The Best Fast Food Fish Sandwiches of 2024
Diving into the world of fast food might have you thinking burgers and fries are the only stars of the show, but let's not forget about the unsung hero: the fish sandwich. It's the cool, slightly quirky cousin in the fast food family, offering a delicious detour for those wanting to switch up their meal routine. Packed with lean protein and those good-for-you omega-3s, these fishy delights let you indulge without the side of guilt. Sure, they're often served up with a crispy, fried exterior, which might make the health-conscious among us pause, but hey, we're here for a good time, not a long time, right? Join us as we cast our nets wide and reel in the best fast food fish sandwiches of 2024, featuring the usual suspects like McDonald's and Wendy's, and even the curveball contender, Subway. Let the fish sandwich fiesta begin!
Why Fish Sandwiches?
Fish sandwiches bring a refreshing twist to the fast-food scene, perfect for those days when you're craving something different from the usual meaty fare. They're like a breath of fresh sea air for anyone looking for a lighter option or aiming to treat their heart a bit better. Packed with lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, plus a side of essential minerals like selenium, phosphorus, and iron, these sandwiches are not just tasty; they're also pretty good for you. But, here's the catch: sometimes, these fishy friends get a dunk in the deep fryer, adding some extra calories and taking away from their health “benefits”.
McDonald's Filet-O-Fish
Starting our seafood adventure, we've got the iconic Filet-O-Fish from McDonald's leading the way. Picture this: a golden, crispy fish filet sitting on a slice of gooey American cheese, slathered with McDonald's signature tangy tartar sauce, all tucked inside a fluffy, steamed bun. Plus, the fish comes from sustainably managed waters, so you can feel good about your choice, both for your taste buds and the planet.
On top of that, the Filet-O-Fish tips the scales at a manageable 390 calories, making it a lighter pick, especially when you throw in a side of those legendary World Famous Fries. It's a great pick for anyone in the mood for a quick, tasty fish treat.
Burger King's Big Fish Sandwich
Burger King throws its hat in the ring with the Big Fish Sandwich, starring 100% Wild Alaskan Pollock. This fish gets a crunchy makeover with panko breadcrumbs and is dressed up with sweet tartar sauce and tangy pickles, all sitting pretty on a toasted brioche bun. The use of wild-caught Alaskan Pollock not only sounds adventurous but also gives a nod to sustainable fishing.
Wendy's Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich
Wendy's dives back into the scene with its Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich, making a much-anticipated comeback. The star of the show is the Wild Caught Alaskan Pollock, praised for its buttery texture and a hint of garlic and onion, all thanks to Wendy's culinary wizard, John Li.
This sandwich is a symphony of textures and flavors, with its crunchy panko crust, fresh lettuce, melty American cheese, zesty pickles, and a dollop of creamy dill tartar sauce, all nestled in a soft, premium bun. With Wendy's focus on sustainable sourcing and customizable options, this sandwich is a strong player in the fish sandwich league.
Priced at about $6.16, it's a catch you wouldn't want to miss, especially since it's here for a limited time. With 520 calories and a mix of fats, carbs, and protein, it's a filling choice for those fish sandwich cravings.
Popeyes Flounder Fish Sandwich
Popeyes heats up the fish sandwich scene with its zesty Cajun Flounder Fish Sandwich. Back by popular demand in 2024 after its first appearance in 2021, this sandwich features a tender flounder fillet seasoned with bold Cajun spices, fried until crispy, and nestled in a soft brioche bun. You can choose between Classic or Spicy to suit your taste.
This sandwich, a highlight of Popeyes' seasonal seafood menu, not only adds variety but also competes with the legendary Popeyes chicken sandwich in terms of flavor. It's garnered rave reviews for its taste but remember, it's here for a limited time.
For those watching their calorie intake, it's good to know this sandwich comes in at 670 calories, making it a satisfying indulgence for those special treat days.
Subway Tuna Sub
Subway throws a curveball into the seafood showdown with its Tuna Sub, making waves with a mix of tuna salad, your pick of bread, cheese, and veggies. They tout their tuna as 100% wild-caught, though it's been swimming in a sea of controversy lately, thanks to some investigative buzz by the New York Times questioning the tuna's true tale.
Subway stands by their fishy filling, but the chatter might have some sandwich seekers pausing before they plunge into this Tuna Sub. If you're up for a bit of culinary adventure and willing to cast your lot with Subway's side of the story, this sub could be a refreshing detour from the standard fast-food fish fare.
For those counting, a 6-inch Subway Tuna Sub on white bread with lettuce and tomato brings a hearty 524 calories to the table, along with a balance of carbs, fat, and protein, making it a substantial pick in the submarine lineup.
The Clear Winner: Wendy's Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich
After casting our nets far and wide, Wendy's Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich sails to victory, clinching the title of the best fast-food fish sandwich of 2024. With its responsibly-sourced Wild Caught Alaskan Pollock, a flavor that hooks you at first bite, and the freedom to tailor it to your taste, this sandwich truly stands out from the school. Add to that Wendy's expertly curated pairing suggestions, and you've got a meal that's sure to reel in any fish aficionado. Whether you team it up with Wendy's classic Hot & Crispy fries or double down on the flavor with garlic fries, the Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich is a catch you won't want to miss. So, fish fans, make your way to Wendy's and net this delectable catch before it's gone – it's a limited-time catch that's worth the chase!
