If you’re late to the fish finger sandwich party, you’re not alone. I didn’t grow up eating these British classics my childhood plates were all about mash and peas. But spotting them on pub menus as an adult made it easy to see the appeal. Crispy fish batons nestled in soft white bread, often topped with a tangy sauce, are Britain’s answer to Mexican fish tacos or West African fish rolls: quick, satisfying, and surprisingly versatile.
Yes, there’s a surprising demand online for fish finger sandwich recipes, and this guide delivers. As food writer Helen Graves warns: “Everyone in the UK has an opinion on what makes the perfect fish finger sandwich.” Let’s dive in.
The Fish
The simplest option is store-bought fish fingers, and they’re perfectly fine. Modern versions are chunkier than the gray, skinny sticks of childhood memories. But if you want to make your own, you can choose the fish and perfect the coating.
Cod or haddock are classic choices, though chef Roberta Hall McCarron favors sole, and London sandwich maker Max Halley recommends anything from cod to whiting or sole whatever looks freshest and is sustainable. Thick fillets work best; thin pieces can throw off the fish-to-crumb ratio.
Some recipes suggest salting the fish in advance to firm it up, though you can also salt just before cooking for a softer texture.
The Coating
No one’s battering fish fingers for a sandwich flour, egg, and breadcrumbs are the way to go. Panko breadcrumbs are a favorite for their crunch, though fresh breadcrumbs can work, especially if baking. You can stick to plain salt and pepper or experiment with herbs, cayenne, nutritional yeast, or even pumpkin seeds for extra texture and flavor.
The Sauces
Tartare sauce is a classic choice, blending mayo with pickles, chives, capers, or shallots. But many Brits prefer a mayo-and-ketchup combo, balancing sweetness and richness. Some go further, using salad cream or even a green Nordic dill salsa with parsley, anchovies, gherkins, and horseradish. The key is to pick what you like it’s hard to go wrong.
Extras
Lettuce adds crunch, slaws or peas add freshness, and creative toppings like celeriac and butternut squash slaw or minty pea puree can elevate the sandwich without complicating it.
Cooking
Bought fish fingers? Baking works perfectly. Homemade? Frying in a few centimeters of oil is best. Deep frying isn’t necessary, but frying ensures a crispy exterior and tender interior.
The Bread
Soft, fluffy white bread is ideal. Toasting isn’t required; the contrast between soft bread and crispy fish is part of the magic. Rolls or brioche can work, too. Buttering the bread is optional, but adds a rich finish.
Perfect Fish Finger Sandwich Recipe
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 8 min | Serves: 4
Tartare Sauce
- 200g mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 heaped tbsp chopped capers
- 1 heaped tbsp chopped cornichons
- 1 heaped tbsp chopped parsley or dill
- ½ tbsp chopped chives
Fish Fingers
- 2 thick fillets white fish (cod, haddock, hake), skinless (~400g)
- Salt and pepper
- 50g plain flour
- 2 eggs
- 125g panko breadcrumbs
- 20g nutritional yeast or ½ tsp MSG (optional)
- Neutral oil for frying
- 8 slices soft white bread or 4 rolls
- Butter, at room temp
Minty Pea Puree
- 200g frozen peas
- Small bunch fresh mint, leaves only
- ½ tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp horseradish (optional)
Instructions
- Mix tartare sauce ingredients and adjust seasoning.
- If making fish fingers, cut fillets into 8 pieces and season.
- Prepare three plates: flour (seasoned), beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs with yeast/MSG. Coat fish in flour, egg, then crumbs.
- Fry fish in 180C oil, 2–3 minutes each side, until golden. Drain. (Bake bought fingers as packet directs.)
- Cook peas in boiling water 3 minutes. Blend with mint, lemon juice, and horseradish.
- Butter bread/rolls, spread pea puree, add two fish fingers per sandwich, top with sauce, and close. Serve immediately.
Whether you stick to tartare, try a green sauce, or embrace the ketchup-and-mayo tradition, the perfect fish finger sandwich is about balancing textures, flavors, and nostalgia. Now go make one and join the party.
