Name: Filet-O-Fish Sliders - Easy Fish Burger Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 sliders
Ingredients: 9-12 pieces breaded fish burgers (or fish filets, store bought or homemade, quantity will vary depending on size of fish used); 12 slider buns (or dinner rolls); 2 tbsp butter (melted); 12 slices American cheese (or slices cheddar cheese); 3/4 cup Mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sweet relish (or finely minced pickles (dill or sweet)); 1/2 tbsp dried dill (if using regular relish or diced dill pickles use only 1/4 tbsp of dried dill); 1 tbsp lemon juice

Filet-O-Fish Sliders (Fish Burger Sliders) are more than just a quick bite; they’re a delightful journey back to those comforting fast-food memories, reimagin extracted with a homemade touch that elevates them to a whole new level. We all have a soft spot for that perfectly flaky, lightly breaded fish patty nestled in a pillowy bun, but what if I told you we could capture that magic and make it even better, right in your own kitchen? The sheer satisfaction of biting into a warm, flavorful slider, the subtle tang of tartar sauce, and the slight crunch of the fish is truly irresistible. What truly sets these Filet-O-Fish Sliders (Fish Burger Sliders) apart is the ability to control the quality of ingredients and the freshness of the fish, transforming a classic into something truly special. Get ready to discover how simple it can be to recreate and even surpass that beloved fast-food favorite with this easy and incredibly delicious recipe.

Ingredients:

9-12 pieces breaded fish burgers (or fish filets, store bought or homemade, quantity will vary depending on size of fish used)
12 slider buns (or dinner rolls)
2 tbsp butter (melted)
12 slices American cheese (or slices cheddar cheese)
3/4 cup Mayonnaise
1/2 cup sweet relish (or finely minced pickles (dill or sweet))
1/2 tbsp dried dill (if using regular relish or diced dill pickles, use only 1/4 tbsp of dried dill)
1 tbsp lemon juice

Preparing the Slider Buns

Step 1: Toasting the Slider Buns

The first step to creating delicious Filet-O-Fish Sliders is to prepare your buns. You’ll want to split each slider bun in half horizontally. We’re going for a nice, lightly toasted finish, which adds a subtle crunch and prevents the buns from getting soggy from the sauce. In a small bowl, melt your 2 tablespoons of butter. You can do this in the microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, or gently melt it in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, brush the cut sides of all your slider bun halves generously with the melted butter. This butter coating is key for that golden-brown toasting and adds a lovely richness.

Now, you have a couple of options for toasting. You can place the buttered bun halves cut-side down on a hot griddle or in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes per side, until they are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as they can toast very quickly. Alternatively, if you have a toaster oven, you can arrange them on a baking sheet and toast them at around 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, again watching carefully. The goal is a light toast, not burnt edges. Once toasted, set the buns aside, keeping the top and bottom halves together for easy assembly later.

Crafting the Tartar Sauce

Step 2: Mixing the Tangy Tartar Sauce

While your buns are toasting or have just finished, it’s time to whip up the essential tartar sauce that gives these sliders their signature flavor. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the 3/4 cup of mayonnaise. This forms the creamy base of our sauce. Next, add the 1/2 cup of sweet relish. If you’re using finely minced dill pickles instead of sweet relish, ensure they are chopped very small for a consistent texture throughout the sauce.

Now comes the herbaceousness and tang. Add the 1/2 tablespoon of dried dill. A crucial tip here: if you opted for regular relish or dill pickles, you’ll want to reduce the dried dill to 1/4 tablespoon, as those ingredients already have a noticeable dill flavor and you don’t want it to overpower the other components. Finally, add the 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. The lemon juice adds a bright, zesty counterpoint to the richness of the mayonnaise and the sweetness of the relish. Stir all these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and you have a smooth, uniform sauce. Taste it and adjust seasonings if needed; you might want a tiny pinch of salt or a touch more lemon juice depending on your preference. Cover the bowl and set it aside in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld.

Cooking the Fish Patties

Step 3: Frying the Breaded Fish Burgers

It’s time to cook our fish! You’ll be using your 9-12 pieces of breaded fish burgers (or filets). If you’re using store-bought, follow the package instructions for cooking. If you’re making your own, ensure they are fully breaded and ready to go. The best method for achieving a crispy exterior and perfectly cooked fish is pan-frying.

Heat a generous amount of neutral oil, like vegetable or canola oil, in a large skillet or on a griddle over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to come about 1/4 to 1/2 inch up the sides of the pan. Allow the oil to get properly hot; you can test this by dropping a tiny piece of breading into the oil – it should sizzle immediately. Carefully place the breaded fish burgers into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them in batches if necessary to ensure they fry evenly and maintain their crispiness. Fry for approximately 3-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness and size of your fish burgers. Once cooked, remove the fish burgers from the skillet and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. This wire rack method is superior to paper towels, as it allows air to circulate and prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy.

Assembling the Filet-O-Fish Sliders

Step 4: Building the Bottom Layer

Now for the fun part: assembling our delicious Filet-O-Fish Sliders! Take your toasted bottom bun halves. You’ll want to apply a generous dollop of the prepared tartar sauce to each one. Don’t be shy with the sauce; it’s a critical flavor component. Aim for about 1-2 tablespoons of sauce per bottom bun, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface. This creamy, tangy layer will be the foundation for our fish.

Once the tartar sauce is spread, it’s time to add the star of the show. Carefully place one cooked breaded fish burger on top of the tartar sauce on each bottom bun. Ensure the fish patty is centered on the bun for an attractive and balanced slider. If your fish burgers are slightly larger than the buns, you can gently press them down a little to conform to the bun shape, or simply let them overhang slightly – that’s part of the charm of a slider! The warmth of the freshly cooked fish will start to slightly melt the sauce, which is exactly what we want.

Step 5: Adding the Cheese and Top Bun

The final touch before closing our sliders is adding the cheese. For each fish burger, place one slice of American cheese (or cheddar cheese, if you prefer) directly on top of the hot fish patty. The residual heat from the fish will begin extract to melt the cheese, creating that wonderfully gooey and irresistible texture. If you like your cheese extra melty, you can place the assembled sliders (bottom bun, fish, cheese) back on the warm skillet or under a broiler for about 30 seconds to a minute, just until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Watch very carefully to prevent burning.

Once the cheese is perfectly melted, take the toasted top half of each slider bun and place it gently on top of the cheese. You should now have a beautiful, fully assembled Filet-O-Fish Slider, ready to be devoured. Serve them immediately while they are warm and the cheese is melty for the best experience.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your very own batch of delicious Filet-O-Fish Sliders (Fish Burger Sliders)! We hope you’ve enjoyed recreating this classic fast-food favorite in your own kitchen. These sliders are incredibly versatile, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun party appetizer, or even a satisfying lunch. Serve them up with your favorite tartar sauce, a side of crispy fries, or a refreshing coleslaw for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings – sliced pickles, shredded lettuce, and a thin slice of cheese are all fantastic additions. We encourage you to experiment with different types of white fish if you like, such as cod or tilapia. The key is a flaky, mild white fish that holds up well to frying.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I bake these Filet-O-Fish Sliders (Fish Burger Sliders) instead of frying them?

Absolutely! While frying provides that signature crispiness, you can certainly bake these sliders. To do so, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded fish patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

What kind of buns work best for Filet-O-Fish Sliders (Fish Burger Sliders)?

Small, soft slider buns are ideal for this recipe. Brioche buns offer a slight sweetness that complements the fish beautifully, but classic white slider buns or even potato rolls will also work wonderfully. The key is a bun that is soft enough to easily bite into alongside the burger patty.