Posh fish finger sandwich with homemade tartar sauce

An epicurean adventure to: The United Kingdom

Elevate the humble, classic fish finger sandwich to new heights with this recipe for a sophisticated posh version.

By new level, we mean skyscraper level! A toasted, soft brioche bun, chunky fish fingers, crunchy green salad, creamy avocado and the pièce de résistance, a homemade tartar sauce that is out of this world!

The ultimate fish finger sandwich may take a little more effort than just slapping a few fish fingers between two slices of buttered bread, but, it's worth it. However, it won't take you any longer than it takes for the fish fingers to cook.

Fish finger sandwiches are the ultimate classic British comfort food. They are even touted by famous chefs like Jamie Oliver and the ever-glamorous Nigella Lawson, who simply can't resist the allure of these delicious sarnies either.

We don't blame them. It's nostalgic and will always bring a smile to your face.

You can also make these fish goujons in place of fish fingers. Or, if you're looking for another great lunchtime sandwich, try these Portuguese Prego steak rolls.

Jump to:

• Fast facts - United Kingdom
• What's to love about this recipe
• Key ingredient notes and substitutions
• How to make the sandwiches
• Serving suggestions
• FAQ
• More lunch recipes
• Recipe

Fast facts - United Kingdom

Location	The United Kingdom (UK) is located in North-western Europe, comprising four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Capital	London
Language	In addition to English and Welsh, the United Kingdom is home to a rich linguistic diversity with twelve other indigenous languages spoken, including Gaelic, Cornish, Manx, Scots and three sign languages. English stands as the most widely spoken language, while Cornish is among the least commonly used.
Population	Circa 66.8 million people.
Trivia	The King holds an unusual distinction as the rightful owner of all the dolphins, sturgeons, porpoises and whales in British waters. These majestic creatures are dubbed the "fishes royal" due to a longstanding statute from 1324!

Key ingredient notes and substitutions

Mayonnaise

For best results, use a good quality full cream mayo for the tartar sauce. If you'd prefer, you can of course use a lighter mayo or even crème fraiche for an even healthier version.

Gherkins

Also known as 'pickled cucumbers' in the US and some other countries. These are baby cucumbers pickled in brine or vinegar and can be found in most supermarkets.

Brioche bread rolls

Brioche is an ideal choice for this sandwich because of its soft texture and subtle sweetness, which pairs exceptionally well with the tangy tartar sauce.

However, feel free to use any bread rolls of your preference. You can also use slices of bread, soft white bread in particular works wonderfully.

Little gem lettuce

We like using gem lettuce because of its slight sweetness and exceptional crispiness. They are also the perfect size to fit on a bread roll without having to tear the leaves.

However, you can use any lettuce you prefer, such as Romaine, which is similar to gem lettuce but more mature. Feel free to choose the lettuce that you like best.

Fish fingers

Use your favourite fish fingers. We find the best fish fingers to use are chunky tempura fish fingers with a crispy coating, instead of breadcrumbs.

If you're in the UK, you can give 'Young's Gastro tempura fish fingers' a try. They are a good size and turn out wonderfully crispy when baked in the oven for 16 minutes at 220°C.

Alternatively, you can make your own fish fingers, or use these crispy fish goujons for something a little more solid and meaty.

Btw, fish fingers are known as "fish sticks" in the USA!

Herbs and spices

Usually, substituting fresh herbs for dry herbs can work in most sauces, but we would urge you to use only fresh herbs for this recipe. It makes all the difference in the tartar sauce.

Fresh dill is used twice in this recipe: Once in the tartar sauce and then as a layer of fresh sprigs on the sandwich itself. Additionally, you will need parsley, chives, and black pepper.

Avocados

You will need two medium-sized ripe avocados, one half per sandwich.

How to make the sandwiches

Cook the fish fingers:

• In a large non-stick frying pan, cook the fish fingers according to the package instructions until golden brown and crispy.
  
  Once the fish fingers are cooked, place them on a layer of kitchen paper to absorb any oil.

• Other methods of cooking fish fingers are deep frying and baking them in the oven on a baking tray. Choose your favourite method.
  
  Whilst the fish fingers are cooking, you can start on the tartar sauce and other prep.

The tartar sauce:

• Chop the gherkins, dill, parsley and chives and mix it in with the mayo, lemon juice, sugar and ground black pepper.

Prep the bread rolls:

• Slice the bread rolls horizontally and toast the cut sides in a medium-hot frying pan until lightly golden and toasty. No need to butter them.

Prep the avo:

• Half the avocados and remove the stones. Slide a spoon in between the skin and the flesh of the avocado to easily and neatly separate the flesh. Slice each half avo into thin slices.

Assemble the sandwiches:

Layer the sandwiches as follows:

• Bottom of the bread roll

• Lettuce leaves.

• Tartar sauce.

• Fish fingers.

• More tartar sauce.

• Avocado slices.

• Fresh dill.

• More lettuce.

• Top of the bread roll.

Serving suggestions

• Shoestring fries.

• Chunky chips.

• Wedges.

• Pea fritters.

• Rice salad.

• Panzanella Toscana salad.

• Simple Jerusalem salad.

• Parmentier potatoes.

• Serve with red chimichurri sauce.

More lunch recipes

Recipe

For food safety advice, including guidance on food allergies