Copycat Jack in the Box Fish Sandwich Recipe

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When it comes to fast food, there’s something irresistibly nostalgic about the Jack in the Box Fish Sandwich. You probably crave that perfectly crispy, golden-brown fish fillet paired with tangy tartar sauce and fresh lettuce, all nestled between a soft, toasted bun.

How to make a Jack in the Box Fish Sandwich

The Jack in the Box Fish Sandwich is a seasonal fast-food seafood sandwich offered by the American chain Jack in the Box.

Ingredients

To recreate this Jack in the Box Fish Sandwich, you’ll need the following:

For the Fish Fillet

• 2-4 Alaskan pollock fillets (or cod fillets as a substitute)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for that signature crunch)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs (beaten, for dredging)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil (for frying, or use a baking option for a healthier twist)

For the Tartar Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp dill relish (or finely chopped dill pickles)
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Sandwich

• 4 burger buns (toasted lightly)
• Shredded lettuce (as much as you like)
• Optional toppings: Cheese slices or pickles for added flavor

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Fish

1. Clean and dry the fillets.
2. Rinse your Alaskan pollock (or cod) fillets and pat them dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture helps achieve a crispier crust.
3. Season the fillets.
4. Sprinkle both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper for added flavor.

Step 2: Bread the Fish

1. Set up a dredging station:
   • Plate 1: All-purpose flour.
   • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
   • Plate 3: Panko breadcrumbs.
2. Dredge each fillet:
   • First, coat the fish in flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, then coat it evenly with panko breadcrumbs for a crispy texture.

Step 3: Fry the Fish

1. Heat the oil: In a large frying pan or deep skillet, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). If baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly oil the fillets before placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Cook the fillets: Fry each fillet for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. If baking, cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
3. Drain excess oil: Place the cooked fillets on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess grease.

Step 4: Prepare the Tartar Sauce

1. Combine ingredients: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, dill relish, lemon juice, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Chill: Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together (optional, but recommended).

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich

1. Toast the buns: Lightly toast the burger buns for added texture and flavor.
2. Layer the sandwich: Spread tartar sauce generously on the bottom bun, then place the crispy fish fillet on top. Add shredded lettuce and any optional toppings, such as pickles or cheese. Finish with the top bun.

Tips for the Perfect Fish Sandwich

• Avoid soggy breading: Always pat the fish dry before dredging to help the coating stick better and stay crispy during frying.
• Get the crunchy texture: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs to achieve a lighter, crunchier texture similar to Jack in the Box’s version.
• Prevent oil splatter: Ensure the oil is heated adequately before frying. A small breadcrumb dropped into the oil should sizzle immediately.
• Healthier alternative: If frying feels too indulgent, the baked method still provides great flavor with fewer calories.
• Customize: Feel free to elevate your sandwich with cheese slices, pickles, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick!

What to serve with

The Jack in the Box Fish Sandwich is undeniably satisfying on its own, but pairing it with some equally delightful sides can truly elevate your meal.

Classic Fast-Food Pairings

• French Fries: Nothing screams fast-food classic like a side of crispy, golden-brown French fries. You can serve traditional fries or spice things up with seasoned curly fries (just like Jack in the Box is known for). To recreate this at home, you can throw frozen fries in the air fryer for maximum crunch, or make them from scratch for a homemade touch.
• Onion Rings: The crispy, sweet flavor of onion rings perfectly complements the mild, savory taste of a Jack in the Box Fish Sandwich. Fry them or bake them (for a lighter option), then pair them with a dipping sauce, like ranch dressing or spicy ketchup.

Healthier Options

• Coleslaw: A fresh, crunchy coleslaw makes a great side to balance the richness of the Jack in the Box Fish Sandwich. Try making a creamy coleslaw with cabbage and carrots, dressed with tangy mayo-vinegar, or opt for a lighter, vinaigrette-style coleslaw for a refreshing twist.
• Side Salad: If you’re looking to keep things light, a simple garden salad is a fantastic option. Toss together fresh greens, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of lemon vinaigrette or ranch dressing to add some zest to your plate.
• Steamed Vegetables: To incorporate some veggies into your meal, try serving steamed green beans, broccoli, or roasted asparagus on the side. These are nutritious dishes that won’t overpower the Jack in the Box Fish Sandwich’s flavors.

Comfort Food Favorites

• Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese pairs well with a crispy fish sandwich, making for a hearty, indulgent pairing. Opt for stovetop mac and cheese or bake it with breadcrumbs for a satisfyingly crunchy texture.
• Hush Puppies: These crispy, deep-fried cornmeal balls are a Southern classic and an excellent companion to any fish dish. Serve them warm with a dollop of butter or honey mustard for added flavor.
• Potato Wedges: Chunky potato wedges are a great alternative to fries. Season them with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then bake or air-fry to golden perfection.

Ingredients Substitutes

Substitutes can make all the difference in achieving delicious results.

1. Fish Fillet Substitutes

The fish is the star of the sandwich, so choosing the right ingredient is crucial. Jack in the Box uses Alaskan pollock, but here are some great alternatives:

Substitutes for Alaskan Pollock:

• Cod: A mild and flaky white fish similar in texture to pollock. It’s easy to find and works perfectly in this recipe.
• Haddock: Slightly sweeter than pollock, haddock is a popular option for homemade fried fish sandwiches.
• Tilapia: Mildly flavored, tilapia is a budget-friendly alternative that fries well, though it may be slightly softer than pollock.
• Catfish: Offers a richer, slightly buttery flavor. It’s a bit firmer but fries up beautifully with a crispy coating.
• Vegetarian Option: For a plant-based “fish” substitute, use heart of palm, marinate and coat it like fish, or use a store-bought fish alternative (from brands like Gardein or Good Catch).

2. Breading Alternatives

Substitutes for Panko Breadcrumbs:

• Regular Breadcrumbs: While not as crispy as panko, they can still give you a golden-brown crust. Add a pinch of salt, garlic powder, or paprika to enhance the flavor.
• Cornmeal: A fantastic option for achieving texture and crunch. It works especially well for Southern-style fried fish.
• Crushed Crackers or Cereal: Finely crushed saltine crackers or corn flakes make an excellent alternative to a crispy coating.
• Almond Flour: Great for those looking for a low-carb or gluten-free option. Combine it with Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
• Crushed Tortilla Chips: For a unique twist, grind tortilla chips into fine crumbs to create a crunchy, flavorful coating.

Substitutes for Flour (Dredging):

• Cornstarch: Creates an extra crispy outer layer when coating the fish.
• Rice Flour: Ideal for gluten-free diners, producing a slightly lighter, crispier texture.
• Chickpea Flour: Adds a nutty flavor and works well for gluten-free recipes.

Egg Substitutes for Dredging:

• Buttermilk: Dip the fish fillet in buttermilk before coating it with breadcrumbs to help the breading stick.
• Milk + Dijon Mustard: A combination of milk and a small amount of mustard can replace egg as a binder while adding a subtle flavor boost.
• Vegan Alternatives: Use a flaxseed “egg” (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) or unsweetened plant-based milk as a binder.

3. Tartar Sauce

Substitutes for Mayonnaise:

• Greek Yogurt: A tangy and creamy option that’s lighter in calories and fat.
• Sour Cream: Works well as a direct replacement for mayo and adds a slightly tangier flavor.
• Avocado: Mashed avocado can be used to make a creamy, tartar-style sauce rich in healthy fats.

Substitutes for Dill Relish:

• Sweet Relish: For a sweeter profile, substitute dill relish with sweet relish.
• Finely Chopped Pickles: If you don’t have relish, finely chop regular or dill pickles as a quick, easy substitute.
• Cucumber: Dice fresh cucumber, and toss it in a little vinegar for mild tartness.

Substitutes for Lemon Juice:

• Vinegar (White or Apple Cider): Use less vinegar than the recipe calls for, and add it to the lemon juice to avoid overwhelming acidity. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust.
• Lime Juice: A close flavor substitute if fresh lemon is unavailable.
• White Wine Vinegar: Adds a mild acidic tang without overpowering.

4. Bun Alternatives

Substitutes for Burger Buns:

• Brioche Buns: Slightly sweeter and softer than standard buns, brioche buns elevate the sandwich to gourmet territory.
• Ciabatta Rolls: Provide a heartier, crustier alternative for an enhanced texture contrast with the fish.
• Whole Wheat Buns: A healthier option with a nuttier flavor.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb twist, wrap your fish fillet in large butter lettuce leaves.
• Sandwich Bread: Toast a couple of slices of standard white or whole-grain sandwich bread in place of buns.

5. Lettuce Replacements

Substitutes for Shredded Lettuce:

• Cabbage (Shredded): Adds a crisp texture and can be seasoned with a light vinaigrette.
• Baby Spinach: A powerhouse of nutrients, spinach leaves are a great alternative with a similar texture to lettuce.
• Arugula: Peppery arugula adds an extra kick of flavor to the sandwich.
• Coleslaw or Slaw Mix: Switch traditional lettuce for a flavorful slaw for additional crunch and brightness.

6. Cooking Oil Alternatives

Since frying fish is a key component, using an oil with a high smoke point and neutral flavor is essential.

Substitutes for Vegetable Oil:

• Canola Oil: A neutral choice with a high smoke point, similar to vegetable oil.
• Peanut Oil: Provides a slightly nutty flavor and works well for deep frying.
• Sunflower Oil: Another neutral, high-smoke-point oil ideal for frying.
• Avocado Oil: Though pricier, this is a healthier option due to its high smoke point and clean flavor.
• Air Fryer/Baking Alternative: For a no-oil or low-oil option, bake or air-fry the fillets with a light spray of cooking oil.

7. Cheese Additions (Optional)

Though cheese is rarely part of a traditional Jack in the Box Fish Sandwich, you can add it for texture and flavor. If so, these substitutes work well:

• Cheese Slices: Use cheddar, American, or pepper jack for a creamy, melty consistency.
• Dairy-Free Cheese: Opt for vegan, meltable cheese slices from brands like Daiya or Violife.
• Parmesan (for Breading): Mix grated Parmesan into the breading to add extra umami and cheesiness.

Final Thoughts

Now your homemade Jack in the Box Fish Sandwich is ready to be enjoyed! 

More Jack In The Box Recipes:

• Copycat Jack in the Box Hot Mess Burger Recipe