Crispy Fried Fish Sandwich Recipe with Tartar Sauce

Crispy Fried Fish Sandwich on a lightly toasted Ciabatta roll, with lightly crispy beer-battered fish fillets, fresh ripe tomatoes, spring lettuce mix, Munster Cheese and a homemade tartar sauce.

I love seafood, but I don’t always live near the ocean. When a craving for a great crispy fried fish sandwich hits, I head to the frozen aisle and bring the beach to my kitchen.

For this sandwich I used a package of beer-battered wild-caught fish fillets—two fillets make a satisfying sandwich. The combination of crunchy fillets, melted Munster cheese, fresh tomato, spring lettuce mix and a tangy homemade tartar sauce on toasted ciabatta is easy to assemble and delicious.

Cutting board with Fish Sandwich Prep Items

Table of Contents

Ingredients

  • 2 beer-battered fish fillets (per sandwich)
  • 1 fresh ciabatta roll
  • 2 slices tomato
  • 1 slice Munster cheese
  • Handful of spring lettuce mix
  • Homemade tartar sauce
  • Vegetable oil for frying (or use an air fryer)
  • Butter for toasting rolls

How to Make this Yummy Crispy Fried Fish Sandwich

Heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until it is hot enough to fry. You can also cook the fillets in an air fryer following the package instructions.

TIP: You’ll know the oil is ready when you see faint heat waves above the surface. Use caution when frying and always turn pan handles inward on the stove.

Fry the fillets until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Remove to a paper towel–lined plate to drain. If you prefer, you can bake the fillets according to package directions; frying gives a crispier texture but baking works well too.

Fish Fillets frying in oil

While the fish cooks, split each ciabatta roll, butter the cut sides lightly, and toast in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for about 4–6 minutes until lightly golden.

Ciabatta Rolls toasted with melted butter

Homemade Tartar Sauce

Make a quick tartar sauce by combining 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard, and 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish. Stir well and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Old Bay if you like.

This fresh tartar sauce is creamy, slightly sweet, and a perfect complement to the crisp fish fillets.

Assembling the Sandwich

Spread a generous layer of tartar sauce on the top half of the toasted ciabatta. On the bottom half, place two hot fish fillets side by side. Add a slice of Munster cheese so it can soften over the warm fillets, then top with two thin tomato slices. Finish with a handful of spring mix lettuce.

Homemade tarter sauce spread on top of Ciabatta rolls

Sprinkle the tomato with a little coarse black pepper for an extra flavor boost if desired. Place the tartar-sauce–topped ciabatta half over the lettuce, slice the sandwich in half, and serve immediately while hot and crisp.

Building Fish Sandwich

Left to right: crunchy fillets, melty Munster, fresh tomato, and crisp greens. The result is a well-balanced sandwich with bright flavors and satisfying texture.

Cheese and Tomatoes on top of fish fillets

TIP: I like to add a sprinkle of coarse black pepper to the tomato slices. It enhances the flavor without overpowering the fish.

Spring Mix on top of tomatoes

Slice and serve. This sandwich is generous in size and perfect for a weekend dinner or a special sandwich night.

Crispy Fish Sandwich on plate

Recipe Wrap-up

My family loved this sandwich — the fish is light, flaky and crispy without an overly fishy taste. The Munster cheese melts nicely over the fillets and helps hold everything together. With fresh tomato, spring mix and the tangy homemade tartar sauce, this becomes a memorable Crispy Fried Fish Sandwich that’s easy to make at home.

Fried Fish Sandwich

Amazing Side Dish Recipes that go great with Sandwiches

  • Grandma’s Pea Salad
  • Classic Red Potato Salad
  • California Slaw
  • Honey Poppy Seed Fruit Salad
  • Tortellini Olive Salad

This sandwich is indulgent and diner-worthy — a fun change from the ordinary dinner routine. Serve with fries, slaw or a bright salad to round out the meal.

Thanks for stopping by my kitchen. Enjoy making this Crispy Fried Fish Sandwich for friends and family—it’s a great “catch” for a comforting dinner.

Norines Photo and signature
Close up photo of the Crispy Fish Sandwiches

Crispy Fried Fish Sandwich

A light, crispy fried fish sandwich on a toasted ciabatta roll with Munster cheese, fresh tomato, spring mix, and a creamy homemade tartar sauce. Simple to prepare and full of flavor.
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 25 mins
Servings 4 fish sandwiches
Calories 723 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 package beer-battered frozen fish fillets (100% real fish)
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 4 ciabatta rolls
  • 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
  • 4 slices Munster cheese
  • 3–4 handfuls spring lettuce mix
  • Butter for rolls
  • Homemade tartar sauce (see below)

Homemade Tartar Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard
  • 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
  • Salt, pepper and Old Bay to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Split ciabatta rolls, butter the cut sides, and place on a baking sheet.
  3. Mix ingredients for the tartar sauce and season to taste.
  4. Pour 3 inches of oil into a medium saucepan and heat over medium-high until hot enough for frying.
  5. Line a plate with paper towels. Fry 3–4 fillets at a time until golden, about 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and continue until all fillets are cooked. (Or bake fillets per package instructions.)
  6. While the fish cooks, toast the buttered ciabatta rolls in the oven for 4–6 minutes until lightly browned.
  7. Spread tartar sauce on the top half of each roll.
  8. Place two fish fillets side by side on the bottom half of each roll, add Munster cheese, tomato slices, and a handful of spring mix.
  9. Top with the tartar-sauced roll, slice in half, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 sandwich
Calories: 723 kcal
Carbohydrates: 55 g
Protein: 28 g
Fat: 42 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 27 g
Cholesterol: 89 mg
Sodium: 1243 mg
Fiber: 5 g
Sugar: 9 g

Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!