Spicy fish sandwiches are packed with flavor, thanks to a rub with garlic powder, onion powder, ground chipotle powder and black pepper and super filling thanks to the high protein content of fish.

And did I mention probably the fastest dish you can make?
Cod is what I usually choose for these sandwiches and it is done cooking in less than ten minutes--less than three minutes if you just cook the fish in a microwave or air fryer.
Do you know what goes beautifully with fish sandwiches? Tomato confit is the perfect side dish.
Louisiana voodoo fries are also a fun side.
If you like fish and chips, my friend Katy's Air Fryer Chips would be good to pair.
This tasty fish roll recipe is another quick but delicious meal or snack option.
Why You'll Love Spicy Fish Sandwiches
- The ultimate homemade fast food. Fish cooks so fast.
- Fish sandwiches are one of the healthiest meals to make thanks to being packed with protein and minerals.
- You can customize your sandwich to whatever spices you like or leave it plain.
- Are you in a hurry? Skip making your own rub and use a couple teaspoons of taco spice.
One of the things I love about living in Maine is the access to fresh fish and seafood. When I first moved here, 23 years ago now, cooking fish was intimidating to me.
My philosophy is anything you can do to a chicken breast, you can do to a fish.
If finding time and energy to cook dinner is a problem for you, fish is your solution.
If finding time and energy to cook dinner is a problem for you, fish is your solution. Most fish, unless you're cooking a thick, meaty piece of fish, like swordfish, cooks in less than ten minutes.
Crab meat is even quicker to cook. And if you're making crab cakes, you can turn any leftovers into a sandwich for lunch the next day.
Even if you have a few extra minutes to work on a special dinner, fish is still a great choice, especially sautéed sea bass.
What Kind of Fish Should I Use?
You have lots of choices for your sandwich. I love cod but any of the fish listed below can be substituted.
- Cod
- Haddock
- Tilapia
- Hake

A piece of fresh fish should smell mild. If you unwrap a piece of fish and it's got a strong, fishy odor and/or the skin is slimy, the fish has gone bad and you should throw it out.
If cooked, eat fish within 24 hours of being in the fridge.
Don't store uncooked fish in the refrigerator, unless you put it in the fridge to thaw out for that night's supper. Keep fish in the freezer otherwise.
More fish recipes you'll enjoy:
Salmon Escabeche (Easy Make-Ahead Dish)
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Recipe
Spicy Fish Fillet Sandwich

Spicy fish sandwiches are packed with flavor, thanks to a rub with garlic powder, onion powder, ground chipotle powder and black pepper and super filling thanks to the high protein content in fish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound firm, white fish such as cod, haddock or tilapia
- 4 sandwich buns or rolls
- two teaspoons of canola oil
- 4 leaves green lettuce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- spice rub
- For serving, tartar sauce or mayo or stoneground mustard
- Spice Rub:
- 2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt
- 1-½ teaspoons ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground chipotle powder
- ½ teaspoon ground smoked, sweet paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
Instructions
Unwrap fish. If using a piece from the fishmonger, you may need to slice it in sandwich size portions, three or four, if using a pound of fish.
Make Spice rub.
Mix together spices in a small bowl.
Add two teaspoons of oil to a skillet and turn heat to medium.
While skillet is heating, sprinkle each fillet with a teaspoon of the rub.
Saute fish for two to three minutes per side or until inside of fish looks opaque (white).
Remove fish from heat and let rest on a plate for a minute while you toast buns.
Place a serving of fish on each toasted bun with a slice of lettuce and or tomato and any condiment you might want to use such as tartar sauce or mayo.
Serve while still warm.
Wrap up any uneaten fish and refrigerate for up to a day.
Notes
Cooked fish will last 24 hours in the refrigerator.
Sandwich alternatives:
Serve fish wrapped in tortillas with lettuce and a squeeze of sour cream.
Serve over hot pasta with a bit of cream and parmesan.
Chop fish into chunks and serve on salad greens with a few sliced red onions and avocado slices.
Nutrition Information
Yield 4 Serving Size 1 ServingsAmount Per Serving Calories 571Total Fat 19gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 14gCholesterol 163mgSodium 2303mgCarbohydrates 34gFiber 3gSugar 1gProtein 63g
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