Name: Filet-O-Fish Sliders - Easy Fish Burger Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 9-12 pieces breaded fish burgers (or fish filets, store bought or homemade); 12 slider buns; 2 tbsp butter, melted; 12 slices American cheese; 3/4 cup Mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sweet relish; 1/2 tbsp dried dill; 1 tbsp lemon juice

Filet-O-Fish Sliders (Fish Burger Sliders) are the miniature marvels that have captured hearts and taste buds alike, offering a delightful twist on a fast-food classic. What is it about these bite-sized wonders that makes them so irresistible? Perhaps it’s the perfect balance of textures: the tender, flaky fish encased in a soft bun, complemented by that signature tangy tartar sauce and a hint of creamy processed cheese. People adore these Filet-O-Fish Sliders (Fish Burger Sliders) because they evoke a sense of nostalgic comfort food, yet feel fresh and approachable in a slider format. They’re incredibly easy to customize, making them a fantastic choice for casual get-togethers, game nights, or even just a fun weeknight meal. What truly sets these sliders apart is the ability to elevate the humble fast-food icon into something truly special for your own kitchen, proving that iconic flavors can indeed be recreated and perfected at home.

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 uses only 1/4 tbsp of dried dill)
1 tbsp lemon juice

Preparing the Fish and Buns

Cooking the Fish

First, let’s get our star ingredient ready: the fish. If you’re using store-bought breaded fish burgers, follow the package instructions for cooking. Typically, this involves baking or pan-frying until golden brown and cooked through. For baking, preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the package, usually around 400°F (200°C). Arrange the fish burgers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup. Bake for the recommended time, usually about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is crispy and the fish is opaque and flaky. If you’re pan-frying, heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the fish burgers in the hot oil and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for food safety. If you’re making your own fish filets, you’ll want to season and bread them to your liking before cooking using your preferred method. The goal is a crispy exterior and a tender, flaky interior.
While the fish is cooking, let’s prepare our buns. Slice all 12 slider buns or dinner rolls horizontally. To get that perfect toasty flavor and texture, we’ll lightly brush the cut sides with melted butter. Melt your 2 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl – you can do this in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or gently in a small saucepan. Once melted, use a pastry brush to evenly coat the cut surfaces of each bun half. This simple step adds a delicious richness and prevents the buns from becoming soggy from the fillings. You can either toast these in a pan, under the broiler, or even in the oven alongside the fish for the last few minutes of its cooking time, just until they are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Making the Tartar Sauce

Assembling the Sauce

Now, for the essential creamy element – the tartar sauce! In a medium bowl, combine your 3/4 cup of mayonnaise. This will form the base of our delicious sauce. To this, add your 1/2 cup of sweet relish. If you’re using finely minced dill or sweet pickles instead of relish, ensure they are chopped very small so they integrate smoothly into the sauce and don’t overwhelm each bite. Next, add your dried dill. Remember the adjustment mentioned in the ingredients: if you’re using regular relish or diced dill pickles, use 1/2 tablespoon of dried dill. However, if your relish is already dill-flavored or you’re using diced dill pickles, it’s best to reduce the dried dill to 1/4 tablespoon to avoid an overpowering dill flavor. Finally, stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. The lemon juice adds a crucial touch of brightness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and complements the fish perfectly.
Whisk all the tartar sauce ingredients together thoroughly until everything is well combined and you have a smooth, creamy sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed. You might want a little more lemon juice for tang, or a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Once you’re happy with the taste, cover the bowl and let the tartar sauce chill in the refrigerator while you finish preparing the other components. Chilling the sauce allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious.

Assembling the Sliders

Putting it all Together

With our fish cooked, buns toasted, and tartar sauce chilled, it’s time to assemble these delightful Filet-O-Fish Sliders! Take your toasted bun bottoms and lay them out on a clean surface. Place one slice of American or cheddar cheese on each bun bottom. The residual heat from the toasted bun will help the cheese start to soften and melt.
Carefully place one cooked breaded fish burger on top of the cheese on each bun bottom. Try to center the fish patty on the bun so that it doesn’t hang over the edges too much. If your fish burgers are slightly larger than the buns, you can gently press them down to fit a bit better, or simply let them overhang slightly – it will still taste amazing!
Now, generously spoon a good amount of your homemade tartar sauce over the fish burgers. Don’t be shy with the sauce; it’s what brings the whole flavor profile together and keeps the slider moist. Aim for about 1-2 tablespoons of sauce per slider, depending on your preference.
Finally, place the toasted bun tops over the tartar sauce to complete each slider. You’ll want to gently press down on the buns to secure everything in place. At this point, your Filet-O-Fish Sliders are ready to be served! For an extra touch, you could serve them with a side of fries or a small salad.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your very own batch of delicious Filet-O-Fish Sliders (Fish Burger Sliders)! We hope you enjoyed making and, more importantly, savoring these delightful little burgers. The delicate flavor of the fish, perfectly complemented by the tangy tartar sauce and soft buns, makes for a truly satisfying meal. These Filet-O-Fish Sliders (Fish Burger Sliders) are perfect for a quick lunch, a fun appetizer for a party, or even a lighter dinner option. Feel free to serve them alongside your favorite crispy fries or a refreshing coleslaw. Don’t hesitate to get creative with variations – adding a slice of sharp cheddar cheese, a sprinkle of dill to the tartar sauce, or even a dash of paprika to the fish coating can elevate these sliders to a whole new level. We encourage you to experiment and find your perfect Filet-O-Fish Slider (Fish Burger Slider) combination. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of white fish for these Filet-O-Fish Sliders (Fish Burger Sliders)?

Absolutely! While cod is classic, other firm white fish like haddock, tilapia, or even pollock will work beautifully. Just ensure the fillets are of a similar thickness for even cooking.

How can I make these Filet-O-Fish Sliders (Fish Burger Sliders) healthier?

You can bake the fish instead of frying it for a lighter option. Also, consider using whole wheat slider buns and a lighter, homemade tartar sauce made with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.