The Lenten Catch: A Deep Dive into Fast-Food Fish Sandwiches
As Lent commences, millions of Catholics and others abstain from meat on Fridays, leading to a surge in demand for fish-based alternatives. Fast-food chains, ever attuned to market trends, are eagerly presenting their takes on the classic fish sandwich, vying for the attention (and wallets) of hungry customers. This year is no different, with a plethora of options vying for the title of "best fast-food fish sandwich." Let’s dive into a comprehensive review, gathering insights from food writers, chefs, and everyday consumers, to navigate the sea of choices.
Arby’s: A Trio of Tastes
Arby’s has made a bold move by bringing back not one, but three fish sandwiches to its menu: the Crispy Fish Sandwich, the Fish N Cheddar Sandwich, and the Kings Hawaiian Fish Deluxe Sandwich. The Crispy Fish Sandwich, a straightforward offering, features a fried fish fillet topped with shredded lettuce and tartar sauce, all nestled within a toasted sesame bun. For those craving a cheesy twist, the Fish N Cheddar Sandwich adds a layer of melted cheddar cheese to the mix. Finally, the Kings Hawaiian Fish Deluxe elevates the experience with a fried fillet, cheddar cheese, tartar sauce, lettuce, and tomato, served on a sweet and fluffy Kings Hawaiian bun.
Despite its ambitious offering, Arby’s has faced some criticism, particularly regarding the amount of tartar sauce. Some customers have noted a lack of sauce, suggesting that a more generous application is needed. However, celebrity chef Jason Smith, a judge on Food Network’s "Best Baker in America," offers a more optimistic assessment. Smith claims to have observed a positive change in Arby’s fish sandwiches this year, specifically noting improvements to the breading recipe. He even goes so far as to say that Arby’s fish sandwiches are "actually very good."
Burger King: Spicy vs. Standard
Burger King has entered the fray with its Big Fish Sandwich, offering both a classic version and a new Fiery Big Fish Sandwich. The Fiery Big Fish aims to inject some heat into the traditional panko-crusted fillet. While Jason Smith acknowledges that the Fiery Big Fish might appeal to those who enjoy spicy food, he finds the heat a bit overpowering, masking the flavor of the fish itself. He personally prefers the standard Big Fish Sandwich, finding the Fiery version "not super memorable."
However, Victoria Soliz, a writer for Allrecipes, offers a contrasting opinion. She ranks Burger King’s Fiery Big Fish Sandwich as her second-favorite, awarding it an impressive 8.5 out of 10. Soliz appreciates the lingering spice, noting that it doesn’t overshadow the overall fish flavor. She also commends the balanced sauce application, finding it neither overwhelming nor insufficient. Her positive experience suggests that the Fiery Big Fish might be worth a try for spice enthusiasts.
Culver’s: A Midwestern Favorite
For those seeking a more regional recommendation, two Florida Catholics interviewed by Fox News Digital singled out Culver’s as their preferred fish sandwich destination during Lent. Wendy Tuma ranked Culver’s as her top choice, followed by Burger King. Amanda Lewis echoed this sentiment, mentioning her father’s fondness for Culver’s fish sandwich.
Jason Smith also endorses Culver’s North Atlantic Cod Sandwich, describing it as "excellent." He praises the longer piece of fish, the thin yet crispy crust, and the overall succulent texture, noting that the fish is never dry. Served on a lightly buttered hoagie roll, Culver’s fish sandwich seems to offer a balance of quality and flavor that resonates with many.
Long John Silver’s: A Greasy Classic
Long John Silver’s Classic Fish Sandwich, featuring a battered Alaskan pollock filet on a toasted bun with crinkle-cut pickles and tartar sauce, holds the top spot on Victoria Soliz’s list. She admits that she "wasn’t expecting to like this sandwich as much as I did," but ultimately found it to be the "best" standard fish sandwich.
Jason Smith, who describes himself as a "Long Johns baby," acknowledges the sandwich’s appeal, but also points out its greasiness. While he considers it "a good fish," he finds it "a little bit greasier than what I would prefer." This observation highlights a potential trade-off: the crispy batter that contributes to the sandwich’s flavor also contributes to its higher fat content.
McDonald’s: The Ubiquitous Filet-O-Fish
McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish is arguably the most recognizable and widely consumed fish sandwich in the fast-food landscape. Jason Smith acknowledges its prevalence, highlighting the fact that it features a "nice patty of fish" rather than minced fish. He also praises the sandwich’s combination of American sliced cheese and signature tartar sauce.
Kelli Ferrell, a self-trained chef, cookbook author, and owner of Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles, calls the Filet-O-Fish "the classic fish filet." Its consistent availability and familiar flavor profile have cemented its place as a go-to option for many during Lent and beyond.
Popeyes: Cajun Spice Adds a Kick
Popeyes has reintroduced its Cajun Flounder Sandwich for a limited time, offering a unique twist with its Cajun spice-infused breading. The sandwich is topped with pickles and sauce and served on a brioche bun, available in both classic and spicy varieties.
Jason Smith appreciates the "little bit of kick" provided by the Cajun spice, making it a favorite for those seeking a more flavorful experience. Victoria Soliz also enjoyed the spice, ranking it fourth on her list for Allrecipes, praising the "thick and crispy" fish patty and the flavor coming from the spices in the breading.
Wendy’s: A Southern-Style Alternative
Wendy’s Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich features panko-breaded wild-caught Alaskan pollock, dill tartar sauce, lettuce, cheese, and pickles served on a soft bun. Kelli Ferrell favors the Wendy’s offering for its "extra crunch" and "better flavor profile," describing it as a "more southern style" compared to McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish.
Online reviews echo this sentiment, with one content creator praising the "super-flavorful, herby tartar sauce" and the "moist and flaky" fish. Wendy’s seems to be positioning itself as a more upscale and flavorful alternative to the classic fast-food fish sandwich.
Conclusion: A Sea of Choices
The fast-food fish sandwich landscape offers a diverse array of options, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. From Arby’s trio of sandwiches to Burger King’s spicy rendition, from Culver’s regional favorite to Long John Silver’s greasy classic, from McDonald’s ubiquitous Filet-O-Fish to Popeyes’ Cajun-spiced offering, and finally to Wendy’s southern-style alternative, there’s a fish sandwich to suit every taste and preference.
Ultimately, the "best" fast-food fish sandwich is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Factors such as spice tolerance, desired level of greasiness, preferred sauce flavor, and overall value all play a role in the decision-making process. By considering the insights of food writers, chefs, and everyday consumers, you can navigate this sea of choices and find the perfect fish sandwich to satisfy your Lenten cravings. Happy feasting!
