Homemade Bojangles Fish Sandwich Recipe

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I’m going to share a homemade version of the Bojangles Fish Sandwich recipe that’s sure to delight your taste buds and transport you straight to a Bojangles drive-thru (minus the car ride). With a little bit of patience and some easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll have a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful fish sandwich that rivals the real deal.

How to make a Bojangles Fish Sandwich

The Bojangles Fish Sandwich—often called the Bojangler Fish Sandwich—is a seasonal fast-food sandwich sold by the restaurant chain Bojangles.

Ingredients

For the Crispy Fish Fillet:

• 2 Alaskan Pollock fillets (or substitute with mild white fish like cod or haddock)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sandwich Assembly:

• 2 sandwich buns (buttered and toasted)
• 2 slices of American cheese
• 2-3 tbsp tartar sauce (Duke’s mayo + relish for a DIY version)
• Shredded lettuce and tomato slices (optional, for a deluxe version)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fish Fillets

1. Thaw and Dry: If using frozen Pollock or other fish, be sure to thaw completely and pat the fillets dry with paper towels. This ensures maximum crispiness when frying.
2. Season the Fish: Lightly sprinkle both sides of the fish fillets with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Create a Frying Station

Set up three shallow bowls for the breading process:

1. Bowl 1 (Flour): Add the all-purpose flour.
2. Bowl 2 (Egg Mixture): Whisk the egg with buttermilk until smooth.
3. Bowl 3 (Breadcrumb Coating): Combine panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Bread the Fish

1. Dredge each fillet in flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off the excess.
2. Dip the floured fillet into the egg-buttermilk mixture, coating it evenly.
3. Press the fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring the panko sticks well for maximum crunch.

Step 4: Fry the Fish Fillets

1. Heat approximately 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Aim for an oil temperature of about 350°F (use a kitchen thermometer if available).
2. Gently place the breaded fish fillets in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
3. Fry the fish for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The fish should have an internal temperature of 145°F when done.
4. Remove the fillets from the oil and place them on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich

1. Toast the Bun: Butter the insides of the sandwich buns, then lightly toast them in a skillet or the oven until golden and crisp.
2. Add the Cheese: Place a slice of American cheese on each freshly fried fish fillet while it’s still warm, letting it melt slightly.
3. Spread the Sauce: Spread a generous amount of tartar sauce onto the bottom bun.
4. Optional Deluxe Toppings: If making the deluxe version, layer shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles on top of the tartar sauce for added crunch and freshness.
5. Stack and Serve: Place the crispy fish fillet with melted cheese on the bun, then finish with the top bun. Enjoy immediately!

Tips for Success

• For Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of dried dill or lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture to enhance the fish’s flavor.
• Customize the Sauce: Bojangles typically uses Duke’s tartar sauce, but you can make your own by mixing mayonnaise with diced pickles, lemon juice, and a pinch of sugar.
• Healthier Option: You can bake or air-fry the fish fillets instead of frying. To air-fry, preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook the breaded fillets for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Bun Tip: The lightly toasted bun is key to replicating the sandwich’s authentic texture. Don’t skip this step!

Ingredients Substitutes

When recreating the iconic Bojangles Fish Sandwich, you might not have all the exact ingredients on hand. Don’t worry! Cooking is all about experimenting and finding substitutions that work for you—whether it’s dietary restrictions, availability, or personal preference.

1. Fish Fillet

The heart of the Bojangles Fish Sandwich is the crispy white fish. The original uses Alaskan Pollock, but there are several substitutes to choose from:

• Cod: A mild, flaky white fish that’s widely available and works perfectly for this sandwich.
• Haddock: Slightly firmer and sweeter than cod, haddock is another great option for its flavor and crisp texture when fried.
• Tilapia: A budget-friendly, mild-tasting option. While softer in texture, it still works when fried.
• Catfish: If you’re looking for a Southern twist, catfish’s distinctly buttery flavor and firm flesh fit right into the theme.
• Salmon or Tuna (Alternative Flavors): For a twist, you can use firmer, bolder-tasting fish like salmon or tuna, though they’ll create a far more distinctive flavor than the original Pollock.

2. Panko Breadcrumbs

Panko breadcrumbs ensure a light and crispy coating, but if you don’t have any:

• Plain Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs will work if you want a finer crust, though you may miss some of the signature crunch.
• Cornmeal: For a Southern alternative, cornmeal provides a crisp shell with a slightly nutty flavor.
• Crushed Cornflakes: These mimic the crunchiness of panko and add a nice, slightly sweet taste.
• Crushed Crackers or Chips: Saltines, Ritz crackers, or even potato chips crushed into crumbs make for an easy and flavorful substitute.
• For gluten-free options: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs, almond flour, or crushed rice crackers to create a crispy coating while keeping it gluten-friendly.

3. Buttermilk

Buttermilk is used to tenderize the fish and help the breading stick. If you don’t have buttermilk:

• Milk + Lemon Juice/Vinegar: Mix 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle slightly—voilà, homemade buttermilk!
• Yogurt + Water: Mix plain yogurt with a little water to thin it out to a buttermilk-like consistency.
• Coconut Milk with Acid: For a dairy-free substitute, use light canned coconut milk mixed with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.

4. Seasonings

Bojangles is known for its flavorful seasoning blend, a mix of spices that brings the fish sandwich to life. If you’re missing specific spices, here’s how to compensate:

• Paprika: If you’re out of paprika, smoked paprika or even chili powder can serve as a substitute.
• Cayenne Pepper: For mild spiciness, substitute with red pepper flakes or ground black pepper.
• Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: Run out of either? Substitute with minced fresh garlic or onion, or skip them altogether and add a little extra salt for balance.
• Cajun Seasoning: If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, mix your own with paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
• For a milder alternative, omit the cayenne and black pepper for a less spicy but still flavorful sandwich.

5. Tartar Sauce

The iconic Bojangles Fish Sandwich is finished with creamy tartar sauce. If you’re out of tartar sauce or looking for alternatives:

• DIY Tartar Sauce: Mix mayonnaise, finely chopped pickles or relish, lemon juice, and a pinch of sugar for a quick homemade version.
• Plain Mayonnaise: For simplicity, plain mayo works just fine as a creamy topping.
• Aioli: If you want something fancier, garlic aioli (a mayonnaise-based garlic sauce) adds a flavorful twist.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For a tangier and healthier substitute, use sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.

Final Thoughts

Pair your homemade Bojangles Fish Sandwich with classic Southern sides like seasoned fries, coleslaw, or sweet tea to complete the meal. This recipe captures the signature flavors you love about the Bojangler and offers the satisfaction of making it from scratch—right in your own kitchen.

More Sandwich Recipes:

• Copycat Jack in the Box Fish Sandwich Recipe
• Homemade Wendy’s Fish Sandwich Recipe