Fish fry season is one of my favorite times of year in St. Louis. Every Friday during Lent, which starts on March 2 this year, you can find an endless number of pop-up fish fries in any given zipcode. If you have vowed to give up meat, including fish, this year, this plant-based alternative will satisfy your craving for classic fish-fry fare.
Faux Fish Sandwich with Tartar Sauce
Serves | 6 |
Faux Fish Filets
- 2 14-oz can artichokes, drained
- 3½ cups panko bread crumbs, divided
- 1 sheet nori, flaked into small pieces
- 1 Tbsp Old Bay seasoning
- ½ tsp celery salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- salt and pepper, to taste
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Tartar Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 to 4 Tbsp dill pickle, small diced
- 1 Tbsp capers, chopped
- 2 Tbsp onion, small diced
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 4 to 5 dashes Tabasco sauce (optional)
- salt and pepper, to taste
To Serve
- 6 hamburger buns, toasted
- 6 slices Cheddar or American cheese
- green-leaf lettuce
| Preparation – Faux Fish Filets | Add artichokes, 1½ cups bread crumbs, nori, Old Bay seasoning, celery salt, black pepper, smoked paprika and vegetable oil to a food processor. Pulse until just combined (do not over-process; you still want some flaky pieces of artichoke to remain). Separate into 4 to 6 equal portions and form into patties. Refrigerate for ½ hour to let set.
After patties are set, heat oil in a skillet. Place flour, eggs and 2 cups bread crumbs in separate bowls, seasoning flour with salt and pepper. To bread patties, dredge in flour, dusting off excess, then coat with egg, allowing excess to drip off, and cover with bread crumbs. Repeat until all patties are breaded.
Working in batches, fry patties in oil until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Transfer to wire rack and season with salt.
| Preparation – Tartar Sauce | In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and season to taste.
| To Serve | Spread tartar sauce on bottom bun, topping with faux fish filet, cheese and lettuce.
