There’s something about the simplicity of a fish sandwich that I love, but it has to be done correctly.

 My perfect fish sandwich should be made with a crusty, light bread and a crispy, tangy fried piece of fish.

Add fresh crisp vegetables, a mayonnaise based sauce and hot pepper and I am in heaven!  No fancy ingredients needed, just let the flavor do the talking.

On Saturday’s I tend to take a break from cooking heavy meals but on Sundays will typically make a large dinner.  This was my Saturday meal.

It’s quick and when I feel guilty about eating fried fish, I just pile on the vegetables.   I used lettuce and cucumbers on my sandwich, but fresh sliced tomatoes or shredded cabbage works also.    Every home tends to have their own rhythm on the weekends…what’s yours?


Fish Sandwich

8 boneless Tilapia filet

1 cup flour

1 tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp cayenne pepper

½ tsp black pepper

Juice of 1 lemon

1 tsp salt

1 baguette

Lettuce

Homemade tartar sauce

Hot pepper sauce (optional)

Canola oil

Place filet in a bowl and pour lemon juice and sprinkle with ½ tsp of the salt.  Allow to sit for 15 minutes.

Place flour, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper and the other ½ tsp of salt on a plate; mix.

After 15 minutes have passed, rinse the fish with water.

Place the fish in the flour, making sure to cover both sides with flour.  Shake off any excess flour.   Place canola oil in a large pot.   Oil should be about 1 inch deep.

Add fish to pan, cook until golden brown, turning once.   Remove from oil and place on a plate covered with paper towel to drain.   Cut baguette in 4 even pieces, slice in half.    Lightly brush with butter, then toast on a pan over medium heat.     Toast until golden brown.   Remove from pan.

To assemble sandwich, place a piece of lettuce on bottom half of bread, then place 2 pieces of filet on top of lettuce.   Spread tartar sauce of top half of bread, then spread just a bit of pepper sauce.  Cover fish with top half.  Devour!

Homemade Tartar Sauce

½ cup mayonnaise

Juice of ½ lemon

1 tbsp sweet relish

¼ tsp salt

1/8 tsp black pepper

½ tsp sugar

1 tbsp finely chopped chives

Place all ingredients in a small bowl and mix to combine.