Blackened Fish Sandwich

I love a tasty fish sandwich and this blackened fish sandwich is BEYOND good! The spices on the fish paired with the tangy flavor of the Greek yogurt tartar sauce on a toasted brioche bun just makes for an amazing sandwich. Add the fact that it’s macro-friendly and the whole thing is a win!

 

What is a Blackened Fish Sandwich?

So I’m sure you know what a fish sandwich is, but what does it mean when it’s “blackened?” Blackening is a Cajun cooking technique where you coat the fish in a blend of spices and cook it in a hot skillet until it has a golden brown or black crust.

But you might wonder, what’s in the special blend of spices? Blackening spices typically include paprika, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, cumin, black pepper, white pepper, dried thyme, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder. You’ll see that I’ve used some of those in my own special blackened seasoning blend.

Blackened Fish Sandwich Ingredients

Most of the spices you’ll need for this fish sandwich might already be in your pantry. For the fish, you can use fresh or frozen filets. I use frozen mahi mahi from Costco and it works great. I just let it thaw in a bowl of warm water and it’s good to go. Grab some brioche buns and fresh, vibrant toppings and you’re all set!

Here are the ingredients you need to make blackened fish sandwiches:

For the blackened fish sandwich, snag the following:

• Mahi mahi (you can also use tilapia, cod, halibut, or another flakey white fish)
• Olive oil 
• Smoked paprika
• Brown sugar
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder
• Oregano
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Lemon juice
• Brioche hamburger buns
• Heirloom tomato
• Butter lettuce
• Avocado
• Pickles *optional*

Here’s what you need for the Greek yogurt tartar sauce:

• Greek yogurt (I use Forager Project plant-based sour cream as a dairy-free option)
• Low fat mayo
• Dill pickle relish, or finely chopped pickles
• Sweet relish
• Fresh dill
• Lemon juice

Equipment Needed to Make Blackened Fish Sandwiches

Since we’re frying the fish in a skillet, you’ll need a heavy-bottomed pan to get a perfect crust. I use this cast iron skillet and LOVE it. I truly believe a good cast iron pan is a must-have in the kitchen. You’ll be surprised how much you’ll use it and how much flavor it adds to everything! 

How to Make a Fish Sandwich

Ok, so let’s talk about how to make this tasty fish sandwich. As far as prep work, if you’re using frozen fish just make sure to let it thaw ahead of time. Everything else you can make fresh!

Here’s how to make blackened fish sandwiches:

1. Fry the fish. Pat the filets dry with some paper towels and drizzle or spray them with olive oil. Combine the spices in a small bowl and sprinkle them over both sides of the fish, using it all up. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high (to high) heat. Add a spritz of avocado oil (or other high-heat oil) and let it heat up for one more minute. Add the fish to the pan and cook for two minutes until nice and crisp. Flip the fish, turn the heat down to medium, and cook the other side for another two minutes or until cooked through. I like to finish the filets with a fresh squeeze of lemon.
2. Make the tartar sauce. In a small bowl, combine all the tartar sauce ingredients and then set it aside.
3. Toast the brioche buns. Spray the inside of your buns with a little mist of olive oil spray and toast face-down in a hot pan, or face-up in a broiler for a couple of minutes.
4. Build the sandwich. Grab the brioche buns and build your sandwich with 3 Tbsp of tartar sauce, a filet of fish, avocado, tomato, and lettuce.
5. Serve. Now that you’ve assembled your beautiful sandwich, take a big bite and enjoy! 

Ingredient Swaps

One of the things I love about this blackened fish sandwich is that you can use whatever type of fish you like! I will say though, definitely stick with a flakey white fish. But that leaves you with some pretty good options.

This recipe calls for mahi mahi, but I love it with other types of fish as well. Tilapia, cod, or halibut all work really well with this recipe so if you have a type of fish you prefer, by all means, use that one!

Is this Fish Sandwich Recipe Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free?

Since this fish sandwich recipe uses brioche hamburger buns and Greek yogurt, it does have gluten and dairy but they can be easily substituted to make this a gluten and dairy-free dinner!

Use your favorite gluten-free bun to keep things gluten-free. For dairy-free needs, I love using Forager Project plant-based sour cream in place of Greek yogurt, or of course, you can just use all mayo.

For more dairy-free and gluten-free recipes, check out my blog, cookbooks, or dinner meal plan! Most of my recipes are either naturally gluten-free and dairy-free or have easy swaps.

Serving Suggestions

Honestly, when we do sandwiches, we like to put out a big cutting board with all of the toppings and skip the sides. BUT, if you’re looking to add a little more to your plate, I’d say throw together a side salad! 

Here are a few salad options that would go great with your sandwiches:

• Easy Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad
• Sauteed Summer Herb Salad
• Corn Feta and Basil Salad

Other Sandwiches Recipes

If you’re a fan of blackened fish, I’ve got more macro-friendly recipes just like it that you’re going to LOVE! 

Here are a few of my favorite blackened fish recipes:

• Blackened Salmon Sandwich
• Blackened Chicken Sandwich with Whipped Herb Feta
• Blackened Fish Bowls with Cilantro Pepita Sauce
• Air Fryer Blackened Mahi Mahi
• Blackened Salmon Tacos

 

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Blackened Fish Sandwich Recipe

This blackened fish sandwich recipe is perfect for dinner! It’s high in protein, on the lighter side, and still packed full of flavor. Make these right away, trust me, you’ll be SO glad you did!

If you’re looking for more delicious, macro-friendly recipes, you’re in the right place! Take a look at my macro-friendly cookbooks and scroll through the recipes on my blog. I’m always sharing new recipes for you to try!

You can also find me on Instagram @lillieeatsandtells sharing my favorite foods and kitchen gadgets. Definitely tag me in anything you make, I love seeing all your tasty meals!

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