Captain D’s Fish Sandwich Homemade Recipe

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As a family favorite and a go-to for many seafood enthusiasts, Captain D’s has mastered the art of serving up a fish sandwich that hits all the right notes—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with just the perfect hint of tang from their signature tartar sauce. But what if you find yourself craving that irresistible sandwich on a lazy Sunday when you just can’t bring yourself to leave the coziness of your home? In this article, I’ll show you how to make Captain D’s Fish Sandwich at home.

How to make Captain D’s Fish Sandwich

Captain D’s Fish Sandwich is a menu item from Captain D’s, a fast-food chain specializing in seafood. The sandwich typically features a breaded and fried fish fillet served on a bun with various toppings, such as lettuce and tartar sauce.

Ingredients:

Fish Fillets:

• 4 white fish fillets (such as cod or haddock)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beer (or cold sparkling water for a non-alcoholic version)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works great)

For the Sandwich:

• 4 soft hoagie rolls or hamburger buns, toasted
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• Tartar sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Optional: slices of cheese, pickles

Homemade Tartar Sauce (Optional but recommended):

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon relish or finely chopped pickles
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tartar Sauce: Mix all the ingredients for the tartar sauce in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Refrigerate it until you’re ready to use, allowing the flavors to meld together.
2. Make the Beer Batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add beer or sparkling water to the flour mixture while whisking continuously until the batter is smooth and lump-free.

Batter and Fry the Fish:

1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 375°F (190°C).
2. Dip each fish fillet into the batter, ensuring each piece is completely coated.
3. Gently place the battered fish in the hot oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer fried fish to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Assemble the Sandwiches:

1. Lightly toast the buns for a crispy texture.
2. Spread a generous amount of tartar sauce on both halves of each bun.
3. Place a layer of shredded lettuce on the bottom bun.
4. Add the hot, crispy fish fillet on top of the lettuce.
5. If desired, add a slice of cheese and/or pickles.
6. Top with the other half of the bun.

Tips for the Best Fish Sandwich:

• Fish Choice: Opt for fish fillets that are not too thick to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.
• Batter Consistency: Your batter should be similar to pancake batter, not too thick or too thin. This consistency ensures it adheres well to the fish.
• Oil Temperature: Keep your oil temperature constant at around 375°F to avoid soggy or overly greasy fish.
• Serving: Serve the sandwich immediately after assembly to enjoy the contrast of warm crispy fish with cool, creamy tartar sauce and fresh lettuce.

What to serve with

Serving the perfect side dishes with your Captain D’s Fish Sandwich can transform a simple meal into a memorable feast. Here’s a curated selection of delightful accompaniments that complement the savory flavors and crispy textures of your homemade fish sandwich masterpiece.

1. Coleslaw:

A tangy and refreshing coleslaw can be the perfect counterpart to the crispy fish. The crunch of fresh cabbage and carrots dressed in a creamy, slightly sweet and spicy sauce offers a palate-cleansing effect between bites of the Captain D’s Fish Sandwich.

• Simple Coleslaw Recipe: Mix shredded green cabbage and carrots with a dressing of mayonnaise, a dash of vinegar, a spoonful of sugar, and some salt and pepper. Let it chill in the fridge for an hour before serving to let the flavors meld.

2. French Fries or Potato Wedges:

No Captain D’s Fish Sandwich is complete without the classic side of French fries or hearty potato wedges. They’re easy to make, universally loved, and they carry that indulgent comfort food vibe that’s hard to resist.

• Homemade French Fries: Cut potatoes into sticks or wedges, rinse well and dry thoroughly. Fry in batches in hot oil until golden brown, or for a healthier option, bake in the oven until crispy—season with salt and your favorite herbs or spices.

3. Hush Puppies:

These little deep-fried cornmeal balls are a Southern favorite and make for an indulgent side that pairs beautifully with seafood.

• Simple Hush Puppies: Combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, minced onions, and buttermilk. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into hot oil and fry until golden. Serve these piping hot for a comfort food delight.

4. Onion Rings:

Like French fries, onion rings offer another level of crunch that complements the fish sandwich. Their sweet, savory flavor when breaded and fried is irresistible.

• Homemade Onion Rings: Slice onions into rings, dip in a mixture of flour, followed by egg and breadcrumbs or batter, and fry until they’re a beautiful golden brown.

5. Steamed or Grilled Vegetables:

For a lighter, healthier side option, consider a medley of steamed or grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, or broccoli. They add color, nutrition, and a tender contrast to the dish.

• Grilled Vegetable Medley: Slice your chosen vegetables, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and herbs, and grill until they have a nice char and are tender-crisp.

6. Pickles and Pepperoncini:

Add a vinegary side by offering a selection of pickles or pepperoncini. The salty sharpness cheaply elevates every bite of the fish sandwich with a hint of piquancy.

• Pickles and Pepperoncini: Offer a variety of pickles, or make your own quick pickles using cucumber, vinegar, water, sugar, and dill. Serve with whole or sliced pepperoncini peppers.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a homemade version of Captain D’s Fish Sandwich allows for a customized approach, not only in terms of flavors and ingredients but also when substitutions are needed due to dietary restrictions, availability, or personal preference. Here’s how you can adapt the key components of the fish sandwich to meet various needs.

Fish Fillet Substitutes:

Original: Captain D’s typically uses white fish like pollock or cod for their sandwiches due to their mild flavor and flaky texture.

Substitutes:

• Haddock, tilapia, or flounder can be excellent alternatives for a similar taste and texture.
• For a more sustainable option, Look for MSC-certified fish.
• For a vegetarian/vegan option, Try using battered and fried tofu, jackfruit, or a store-bought fish substitute made from plant-based ingredients.

Breading Substitutes:

Original: A mixture of flour and breadcrumbs achieves a crispy outer coating.

Substitutes:

• Gluten-free option: You can use almond meal, crushed pork rinds (not suitable for vegetarians/vegans), or a commercially prepared gluten-free breadcrumb mix.
• Keto option: Almond flour mixed with grated Parmesan cheese offers a low-carb alternative to traditional breadcrumb coatings.

Tartar Sauce Substitutes:

Original: Tartar sauce usually consists of mayo, relish, and lemon juice.

Substitutes:

• Healthier option: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.
• Vegan option: Opt for vegan mayonnaise mixed with finely chopped capers, dill, and a dash of lemon juice.

Cheese Substitutes:

Original: American cheese is a common choice for adding a creamy texture.

Substitutes:

• Flavorful options: Try sharp cheddar for more bite or Swiss cheese for a milder taste.
• Dairy-free/vegan option: Many brands offer plant-based cheese slices that melt well and can add a similar gooey texture.

Bun Substitutes:

Original: A soft hamburger bun serves as the base.

Substitutes:

• Gluten-free option: Opt for a gluten-free hamburger bun or lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
• Whole grain option: Choose a whole grain or whole wheat bun for added fiber and nutrients.

Lettuce and Tomato Substitutes:

Original: Fresh lettuce and tomato slices add crunch and moisture.

Substitutes:

• For added flavor, Try arugula for a peppery bite, spinach for a slight earthiness, or roasted bell peppers for sweetness.
• Seasonal options: Fresh, seasonal vegetables like cucumber or sprouts can replace or complement the tomato and lettuce for a different texture or flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—your very own, incredibly delicious homemade Captain D’ s fish sandwich. This recipe lets you bring Captain D’s magic to your table, pleasing family and friends with a comforting, classic seafood treat!

More Sandwich Recipes:

• Trader Joe’s Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe
• Thelma’s Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe
• How to Make Ice Cream Sandwich That Doesn’t Melt
• Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies
• Cookie Sandwich Recipe