Tilapia is great for a quick weeknight meal since it doesn’t take long to thaw. This fried tilapia sandwich is easy to make and keeps us full.
Jump to RecipeOne of the staple foods we keep in the freezer here is a bag of tilapia fillets. Yes, I know tilapia isn’t the best fish, but I don’t like fish that’s very…. fishy. Tilapia is mild, easy to cook, and doesn’t have the scales to worry about on it. It’s perfect to make a quick Fried Tilapia Sandwich.
In other words, tilapia is great for those nights when we need a really quick dinner but forget to take something else out. It’s rare that we actually schedule any tilapia meal in our weekly meal plan because it’s always our backup plan.
When we were visiting my family in Florida a couple of years ago, my dad made us each a fried tilapia sandwich for dinner one evening. They were so simple, yet so delicious!
As with most meals lately, the boys won’t always eat this. But they have been such picky eaters recently. I’m not surprised. And, in typical kid fashion, they may love something one night but then claim they don’t like it the next.
Sometimes, I find that if they help make dinner, they are more likely to give it a try. They like helping with this because it gets their hands messy. And what kid doesn’t like to get messy with permission?
Justin and I really like fish sandwiches for a quick and easy meal that will still keep us full throughout the evening. The ingredients are ones that we always have on hand making this a simple dinner for us. Of course, we may also be preparing a PB&J for the boys, but that’s beside the point.
You can add toppings to the sandwich if you like. I prefer mine plain. But Justin likes to add a slice of tomato and spinach to his when we have it.
Side and Garnish Suggestions
- French fries
- Potato chips
- Coleslaw mix
- Potato salad
- Tomato slices
- Pickle relish
- Lemon juice or lemon zest
- Spicy slaw
- American cheese
- Shredded cabbage
- Creole seasoning
- Slice of cheddar cheese
Tips for Making the Best Fried Fish Sandwich Recipe
- If your fish fillets are still dripping with oil, place them on a plate with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. Or lay on a wire rack to let the oil drip off.
- The best fish sandwich is made on your favorite bread. We used whole wheat bread but you can also use brioche buns or another soft bun.
- If you want a spicy kick, try adding a dash of hot sauce or tangy tartar sauce to your sandwich.
- Choose the fish that’s best for you. Any white fish will make a delicious fish sandwich. We like tilapia, but you can also try a North Atlantic cod fillet, bass, grouper, snapper, catfish, or haddock fish filets.
- Plain or regular breadcrumbs have the most mild flavor. Another option is Panko breadcrumbs which are a Japanese bread crumb. Panko is thicker so will give a more crispy crust.
Fried Tilapia Sandwich Step by Step
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 lb tilapia fish fillets
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp parsley flakes
- 4 slices bread
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
Preparation
Thaw the tilapia according to directions. I find that it only needs about 5-10 minutes out of the freezer to thaw enough to work with. You don’t want it too warm.
In a large skillet, over medium heat, warm the olive oil. While it’s warming, set out three shallow bowls or plates to set up a dredging station. The first should have the flour, the second eggs, and the last contains the breadcrumbs.
Take each tilapia fillet and dip it in the flour then eggs then breadcrumbs. Make sure it gets completely covered at each step.
Place the fish in the hot oil and cook until it’s flaky and white inside and golden brown on the outside. Season the fish as it cooks with the onion powder, garlic powder, and parsley. Make sure to flip the fish at least once while it fries.
Toast the bread and spread mayonnaise on one side of each piece.
Place each cooked fillet between two pieces of bread and serve immediately. The fish will cool very quickly and can make the bread a bit soggy, so you want to eat it as soon as possible.
Fried Tilapia Sandwich Leftovers
Storage: If you have leftovers, I suggest storing the fried tilapia separately from all of the pieces of the sandwich. You don’t want any excess oil in the fish to soak through the bread. Store the leftover fried tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
Reheating: Reheat the tilapia in an air fryer or toaster oven or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Recipe
Originally Published On: March 24, 2016
Last Updated On: November 14, 2023
Fried Tilapia Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 lb tilapia fillets
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp parsley flakes
- 4 slices bread
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
Instructions
- Heat oil over medium heat in a large skillet
- Put flour and bread crumbs on 2 separate plates and egg in a bowl
- Bread the fish by covering in flour, then egg, then bread crumbs
- Place fish in heated oil to fry, flipping at least once
- Season fish while cooking
- When fish is cooked, put some mayonnaise on the bread then the fish in between
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutrition content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.
Other Fish Recipes to try
- Broiled Tilapia Parmesan
- Fried Tilapia Sandwich
- Sheet Pan Baked Tilapia with Roasted Vegetables
- Lemon Rosemary Tilapia
- Dijon-Herb Tilapia
- Tilapia with Pinot Noir Sauce
- Coconut-Turmeric Tilapia and Rice
- Tilapia with Lemon Butter Sauce
- Swai Fish with Orzo
- Cornmeal-Crusted Salmon
- Sheet Pan Salmon with Smashed Potatoes
- Orange-Ginger Salmon with Toasted Snow Peas
- Salmon Cakes with Buttermilk Sauce
- Super Simple Cilantro and Lime Fish Dinner
- Avocado Fish Tacos
- Fish Cakes with Dipping Sauce
- Teriyaki Salmon
- Sesame Salmon
- Salmon with a Bold Soy-Molasses Glaze over Rice and Vegetables
More Sandwich Recipes
- Chicken Salad Sandwich
- BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- Fried Tilapia Sandwich
- Christmas Sandwiches: A Family Holiday Tradition
- Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Classic BLT Sandwich
- Quick and Easy Peanut Butter and Honey Sandwich
- How to Make the Perfect Classic Egg Salad Sandwich
- Easy Hawaiian Sliders Recipe with Ham and Cheese
Oooh, I bet this would work to make fish and chips, too! Any other fish that you’d recommend? I’m not a fan of tilapia 🙂
Tilapia is the only one I usually eat since I don’t like very fishy fish. But I’ve heard salmon is good for this type of meal, too.
I have no idea why, but I need this sandwich right now. It’s calling to me. Fish sandwiches are always good, but for some reason my heart wants this, now.
It’s such a simple sandwich to put together, but I agree, so delicious!
It’s a good move when you need to make a quick sandwich and have ingredients around to spice it up. The much maligned Tilapia has its place in the kitchen, for sure.
I always have to spice up anything we make. I don’t like spicy foods, but I like them to have bold flavors.
I’m the same way – most fish is too fishy-tasting! But tilapia is actually edible. I’ve never thought about putting it on a sandwich – and with mayo, yum! – but I’m craving it now!
I’m glad I’m not the only one that feels that way! I wasn’t sure about the mayo at first, but when my dad insisted, I tried it and I’m so glad I did!
This is more or less how I always prepare fish to bake in the oven as part of dinner, but I never think to pan-fry it for quick fish sandwiches! What a good idea! We’ll have to try this sometime 🙂
I use the same method for a lot of things, too. We do both pan-fried and baked, depending on the flavor we want. The fried fish works well on a sandwich, though!
One can we say yum?!?! Definitely a recipe the whole family would enjoy! So giving it a try
It’s such a simple recipe, but it tastes so good and makes a great light lunch or dinner when you need it.
this looks so yummy- great recipe to make
Thanks, Cait!
I just learnt there was a fish called tilapia! how ignorant I am!!! Well, this sounds great and I’m certainly going to try it out.
It’s ok, there are many fish I am not aware of, and my dad is a fisherman! Tilapia is very mild, which is why I like it so much.
My mom eats tilapia all the time! I’m going to share this recipe with her. I think my daughter would enjoy it as well.
I hope you guys enjoy it! The sandwich is a great way to make it a bit different but still quick and easy.
This sounds so delicious! I love a good fish sandwich. I typically use haddock, but I will have to give it a try with tilapia!
I’ve never cooked with haddock before. I don’t know if I’ve ever even tried it!
Oooo now that looks like one yummy sandwich!!! Perfect for lunch! Might just have to make them this week!
I agree, it’s quick enough to make during lunch and would be a really light meal, too.