Nothing complements a fish sandwich quite like the right side dish and beverage. When I indulge in a Whataburger fish sandwich, I love pairing it with crispy sweet potato fries. The sweetness of the fries contrasts nicely with the savory flavors of the fish.
A zesty coleslaw also does wonders for balancing those flavors. If you want something refreshing, try a cold, tart lemonade. It cuts through the richness of the fish.
Now, let’s dive into the story of the Whataburger fish sandwich, shall we?
Growing up in Texas, Whataburger was more than just a fast-food chain; it felt like home. Whenever someone asked me where to find the best burger, my heart shouted, “Whataburger!”
But little did I know, I’d soon discover the gem of their menu—the fish sandwich. It’s not your ordinary fried fish; it’s a burst of flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
In this guide, we’ll explore what this sandwich truly is, why it stands out, and how you can recreate it at home. From my personal experience munching through countless burgers and fish sandwiches, let me take you on a flavorful journey.
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What is Whataburger Fish Sandwich?
The Whataburger fish sandwich features expertly seasoned breaded fish, nestled between a fluffy brioche bun. It comes adorned with crisp lettuce and a tangy tartar sauce that elevates each bite.
The sandwich makes for a satisfying meal, especially on those days when you crave a break from red meats.
What’s particularly exciting is how versatile this dish can be. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite toppings or sides. If you’ve never had the chance to try it, trust me—it’s worth every calorie.
Why This Recipe Works
After countless visits to Whataburger, I noticed a few crucial elements that made this sandwich exceptional. The fish used is light yet filling. The seasoning blends perfectly, giving it a flavor punch without overwhelming your palate.
The assembly—fresh ingredients and a house-made tartar sauce—ties everything together without fuss.
In short, it’s a simple yet brilliant dish that combines texture and taste seamlessly.
What You’ll Need to Make This Dish
For the Fish Fillets:
- 13 oz white fish fillets (such as cod, haddock, halibut, hoki, or whiting)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
- ½ teaspoon garlic granules
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
For the Tartar Sauce:
- ½ cup low-fat mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions or scallions
- 1 tablespoon capers, finely chopped
- 1-2 small dill pickles, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
For the Cabbage Slaw:
- 1 1/2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- A pinch of sea salt
- 1 teaspoon honey
For Sandwich Assembly:
- 4 soft brioche buns
- 60g cheddar cheese
- 4 crisp lettuce leaves
How to Make the Whataburger Fish Sandwich
Step 1: Preparation of the Fish
First, lay out your fish fillets. I recommend using fresh fish for the best results. Rinse them in cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
In a small bowl, mix sea salt, black pepper, dried onion flakes, and garlic granules. Season both sides of the fillets generously with the mixture.
Step 2: Breading the Fish
Here’s where the crispiness begins! Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and the last for Panko breadcrumbs. Dip each seasoned fish fillet first into the flour, making sure to coat all sides.
Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip it in the beaten eggs before finally coating it with breadcrumbs. Press down to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well—this is crucial for that satisfying crunch.
Step 3: Frying the Fish
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the breaded fish fillets into the pan. Fry until golden brown on one side, about 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook until the other side is equally golden and crispy.
Remove the fillets and set them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 4: Making the Tartar Sauce
While the fish is frying, let’s tackle that delicious tartar sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, yogurt, chopped scallions, capers, diced pickles,
Dijon mustard, cracked pepper, and lemon zest. Stir well until all ingredients are blended. This sauce adds a tangy flair that complements the fish perfectly!
Step 5: Preparing the Cabbage Slaw
In another bowl, toss the finely shredded red cabbage with white wine vinegar, olive oil, sea salt, and honey. Mix until everything is coated. This slaw adds crunch and a touch of sweetness, balancing the flavors in the sandwich.
Step 6: Assembling the Sandwich
Now, let’s bring everything together! Toast the brioche buns lightly. On the bottom half, place a lettuce leaf first.
Then, add a piece of the crispy fish fillet, followed by a generous dollop of tartar sauce. Top with the slaw. If you fancy some cheese, toss a slice of cheddar before closing the sandwich with the top half of the bun.
Tips for a Perfect Fish Sandwich
- Use Fresh Fish: Fresh fish offers superior taste and texture compared to frozen varieties.
- Don’t Skip the Slaw: It adds crunch and balances the richness of the fish.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These provide an extra crunchy coating.
- Customize Your Heat: Add cayenne pepper to the seasoning or mix sriracha into the tartar sauce.
- Try Different Buns: Sourdough or whole grain options add unique flavors.
How to Store Leftovers
- Separate Components: Store the fish, tartar sauce, slaw, and buns separately.
- Airtight Containers: Use airtight containers to keep ingredients fresh.
- Reheat Correctly: Use an oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
How Would I Recommend Serving the Whataburger Fish Sandwich?
- With a Side of Sweet Potato Fries
- Accompanied by a Zesty Salad
- Pairing with a Light Beer
- Complemented by a Creamy Coleslaw
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients?
- Fish Alternatives: Salmon or tilapia can be used instead.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Crushed cornflakes can work as a substitute.
- Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt offers a lighter option.
- Brioche Buns: Hamburger buns or naan are great alternatives.
Whataburger Fish Sandwich Recipe
Equipment
- Paper towels
- Small bowl
Ingredients
For the Fish Fillets:
- 13 oz white fish fillets such as cod, haddock, halibut, hoki, or whiting
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
- ½ teaspoon garlic granules
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
For the Tartar Sauce:
- ½ cup low-fat mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions or scallions
- 1 tablespoon capers finely chopped
- 1-2 small dill pickles finely diced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
For the Cabbage Slaw:
- 1 1/2 cups red cabbage finely shredded
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- A pinch of sea salt
- 1 teaspoon honey
For Sandwich Assembly:
- 4 soft brioche buns
- 60 g cheddar cheese
- 4 crisp lettuce leaves
Instructions
Step 1: Preparation of the Fish
- First, lay out your fish fillets. I recommend using fresh fish for the best results. Rinse them in cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- In a small bowl, mix sea salt, black pepper, dried onion flakes, and garlic granules. Season both sides of the fillets generously with the mixture.
Step 2: Breading the Fish
- Here’s where the crispiness begins! Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and the last for Panko breadcrumbs. Dip each seasoned fish fillet first into the flour, making sure to coat all sides.
- Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip it in the beaten eggs before finally coating it with breadcrumbs. Press down to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well—this is crucial for that satisfying crunch.
Step 3: Frying the Fish
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the breaded fish fillets into the pan. Fry until golden brown on one side, about 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook until the other side is equally golden and crispy.
- Remove the fillets and set them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 4: Making the Tartar Sauce
- While the fish is frying, let’s tackle that delicious tartar sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, yogurt, chopped scallions, capers, diced pickles,
- Dijon mustard, cracked pepper, and lemon zest. Stir well until all ingredients are blended. This sauce adds a tangy flair that complements the fish perfectly!
Step 5: Preparing the Cabbage Slaw
- In another bowl, toss the finely shredded red cabbage with white wine vinegar, olive oil, sea salt, and honey. Mix until everything is coated. This slaw adds crunch and a touch of sweetness, balancing the flavors in the sandwich.
Step 6: Assembling the Sandwich
- Now, let’s bring everything together! Toast the brioche buns lightly. On the bottom half, place a lettuce leaf first.
- Then, add a piece of the crispy fish fillet, followed by a generous dollop of tartar sauce. Top with the slaw. If you fancy some cheese, toss a slice of cheddar before closing the sandwich with the top half of the bun.
Notes
- Use Fresh Fish: Fresh fish offers superior taste and texture compared to frozen varieties.
- Don’t Skip the Slaw: It adds crunch and balances the richness of the fish.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These provide an extra crunchy coating.
- Customize Your Heat: Add cayenne pepper to the seasoning or mix sriracha into the tartar sauce.
- Try Different Buns: Sourdough or whole grain options add unique flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the fish sandwich ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the fish and tartar sauce in advance. However, fry the fish just before serving to retain its crispiness.
2. Is this sandwich gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns. There are many excellent options available today.
3. Can I bake the fish instead of frying it?
Yes! You can bake the breaded fish at 425°F for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through. You’ll still achieve a nice crunch.
4. What type of fish is best for this sandwich?
White fish like cod or haddock offers a mild flavor and flaky texture, making them ideal choices for this sandwich.
5. Can I use a different sauce instead of tartar?
Yes, feel free to swap in a spicy mayo, chipotle sauce, or even a simple aioli for a different flavor vibe.
6. How long can I store leftovers?
The leftovers will last about 2-3 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in airtight containers.
Conclusion
In creating the Whataburger fish sandwich at home, you not only bring a taste of Texas into your kitchen but also a delicious meal that suits any occasion.
Whether it’s a casual dinner or a summer barbecue, this sandwich will steal the show. The crunchy fish, creamy tartar sauce, and zesty slaw all together create an explosion of flavors that you won’t soon forget.
So next time you’re rustling up dinner or craving something different, give this fish sandwich a whirl. I’m excited for you to experience the joy it brings to the table! Happy cooking!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more