Crispy Fried Tilapia Sandwiches with Spicy Cream Sauce and Crunchy Slaw

These crispy fried tilapia sandwiches are the perfect way to enjoy a fish fry any night of the week. Golden panko-crusted tilapia fillets are nestled in toasted brioche buns and topped with a creamy, spicy sauce and a cool, tangy slaw. The combination of crunchy fish, soft bun and zesty slaw is absolutely irresistible.

This recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients. The slaw adds a refreshing crunch, while the spicy sauce brings just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual get-together, these sandwiches are sure to be a hit.

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Ingredients

2 unit Brioche BunsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Persian CucumberView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit ScallionsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce Shredded Red CabbageView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

5 teaspoon White Wine VinegarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 cup Panko BreadcrumbsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Fry SeasoningView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

11 ounce TilapiaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon Hot SauceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Vegetable oil (for frying)View ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Salt to tasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Pepper to tasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Wash and dry all produce. Split brioche buns in half and set aside. Thinly slice the cucumber on a diagonal. Trim and thinly slice the scallions. In a medium bowl, combine scallions, cucumber, shredded red cabbage, white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar and a drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and toss to combine. Set the slaw aside.
2. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the buns cut side down and toast until golden, 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, ½ teaspoon salt and half of the fry seasoning. Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Brush 2 tablespoons sour cream onto both sides of the fish, coating evenly. Season with salt and pepper. Dip each fillet into the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere on all sides.
4. Pour vegetable oil into the same skillet to a depth of about ¼ inch. Heat over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the breaded tilapia fillets and cook until golden brown and cooked through, 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
5. In a small bowl, combine the remaining sour cream, remaining fry seasoning and half of the hot sauce. Season with salt and pepper and stir to combine.
6. Cut the cooked tilapia into 3-inch pieces. Spread the spicy sauce onto the cut sides of the toasted buns. Place the tilapia pieces on the bottom buns, then top with a generous spoonful of slaw. Drizzle with remaining hot sauce to taste. Close the sandwiches and serve immediately with extra slaw on the side.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, you can substitute tilapia with other mild white fish such as cod, haddock or pollock. Adjust cooking time as needed based on thickness.

How do I keep the breading from falling off?

Make sure the fish is patted dry before applying the sour cream and press the panko mixture firmly onto the fillets. Let the breaded fish rest for a few minutes before frying to help the coating adhere.

Can I make these sandwiches gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free buns and substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.