These fried fish sandwiches are far better than anything from a drive-thru.

Tilapia, catfish, snapper, cod, sole, and more can also be used with success.

Thinner, flaky white fish is better in this applicationmeatier fish like tuna or swordfish will be too dense.

Southern Living Fried Fish Sandwiches on a plate with chips to serve

Credit:Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Using thawed frozen fish is perfectly fine; just be sure to pat it dry thoroughly before breading.

How To Make Fried Fish Sandwiches

No soggy, take-out fish sandwiches here.

Why be disappointed when you might have hot, freshly-fried fish sandwiches ready to serve in under 30 minutes?

ingredients for fried fish sandwiches - Southern Living

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Warm the buns and coat with mayonnaise and chowchow fresh before serving.

And of course, don’t forget a cold beer to wash it all down.

)skinless grouper or mahi-mahi fillets(about 3/4 to 1 in.

fish on a paper towel seasoned with salt

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Coat fish in buttermilk and cornmeal:

Place 1 fillet into cornmeal mixture, turning to coat.

Dip in buttermilk mixture, turning to coat; let excess drip off.

Return fillet to cornmeal mixture, turning to coat.

cornmeal mixture in a bowl

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Transfer to a plate, and repeat with remaining fillets.

Repeat with remaining fillets.

Make sandwich spread:

Stir together mayonnaise and chowchow in a bowl.

buttermilk mixture for fried fish

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Spread mixture onto cut sides of buns.

Place fillets on bun bottoms; addSpicy Slawand bun tops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choose mild, flaky fish with a firm texture for frying.

fish fillets coated in cornmeal mixture

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Mahi-mahi and grouper are preferred, but cod, tilapia, and other types can work well also.

fried fish fillets for sandwiches

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

assembling fried fish sandwich

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox