Want to take your slider game to the next level? Crispy fish sliders offer the perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and customization that makes them an excellent choice for any occasion, from backyard barbecues to casual get-togethers.
These fish sliders are easy to assemble, serve, and eat, making them an ideal finger food. The best part? The contrast between the crispy fish, sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls, and the addition of toppings like slaw and sauces creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every bite.
What’s the secret to crispy fried fish?
For perfectly crispy fried fish, make sure to pat the fish filets dry with paper towels. Moisture on the surface of the fish can make it harder to achieve a crispy texture. Excess moisture will create steam during frying, which can lead to a soggy coating.
What kind of beer is best for battering fish?
Lighter beers with mild flavors and lower bitterness tend to work best for beer-battered fish (think: lagers and pale ales). Feel free to experiment with different types of beers to find the one that suits your taste preferences and pairs well with the fish you're frying!
What should you serve with crispy fish sliders?
Crispy fish sliders are a delicious dish on their own, but serving them with complementary sides can instantly elevate your meal. Try pairing your fish sliders with potato wedges, pickled vegetables, or sweet potato fries to enjoy some different flavors.
Let's dive straight into the magic that these fish sliders bring to your taste buds. Picture this: Golden-brown, crunchy fish filets nestled between soft slider buns, topped with a refreshing slaw that adds just the right amount of tanginess and crunch. Hungry yet? Well, let's get cooking!
1. Prepare the Slaw
In a medium bowl, whisk together the vinegar, soy sauce, peanut oil, sesame oil, honey, lime juice, pepper flakes, and cayenne. Once you’ve combined everything, season your slaw to taste with salt and pepper to transform a simple mix into a flavorful, tangy delight.
Add a few spoons of your delicious vinaigrette to the shredded cabbage and toss until evenly coated. Let it chill in the fridge while you prepare the fish. (Pro tip: Letting the coleslaw sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to an hour before serving allows the ingredients to marry, intensifying the taste!)
2. Get Sizzling
Next, it’s time to prepare your oil for some crispy goodness. Start by filling a heavy bottom pot with 2 inches of vegetable oil. Then, heat the oil over the stove, over medium-high heat, until it reaches 375°F.
Before you start sizzling your fish filets, pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the filets with salt and pepper to taste, and cut them into portions that’ll fit nicely on your slider buns.
3. Batter Up!
Set up a station with a shallow bowl. Place ½ cup of flour into the bowl and season with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining flour, cornstarch, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and baking soda. Whisk in the beer until it’s just combined.
We know what you’re thinking: Why beer? Trust us—frying fish with beer infuses the fish with unique flavors while achieving a mouth-watering, ultra-crispy exterior. We recommend using a beer with flavors that complement the fish without overpowering it.
4. Get Crunchy with the Fish
Take each piece of seasoned fish and dredge it lightly in the flour, ensuring it's evenly coated on all sides. Then, dust off any excess flour coating and dip each piece into the batter. Wait a few seconds for the excess batter to drip off the filet, and carefully place each piece into the oil.
5. Fry 'Em Up
Fry your fish filets until they turn golden brown and crispy on each side, usually about 5-6 minutes per side depending on the thickness of the filets. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil and season them with additional kosher salt.
6. Assemble Your Seafood Slider Masterpiece
Ready to step into slider heaven? Slice the King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls in half horizontally using a serrated knife and place your crispy fried fish on the bottom half of each bun. Top it off with a generous spoonful of the chilled slaw.
The subtle sweetness of King’s Hawaiian rolls infuses an extra layer of flavor to the sliders. It also complements the savory fish and tangy slaw, adding a whole new dimension to your slider experience.
Want some extra crunch? Toast the rolls lightly before assembling the sliders to enhance their texture and bring out their sweetness. For bonus points, try brushing the rolls with melted butter before toasting for added richness and flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Cover with the top half of the bun and secure it with a toothpick. Arrange these beauties on a platter and get ready to indulge in the ultimate crispy-crunchy-meets-tangy slider experience! Serve these fish sliders with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, mayo, and any other toppings for a delicious dish. Perfect for sharing or devouring solo (we won't judge!).
PRODUCTS
Crispy Fish Sliders
Prep: 20 min.
Cook: 10 min.
Serves: 6
- 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Low Sodium Soy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Peanut Oil
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 pinches cayenne pepper
- 2 pinches Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups Shredded Cabbage
- For the Fish: Prepare the fish with these ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour, divided
- 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 6 ounces Cold Beer
- 1/2 pound Cod Fillet, Cut into 6 equal pieces
- 6 King's Hawaiian Dinner Rolls, sliced in half
- Fill a heavy bottom pot with 2 inches of vegetable oil