Additional Coverage:
- I tried 5 fast-food fish sandwiches and ranked them from worst to best (businessinsider.com)
Fast-Food Fish Frenzy: Uncovering the Top Catch for Lent!
As Lent rolls around, fast-food menus across the nation become a haven for fish sandwich enthusiasts. But with so many options vying for your attention, which one truly reigns supreme? We dove headfirst into the deep end, sampling fishy delights from McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, and Popeyes to bring you the definitive ranking.
The tradition of the fast-food fish sandwich dates back to the 1960s, a clever innovation by a McDonald’s franchisee in a predominantly Catholic area of Ohio. Noticing a dip in sales on Fridays during Lent, he cooked up the now-iconic Filet-O-Fish. Since then, it’s become a seasonal staple, with chains like Popeyes even introducing their own takes, hoping to replicate the success of their viral chicken sandwich.
But enough history – let’s talk taste and value! Our intrepid reporter embarked on a culinary quest, meticulously evaluating each sandwich. Here’s how they stacked up, from the least impressive to the undisputed champion:
The Bottom Feeder: Burger King’s Big Fish Sandwich
Coming in at the bottom of the barrel was Burger King’s Big Fish sandwich, priced at $7.39 at a Brooklyn location. While the potato bun was a textural triumph and the pickles delightfully crispy, the Alaskan pollock patty left something to be desired.
Our reviewer noted a lack of flakiness and a chewier texture compared to its competitors. A little more tartar sauce and better lettuce distribution wouldn’t have hurt either.
A Decent Swim: Popeyes’ Classic Flounder Fish Sandwich
Popeyes’ classic flounder fish sandwich, a $7.19 offering, landed in fourth place. The crispy, savory fried flounder patty was a highlight, complemented by tart yet balanced tartar sauce and impressively thick-cut pickles, all nestled in a brioche bun. A solid contender that our reviewer would gladly order again.
The Reliable Classic: McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish
The venerable McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish, priced at $6.59, secured the third spot. This sandwich truly shined with its incredibly flaky fish patty, a texture unmatched by the others.
The generous serving of tartar sauce added a welcome burst of flavor and moisture. While the half-slice of American cheese was present, our reviewer felt its impact was minimal, suggesting the sandwich would be equally, if not more, enjoyable without it.
Despite recent “shrinkflation” rumors, the size appeared to be consistent with its decades-long history.
A Strong Contender: Wendy’s Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich
Wendy’s Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich, costing $8.74, earned a commendable second place. This sandwich boasted a wild-caught Alaskan pollock patty with a delightful panko breading, delivering both crispiness and perfect flakiness.
The dill tartar sauce provided a pleasant sour and creamy counterpoint, while lettuce and pickles added freshness. The only minor quibble was the bun, which our reviewer found a tad too thick and overly buttery, slightly detracting from the overall flavor profile.
The Undisputed Champion: Popeyes’ Spicy Flounder Fish Sandwich
And the winner is… Popeyes’ Spicy Flounder Fish Sandwich!
For $7.19, this sandwich stole the show. Eschewing traditional tartar sauce for a zesty spicy spread, it delivered an explosion of flavor.
Our reviewer was pleasantly surprised by how well the spicy mayo complemented the fish, adding both delicious heat and essential moisture. The crinkle-cut pickles provided a fresh crunch, and the overall experience felt satisfying without being heavy.
This flavorful and well-priced option is a definite must-try and our reporter’s top recommendation!
So, there you have it! Whether you’re a traditionalist or crave a spicy kick, there’s a fast-food fish sandwich out there for you this Lent. Happy feasting!
Read More About This Story:
- I tried 5 fast-food fish sandwiches and ranked them from worst to best (businessinsider.com)