesn’t rely on frozen fillets; its fish is cooked to order, ensuring the best possible taste and texture.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen serves up a mean fish sandwich. Their Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich features a crispy fillet topped with lettuce and tartar sauce. The use of wild-caught fish provides a cleaner, more natural taste. Dairy Queen also sticks to a simple but effective combination of crispy fish and a soft bun.
Bojangles
Bojangles brings Southern charm to everything, including seafood. What sets it apart is the zesty Bo’s Tartar Sauce, adding a kick that seafood lovers can appreciate. Unlike traditional tartar sauces, this one has a bit more spice to give the sandwich a signature Bojangles twist.
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