Let’s dive into a crave-worthy, golden-fried Nashville Hot Fish Sandwich that hits all the right notes—crispy, spicy, and irresistibly tangy. If you’re a fan of Southern comfort food with a fiery twist, this one’s for you.
Why You’ll Love This Nashville Hot Fish Sandwich
This sandwich isn’t just another fast-food knockoff.
It’s handcrafted, bold, and made to impress—with a mouthwatering balance of crispy cod, fiery Nashville sauce, cool tartar, and soft brioche buns.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Juicy cod fillets with a seasoned crunch
- A fiery Nashville sauce that kicks
- Creamy homemade tartar for balance
- Melted cheese and tangy pickles
- Brioche buns toasted to perfection
Nashville Hot Fish Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Tartar Sauce:
- 1 medium shallot, finely diced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons capers, chopped
- ⅓ cup dill pickles, finely chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon + juice of half
- 3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 3 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Fish Fillets:
- 3 cod fillets (cut to sandwich size)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
For Breading:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
For Frying:
- Neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
- American cheese slices
- Brioche buns
- Dill pickle chips
For the Nashville Hot Sauce:
- ½ cup frying oil (from the fish)
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Step-by-Step: How to Make the Nashville Hot Fish Sandwich
1. Prep the Tartar Sauce
This homemade tartar is a game changer.
It’s fresh, creamy, and cuts the heat from the Nashville sauce.
- Mix all tartar ingredients in a bowl
- Taste and adjust seasoning
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to use
2. Cut & Season the Cod
- Trim the fillets to slightly larger than your buns
- Pat dry with paper towels
- Season with salt, pepper, and Old Bay
- Let rest while you prep the dredge
3. Set Up the Breading Station
You’ll need three bowls:
- Bowl 1: Flour + paprika + garlic powder + salt + pepper
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs
Bread the fish:
- Dredge each fillet in seasoned flour
- Dip in egg wash
- Coat evenly in panko crumbs
4. Fry the Fish
- Fill a heavy-bottomed pot halfway with neutral oil
- Heat oil to 350°F (use a thermometer for accuracy)
- Carefully lower in fish, one at a time
- Fry 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown
- Transfer to paper towel-lined plate
5. Make the Nashville Hot Sauce
Now it’s time to bring the heat.
- In a heat-safe bowl, mix all spices and brown sugar
- Carefully ladle in ½ cup hot frying oil
- Stir until fully blended into a fiery paste
Dip the fried fish directly into this hot mixture.
Get that deep red glow and spicy kick coating every edge.
6. Toast and Assemble
- Lightly toast brioche buns on a dry skillet or in the oven
- Place a slice of American cheese on the bottom bun
- Lay the hot, spicy fish over the cheese
- Add dill pickle chips
- Spoon on your chilled tartar sauce
- Cap it off with the top bun
Pro Tips for a Better Sandwich
Want to elevate it even more? Try this:
- Use freshly baked brioche buns — the sweetness balances the heat
- Double-fry the fish if you want extra crunch
- Adjust the cayenne to control heat
- Add shredded lettuce or slaw for extra texture
What to Serve with Nashville Hot Fish Sandwich
Pair your sandwich with classic sides:
- Crispy waffle fries
- Creamy coleslaw
- Pickled okra
- Sweet tea or lemonade
Want a lighter option? Try a cucumber salad with a vinegar kick.
Can You Bake the Fish Instead of Frying?
Yes, but frying gives that signature crunch.
If you’re baking:
- Preheat oven to 425°F
- Line a baking sheet with parchment
- Spray breaded fish with oil
- Bake 10–12 minutes per side or until golden
But remember, you’ll lose that authentic Nashville crisp.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers?
Here’s how to store and reheat without ruining that texture:
- Store: Keep fish and sauce separate in airtight containers
- Fridge: Up to 3 days
- Reheat: Use an air fryer or oven at 375°F until hot and crisp
Avoid the microwave—it turns your crispy fish soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this sandwich super spicy?
Yes—it brings heat. But you can reduce cayenne in the sauce if needed.
What type of fish works best?
Cod is perfect. But you can use haddock, catfish, or tilapia.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
What cheese goes best?
American cheese melts beautifully, but cheddar or pepper jack work too.
The Nashville Hot Fish Sandwich is fiery, crispy, and everything you want in a Southern classic.
It’s easy to make at home, packs major flavor, and leaves fast-food versions in the dust.
So what are you waiting for?
Turn up the heat in your kitchen and make this sandwich the star of your next meal.
Your taste buds will thank you.
