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Fish Butty: A Classic British Sandwich

By Gabriela Esteban  •   5 minute read

If you're a fan of classic British cuisine, then you've probably heard of the fish butty. This simple yet delicious sandwich is a staple in many seaside towns and fish and chip shops across the UK.

But what exactly is a fish butty, and how do you make one?

A fish butty sits on a checkered picnic blanket, surrounded by scattered crumbs and a bottle of tartar sauce

A fish butty is essentially a sandwich made with battered and deep-fried fish, usually cod or haddock, and served on a soft white bread roll or a slice of bread.

The fish is typically topped with tartar sauce, ketchup, or vinegar, and sometimes lettuce or tomato.

It's a simple yet satisfying dish that's perfect for a quick lunch or a snack on the go.

Preparing the perfect fish butty is all about getting the right balance of flavours and textures.

You want the fish to be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the bread to be soft and fluffy.

With a few simple tips and tricks, you can create a delicious fish butty that's sure to satisfy your cravings.

So, let's dive in and discover everything you need to know about making the perfect fish butty.

Key Takeaways

  • A fish butty is a classic British sandwich made with battered and deep-fried fish served on a soft white bread roll or a slice of bread.
  • The fish is typically topped with tartar sauce, ketchup, or vinegar, and sometimes lettuce or tomato.
  • To prepare the perfect fish butty, you need to get the right balance of flavours and textures, with crispy fish and soft, fluffy bread.

What Is a Fish Butty?

A fish butty sits on a plate, with a golden, crispy battered fish fillet, sandwiched between two soft, fluffy buns. A dollop of tartar sauce oozes out from the edges, and a side of crispy fries

If you're a fan of comfort food, you might have heard of the fish butty. A fish butty is a type of sandwich that's popular in the UK.

It's made with fish fingers, which are battered and fried pieces of fish that are shaped like fingers. The fish fingers are placed between two slices of bread, along with some butter or margarine.

The result is a delicious and satisfying sandwich that's perfect for a quick lunch or a snack.

Historical Background

The fish butty has a long history in the UK. It's believed to have originated in the early 20th century, when fish and chips became a popular food among the working classes.

At that time, fish and chips were sold from street vendors and small shops, and they were often wrapped in newspaper to keep them warm. The fish butty was a way to make the meal more portable, by putting it between two slices of bread.

Variations Across the UK

The fish butty has become a staple of British cuisine, and it's available in many different variations across the country.

Some people like to add different types of sauce to their sandwich, such as tartar sauce or ketchup. Others like to add lettuce or other vegetables to make the sandwich more filling.

Some people even like to dip their fish butty in a cup of tea!

Preparing the Perfect Fish Butty

A fresh fish fillet is being seasoned with salt and pepper, then coated in flour before being fried in a sizzling pan

Choosing the Right Ingredients

To make the perfect fish butty, you need to start with the right ingredients.

For the fish, you can use any white fish such as cod, haddock, pollock or cod loin. You will also need breadcrumbs, flour, egg, salt, black pepper and oil for frying.

For the bread, use a soft white bread or a seeded bread roll.

To add some extra flavour, you can also use tartar sauce, ketchup, rocket, lettuce, tomato, gherkins, and mayonnaise.

You can also add some lemon juice, capers, parsley, or malt vinegar to give it a tangy taste.

Step-by-Step Recipe

  1. Start by seasoning the fish with salt and pepper.

  2. Then coat it in flour, dip it in beaten egg and coat it in breadcrumbs.

  3. Heat some oil in a pan and fry the fish for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

  4. Toast the bread and spread some tartar sauce or mayonnaise on it.

  5. Add some lettuce, tomato, and gherkins to the bread.

  6. Place the fish on top of the vegetables and add some ketchup or tartar sauce.

  7. Serve with a side of chips or a salad.

Nutritional Information

A fish butty can be a healthy and nutritious meal if you use the right ingredients.

A typical fish butty contains around 500-600 calories, 20-25g of fat, and 20-25g of protein. The cost per serving can vary depending on the type of fish and bread you use.

To make a posh fish butty, you can use panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, rocket, and homemade tartar sauce. You can also use ciabatta or a potato cake instead of white bread.

Enjoy your homemade fish finger butty with a cold drink and some friends!

Frequently Asked Questions

A fish butty sits on a plate, surrounded by a pile of crispy fries. The sandwich is overflowing with flaky fish and topped with a dollop of tartar sauce

How do you whip up a proper fish butty?

Making a proper fish butty is easy. Begin by heating up some oil in a pan.

While the oil heats up, dip your fish fillets in some flour, salt, and pepper. Then, dip the fillets in some beaten eggs and coat them with breadcrumbs.

Fry the fillets in the hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy.

What goes into making a classic fish butty?

A classic fish butty consists of a fried fish fillet, sandwiched between two slices of bread, and served with tartar sauce. You can also add some lettuce, tomato, or cheese to the sandwich if you like.

What's the best fish to use for a cracking fried fish sarnie?

The best fish to use for a fish butty is cod or haddock. These fish have a mild flavour and a flaky texture, which makes them perfect for frying.

Any tips for a healthier version of a fish sandwich?

If you want to make a healthier version of a fish sandwich, you can bake the fish fillets instead of frying them.

You can also use whole wheat bread instead of white bread, and add some vegetables to the sandwich for extra nutrition.

How can I make Jamie's tartar sauce with yogurt?

To make Jamie's tartar sauce with yogurt, mix some Greek yogurt, chopped gherkins, capers, lemon juice, and chopped parsley in a bowl.

Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add some Dijon mustard or mayonnaise to the sauce if you like.

What are the top sides to pair with fish fingers?

The top sides to pair with fish fingers are chips, mushy peas, and coleslaw.

You can also serve the fish fingers with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a healthier option.

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