Craving the iconic taste of a McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish sandwich? You’re not alone! That perfect combination of a tender, flaky fish patty, melty American cheese, and the unmistakably tangy tartar sauce nestled in a soft, steamed bun is truly a fast-food classic. Good news for all enthusiasts: you can now recreate this beloved sandwich, including its signature tartar sauce, right in your own kitchen! Forget the drive-thru lines and enjoy a fresh, homemade version that tastes just like the original.
The Enduring Appeal of the Filet-O-Fish
While we often aim to limit our fast-food consumption, certain cravings are simply undeniable. For many, the McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish is one of those irresistible temptations, especially during Lent. Its unique flavor profile and comforting texture make it a standout item on the menu, a favorite for families and individuals alike. My husband and youngest daughter, for instance, consider it their top pick.
What truly elevates this sandwich from good to unforgettable? Many would argue it’s the distinctive tartar sauce. Unlike typical tartar sauces, McDonald’s version strikes a delicate balance of creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet flavors that perfectly complements the fried fish. It’s this exceptional condiment that makes the Filet-O-Fish so uniquely satisfying.
My journey to perfecting this copycat recipe began years ago when my mother revealed she had been using a secret copycat recipe for McDonald’s tartar sauce for ages. I was astonished and immediately asked for the recipe. With that crucial component in hand, I embarked on a mission to replicate the entire sandwich experience at home, ensuring every bite captured the essence of the original.
Mastering the McDonald’s Tartar Sauce Recipe
For many, the mention of “tartar sauce” immediately brings to mind McDonald’s distinctive version. It’s truly a cut above the rest, offering a perfectly balanced flavor that complements rather than overpowers the fish.
So, what exactly defines tartar sauce? It’s a creamy, mayonnaise-based condiment that traditionally accompanies seafood, particularly fried fish. The classic components typically include mayonnaise, finely chopped pickles or relish, capers, and often fresh herbs like dill or parsley. Its name, “tartar,” alludes to its characteristic tart and tangy flavor profile, which is crucial for cutting through the richness of fried foods.
Our copycat recipe for McDonald’s tartar sauce aims to replicate this beloved taste. It’s the secret weapon that transforms a simple fish sandwich into a culinary experience reminiscent of your favorite fast-food treat. The careful selection and proportion of ingredients are key to achieving that signature tang and creaminess. If you’re a fan of fish sandwiches, you might also enjoy giving my Salmon Burger with BLT Slaw a try for another delicious seafood option.
Deconstructing the McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish Sandwich
The magic of the Filet-O-Fish lies in its simplicity and the synergy of its few, carefully chosen ingredients. Beyond the exceptional tartar sauce, the steamed bun plays an equally vital role in creating that signature McDonald’s experience. Here are the essential components you’ll need to assemble your perfect copycat sandwich:
- Breaded Fish Patties: For an authentic taste and texture, selecting the right fish patty is crucial. I highly recommend Van de Kamp’s Breaded Fish for Sandwiches, as its shape and breading closely mimic the original. However, feel free to use any high-quality breaded white fish fillet you prefer. Look for a fillet that crisps up nicely on the outside while remaining tender and flaky on the inside.
- Hamburger Buns: Don’t just use any bun; steaming is key! The soft, almost pillowy texture of a steamed bun is a hallmark of the McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish. This process makes the bun incredibly pliable and allows it to absorb the flavors of the fish and sauce beautifully, delivering that unmistakable mouthfeel.
- American Cheese Slices: It simply wouldn’t be a McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish without the perfectly melted square of American cheese. Its low melting point ensures a smooth, creamy texture that adheres delightfully to the hot fish, adding a subtle tang and richness that completes the classic flavor profile.
- McDonald’s Copycat Tartar Sauce: This is arguably the most critical component. To achieve that signature flavor, you’ll need a blend of high-quality ingredients. Our recipe calls for Vlasic Dill Pickle Relish for its consistent flavor and texture, finely minced capers for a briny pop, dried minced onion for depth, a touch of milk for creaminess, dried parsley flakes for subtle herb notes, fresh lemon juice for brightness, a hint of granulated sugar to balance the tartness, and of course, a good quality mayonnaise as the creamy base. The precise combination of these ingredients is what truly captures the essence of McDonald’s famous sauce.
Crafting Your Homemade McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish and Tartar Sauce
Recreating this fast-food favorite in your own kitchen is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. Follow these easy steps to bring the iconic Filet-O-Fish experience home.
Step 1: Prepare Your Signature Tartar Sauce
The tartar sauce is best when its flavors have had time to meld. Begin by combining all of your tartar sauce ingredients – mayonnaise, Vlasic Dill Pickle Relish, minced capers, dried minced onion, milk, dried parsley flakes, lemon juice, and granulated sugar – in a bowl. Whisk them together until thoroughly mixed. Once combined, transfer the sauce to an airtight container, cover it, and refrigerate for at least one hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to deepen and harmonize, creating that perfectly balanced tang that defines McDonald’s tartar sauce. Ideally, you can prepare the sauce even further in advance, up to a day before assembly.
Step 2: Cook the Fish Patties to Perfection
Preheat your oven according to the instructions on your chosen breaded fish patty package. Arrange the fish patties in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake them for the recommended time, ensuring they become golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining tender and moist inside. The goal is a perfectly cooked fish fillet that holds its shape. Just before the fish is fully cooked, typically in the last minute or two, carefully place a slice of American cheese on top of each hot patty. Return the baking sheet to the oven for just a minute or two, or until the cheese has melted into a wonderfully gooey layer over the fish.
Step 3: Achieve the Signature Steamed Buns
While your cheese is melting, prepare your hamburger buns. This step is crucial for achieving the soft, pillowy texture synonymous with the Filet-O-Fish. Place your hamburger buns into a plastic bag. Add a damp paper towel to the bag – this will create the steam. Do not seal the bag tightly; leave a small opening for air to circulate. Microwave the buns for approximately 30 seconds. The steam generated will gently warm and soften the buns, making them incredibly tender and giving them that signature McDonald’s squishiness.
Step 4: Assemble and Enjoy!
With all components ready, it’s time to assemble your masterpieces. Place a bottom bun on your serving plate. Carefully transfer a hot fish patty, still warm with its perfectly melted American cheese, onto the bottom bun. Now comes the star: generously spoon a dollop of your homemade McDonald’s Tartar Sauce over the cheesy fish. Finally, crown your creation with the soft, steamed top bun. Serve immediately and savor the authentic taste of your very own homemade Filet-O-Fish sandwich!
Tips for the Perfect Homemade Filet-O-Fish
- Fish Choice: While Van de Kamp’s is recommended for authenticity, any good quality breaded cod or pollock fillet will work. For extra crispiness, consider using an air fryer for the fish patties if you have one, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Bun Steaming Alternatives: If you don’t want to use a microwave, you can steam buns over a pot of simmering water using a steamer basket, or even wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven for a few minutes. The key is to introduce moisture for that soft texture.
- Cheese Melt: Ensure the fish is piping hot when you add the cheese. The residual heat will melt the American cheese perfectly for that signature gooey finish.
- Tartar Sauce Resting: Don’t skip the refrigeration step for the tartar sauce. This allows the flavors to fully develop and become cohesive.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your homemade Filet-O-Fish with classic crinkle-cut fries, a fresh side salad, or a simple coleslaw for a complete meal.
Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
If you’re as excited about this incredible copycat Filet-O-Fish recipe as we are, make sure to save it! Pin it to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest so you can easily find it whenever that McDonald’s craving strikes again!
More Restaurant Copycat Recipes to Explore
Found your new favorite McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish and tartar sauce recipe? Excellent! But perhaps you’re wondering if there are other restaurant favorites you can replicate at home. The answer is a resounding yes! I love crafting copycat recipes, and I’m thrilled to share some of my other fast-food and restaurant favorites with you today. You can browse my full collection of restaurant copycat recipes here.
Beyond these fast-food classics, my collection includes popular dishes from well-known establishments like Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Texas Roadhouse, P.F. Chang’s, Starbucks, Cracker Barrel, and many more. Bringing these iconic flavors into your home kitchen offers a fun and often more economical way to enjoy your restaurant favorites.
Popular Fast Food Restaurant Copycat Recipes:
- McDonald’s Big Mac Recipe (pictured above)
- Wendy’s Homemade Frosty’s
- KFC Coleslaw Recipe
- Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
- Baskin Robbins Daiquiri Ice Recipe
- Wendy’s Taco Salad
- Copy Cat Sonic Cherry-Limeade
- Egg McMuffin
Now that we’ve covered all the details, it’s time to stop talking and start cooking! Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this fantastic copycat McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish sandwich and its essential homemade tartar sauce.
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Print Recipe
Copy Cat McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish Sandwich and Tartar Sauce Recipe
Love the fish sandwiches at McDonald’s? Us, too! Those soft buns, piping hot fish fillet, melty cheese and the best tartar sauce ever! Now you can skip the drive-thru and make them at home!
Equipment
- 13×18 Half Sheet Pan
Ingredients
McDonald’s Tartar Sauce Recipe
- 1/4 cup Vlasic Dill Pickle Relish
- 12 capers minced
- 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
- 2 teaspoons milk
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/8 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
For the Filet ‘O Fish Sandwich
- 6 White hamburger style buns
- 6 Van de Kamp Breaded Fish for Sandwiches
- 6 slices American cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Tartar Sauce:
At least one hour before you prepare the fish, make the tartar sauce by combining all of the ingredients in a container with a lid. Refrigerate for at least one hour.
- To assemble the sandwiches:
Bake fish fillets according to the box. Top with a slice of American cheese while hot. Steam buns by placing them in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 30 seconds to steam. Place fish, topped with cheese on bun, add tartar sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
The recipe is easily cut in half.
Store leftover tartar sauce in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container.
Nutrition
Calories: 1151kcal |
Carbohydrates: 26g |
Protein: 174g |
Fat: 35g |
Saturated Fat: 10g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 9g |
Trans Fat: 0.5g |
Cholesterol: 479mg |
Sodium: 1488mg |
Potassium: 3596mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 5g |
Vitamin A: 368IU |
Vitamin C: 2mg |
Calcium: 416mg |
Iron: 5mg
This recipe was originally posted on January 20, 2016. It was updated on February 28, 2025, to upgrade the reader experience.
