Sep 07 2026
RestaurantsMcWhorter BarbecueFish Sub Recipe

Fish Sub Recipe

Inspired by McWhorter Barbecue
Time35m
Serves2

Make Fish Sub Recipe in just 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Sandwich

Breading (pan-fried)

Method

Sandwich

  1. 1

    Prepare fish

    Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels. Cut fillets into two long pieces each if necessary so each roll will hold two even pieces. Place fish in a bowl and season with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Toss to coat and let rest while preparing breading (5-10 minutes).

  2. 2

    Toast rolls

    Split sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tbsp butter. Place rolls cut side down and toast 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.

Breading (pan-fried)

  1. 3

    Prepare breading station

    In a shallow dish whisk together 1 cup flour, 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp baking powder and 1 tsp paprika. In a second shallow bowl whisk 1 egg with 3 tbsp milk. In a third shallow bowl place 3 tbsp panko breadcrumbs (season with a pinch of salt and pepper).

  2. 4

    Coat fish

    Dredge each fish piece first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally press into panko breadcrumbs to coat. Let coated pieces rest 2 minutes so the coating adheres.

  3. 5

    Pan-fry fish

    Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add 3 tbsp vegetable oil. When oil shimmers add breaded fish pieces (do not overcrowd; cook in two batches if needed). Cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork (internal temp ~145°F / 63°C). Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels and season immediately with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon.

Sauce & Toppings

  1. 6

    Make sauce

    In a small bowl combine 3 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tsp dijon mustard, 1 tsp chopped capers and 1 tsp hot sauce if using. Stir until smooth and taste; adjust salt/pepper or lemon if desired.

  2. 7

    Assemble subs

    Spread a generous layer of the mayo sauce on the bottom half of each toasted roll. Place shredded lettuce on the sauce, add the hot fish pieces (2 pieces per roll depending on size), top with sliced tomato and thinly sliced red onion. Spoon a little more sauce over the fish if desired and finish with a lemon wedge on the side for extra squeeze.

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