The Popeyes Fish Sandwich: Everything You Need to Know

The ever-popular Popeyes Fish Sandwich features a flaky white fish fillet that is known for its flakiness. This filet is made from seasoned white fish filets that have been seasoned with the right spices. The Popeyes Fish Sandwich utilizes Popeyes’ proprietary spice mix and is hand-breaded to create a flaky crust. When fried to crispy perfection, it is served on a warm, soft, and untoasted brioche bun. The fish filet is slathered with a thick layer of creamy tartar sauce and topped with crispy pickles. The tasty toppings complemented the savory fish filet, and it was a combination of salty, juicy, and structures of crispy and delicious.

Popeye’s Fish Sandwich Recipe

Popeye’s Fish Sandwich is an artisan meal from Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. What if we told you that you could make Popeyes Fish Sandwich at home better than a restaurant? Check out the secret recipe for Popeye’s flounder fish sandwich.

Calories

Calories: 670

Serving Size: 1 Sandwich

Nutrition

40 calories, 28g protein, 26g fat (varies slightly).

Allergens:

The Following Allergens are found in the sandwich.

• Fish (Flounder Fillet)
• Wheat (found in bread and buns)
• Soy (Found in cooking oil and buns)
• Milk (Found in the bun)

Ingredients

The following ingredients are required to prepare the Popeyes Fish Sandwich.

Buns

• 3 tbsp butter
• Egg wash ( with 1 tbsp water)
• One egg yolk
• 2 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp bread flour
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tbsp dry yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3 1/4 cups bread flour
• 3/4 cup warm milk
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Tartar Sauce

Tartar sauce is the essential flavor underpinning a great Popeyes Fish Sandwich. The signature tangy zest of tartar sauce has a vibrant, bright hit with enough punch to cut through rich foods, while the creamy, rich, smooth cooling effect balances out the tanginess. This creates an irresistible burst that layered taste elevates each bite from satisfying to exceptional. You will need the following ingredients to make the tartar sauce.

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp chopped pickles
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp chopped capers
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt

Fish Filet

The flounder crispy filet is the main ingredient of this hearty dish. Here’s what you need to have to make the crispy fish filet:

• 3 flounder filets
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• Oil for frying
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup buttermilk

Fish Sandwich Preparation

Popeyes Fish Sandwich is very simple to make, but the marinating and dough need some time to settle. The total preparation time is about 2.5 hours, and the cooking time is 20 minutes.

Sandwich Bun Preparation

Step 1: Make the Magic Starter (Tangzhong)

Take a medium saucepan and heat it over medium. Pour in ¼ cup water + ¼ cup milk and water, whisking it gently. Add in 3 tbsp of bread flour and keep stirring it like you are making gravy- about 2-3 minutes-until thickened into a smooth paste like pudding. Scrape into a bowl, cover with a kitchen towel (or cling film), and let it cool completely. Do not rush it – slow is what makes fluffy buns!

Step 2: Wake Up the Yeast
In your stand mixer bowl, combine ¾ cup warm milk (test it on your wrist – warm but not hot), 2 tsp sugar, and 2¼ tsp yeast. Give it a quick stir, then walk away for 5 minutes. Come back to a frothy, foamy party – that’s your yeast saying, “I’m ready!”

Step 3: Bring the Dough Together
Add 3 cups bread flour, 1½ tsp salt, the cooled starter, 1 egg yolk, and 4 tbsp softened butter (add butter 1 tbsp at a time – patience rewards you!). Mix on medium speed for 8-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the dough pulls away from the bowl and feels silky-smooth.

Step 4: Knead & Rest (Yourself Too!)
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Give it 2 minutes of hand-kneading love – great stress relief! Rub a light glug of oil over the dough ball, tuck it back in the bowl, and cover. Let it rest for 1 hour (or until doubled and puffy).

Step 5: Shape & Shine
Punch down the dough (gently!) and divide into 8 equal balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray, seams down. Whisk 1 egg + 1 tbsp water for your egg wash. Brush the tops generously – this gives that gorgeous golden glow.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the buns into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake 15-20 minutes until they’re golden and smell like heaven. Tip: Tap the bottom – if it sounds hollow, they’re done!

Preparation of Tartar Sauce

• Mix mayo, pickles, lemon juice, capers, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
• Stir the combination well and put it in the fridge, and your tartar sauce is ready to use.

Preparation of Fish Fillet

• Prepare a mixture of paprika, buttermilk, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, then marinate the flounder fillet in it for 1 hour.
• Add flour, cornmeal, salt, and pepper to a mixing bowl.
• Now coat the fish filet in the flour mixture.
• Fry fish filet in heated oil for 4-6 minutes until it becomes crispy and golden brown.

Assembling Popeye’s Fish Sandwich

• Cut the buns in half and apply tartar sauce on each side of the bun.
• Now, place the golden crispy fish filet in the bun and add pickles on top.
• Your perfect Popeyes Fish Sandwich is ready to serve.

Conclusion

The Popeyes Fish Sandwich delivers bold flavor, but its 2025 price (around $5.49-$7.99, varies by location) might give pause. The solution? Our easy copycat recipe! Recreate that iconic crunch at home for potential savings and customization. Whether you buy it or DIY, the craveable taste is undeniable. Try the recipe and choose your crunch!

FAQs-Frequently Asked Questions