Pub-Style Fried Cod Sandwiches
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These Pub-Style Fried Cod Sandwiches are made with marinated cod deep fried to the perfect crisp and served on a soft brioche bun.
Pub style food refers to the homey comforting nature of the dish paired with the rich satisfying factors. These Fried Cod Sandwiches hit all of the pub food qualifiers. The cod is crisp, tender; covered in melty cheese and delicious sauce, while tucked between two buttery brioche buns.
What you need to make a great pub cod fish sandwich
Cod filets, brined
Flour
Salt
Old bay
Spices
Frying oil
Burger buns- Try my easy Brioche Buns recipe.
Cheese slices
Tartar sauce
Lettuce
Tomatoes
How to and why brine cod fish
Cod is delicious when prepared properly. Some fish, cod, in particular, can be difficult to season. Even with the best spices and cooking method, cod needs a little help absorbing flavor. Outwardly it’s great but internally it tends to remain bland. Soaking the fish in salty water for a minimum of 15 minutes makes a world of difference in taste and texture.
How to make fried cod
After soaking the fish in salted water, remove and pat the fillets dry and season with old bay, garlic powder, and dried dill. (Reserve 1-2 teaspoons of the brining water for the next step.)
In a separate container, blend the flour, salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Pour the reserved brine water from the previous step into the flour to create coarse bits.
Batter the fish in the crumbly flour the allow the fillets to rest in a baking sheet while the oil heats. Fry the pieces and drain on a wire rack.
Make perfect fried cod pub sandwiches
Serve the fried cod fillets on a toasty brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, American cheese, and a slather of good tarter sauce. A side of crunchy Onion Rings and a large frosty glass of Lemonade Iced Tea make the meal complete!
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Pub-Style Fried Cod Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 4 3 oz cod fillets
- 3 c water
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp old bay
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp dried dill
- Pinch cayenne optional
- 3/4 c flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Oil for frying
- 4 light brioche buns
- 4 oz American cheese
- Bib lettuce
- Tomato slices
Tartar sauce
- 1/2 c mayo
- 1 1/2 tbsp sweet relish
- 1 tsp capers + juice
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp dill
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt or to taste
- Pinch black pepper
- Pinch cayenne optional
Instructions
- In a bowl whisk 3 cups of water plus 2 tablespoons of kosher salt until the salt is dissolved. Place the cod fillets into the salty water for 15-20 minutes. Remove the pieces from the salty water, reserving 1-2 teaspoons, and pat dry. Season with old bay, garlic powder, and dried dill.
- In a separate container, blend the flour, salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Create a coarse crumble by pouring the reserved brine water into the flour and pinching it between your fingers.
- Batter the fish in the crumbly flour the allow the fillets to rest in a baking sheet. Heat about 2 cuts is cooking oil in a skillet to 350 degrees. Fry the pieces for 3-4 minutes per side or until crisp. Drain on a wire rack before building the sandwiches as desired.
Tartar Sauce
- To make the sauce, blend all of the ingredients until smooth. Refrigerate until ready for use.
This was excellent. Followed the recipe and it’s a keeper.
Thanks!
The sandwich was delicious! I think the brine as well as the brioche bun took it over the top. I did add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the brine. Otherwise I made the recipe as noted. Again it was delicious!! My grandsons, who swear they don’t like fish, ate two sandwiches!
Sounds like a win! Thanks for letting me know.
Is the brine made with 2 tsp or 2 tbsp of kosher salt. The recipe uses both measures.
It should read tablespoons in both places. It takes about 3/4-1 tbsp per 1 cup of water to brine.
Everything you make looks amazing. Can’t wait to try this!
Thank you! Enjoy!