Kenosha-Style Fried Whitefish Sandwich with Tartar Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy fried whitefish nestled in a soft bun with tangy tartar sauce and fresh lettuce, inspired by the Great Lakes regional fish fry tradition. This american-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 30 minutes layers all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornmeal, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Gradually add 3/4 cup cold sparkling water, whisking until smooth to create a light batter.
  2. Step 2: Heat about 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F. Pat dry 1 pound whitefish fillets cut into 3-inch pieces, then season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Dip each whitefish piece into the batter to coat completely, letting excess drip off, then carefully lower into hot oil. Fry in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy, turning once.
  4. Step 4: Remove fried fish with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp dill pickle relish, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp dried dill weed to make tartar sauce.
  6. Step 6: To assemble, place a leaf of lettuce on each of 4 soft sandwich buns, top with fried whitefish pieces, and spread 2 tbsp tartar sauce over the fish. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Kenosha-Style Fried Whitefish Sandwich with Tartar Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Kenosha-Style Fried Whitefish Sandwich with Tartar Sauce?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Kenosha-Style Fried Whitefish Sandwich with Tartar Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Kenosha-Style Fried Whitefish Sandwich with Tartar Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Kenosha-Style Fried Whitefish Sandwich with Tartar Sauce?

American sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes