6 Fast Food Fish Sandwiches And The Kind Of Fish Used In Each

Fish sandwiches have become a staple on fast food menus across America, especially during Lent when many people abstain from meat.

I’ve always been curious about what’s actually between those buns when I order a fish sandwich.

Last week, I went on a fishy adventure to discover exactly what kind of aquatic creatures are being served up at popular chains.

From pollock to cod to flounder, here’s the scoop on what you’re really biting into when you order these popular fast food fish sandwiches.

1. Wendy’s Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich: The Seasonal Catch

Unlike its permanent menu cousins, Wendy’s fish sandwich is the elusive seasonal visitor that appears when the Lent winds blow. My first encounter with this limited-time offering left me pleasantly surprised by its substantial panko-breaded Wild-Caught Alaskan Pollock fillet, which extends beyond the bun’s boundaries.

The crunch factor here deserves a standing ovation! That distinctive panko coating creates a satisfying texture that regular breadcrumbs simply can’t match. Wendy’s dresses their aquatic creation with crisp lettuce, creamy tartar sauce, and a slice of American cheese, all nestled in a premium bun.

What makes this pollock special is its wild-caught status from the sustainably managed fisheries of Alaska. The fish itself has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the tangy zip of the tartar sauce. Catch it while you can—this fish only swims through Wendy’s waters for a few weeks each year!

2. Burger King’s Big Fish: The Flame-Grilled King’s Aquatic Offering

Burger King might be famous for flame-grilled burgers, but their fish game shouldn’t be overlooked! Last month during a road trip, I was starving and the only option was BK. Skeptical but desperate, I ordered their Big Fish—and color me surprised when I bit into that crispy, panko-breaded Alaskan Pollock fillet.

The sandwich comes dressed with crisp lettuce and creamy tartar sauce on a toasted brioche-style bun. What sets BK’s fish apart isn’t just the Alaskan Pollock itself, but how they prepare it—the panko breadcrumbs create a satisfyingly crunchy exterior while keeping the fish moist inside.

Alaskan Pollock works perfectly here because of its mild flavor profile that doesn’t overwhelm the palate. It’s a white, flaky fish that’s similar to cod but more sustainable. BK’s version might not be the fanciest fish in the sea, but it definitely swims circles around what you’d expect from a burger joint!

3. Arby’s King’s Hawaiian Fish Deluxe: The Island-Inspired Catch

Whoever thought to pair fish with a sweet Hawaiian bun deserves a tropical vacation! Arby’s King’s Hawaiian Fish Deluxe stands out from the school with its unique bread choice alone. The first time I tried it, that subtle sweetness from the bun created a flavor harmony I wasn’t expecting with the Wild-Caught Alaskan Pollock.

This sandwich doesn’t skimp on the fixings. Crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and a generous slather of tartar sauce complement the crispy-fried pollock fillet. The fish itself is mild yet satisfying, with a clean taste that doesn’t overpower the other components.

Arby’s sources their Alaskan Pollock from sustainable fisheries, giving you a bit of environmental peace of mind with your meal. The combination of the slightly sweet King’s Hawaiian bun with the savory fish creates a unique taste experience that’s hard to find elsewhere in the fast food ocean. It’s like a mini vacation for your taste buds!

4. McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish: The OG Square Fish

Holy mackerel, this sandwich has been swimming in McDonald’s waters since 1962! Created for Catholic customers on meatless Fridays, the Filet-O-Fish has stood the test of time with its simple formula: a square patty of Alaskan Pollock, tangy tartar sauce, and half a slice of American cheese on a steamed bun.

The Alaskan Pollock used isn’t just any fish—it’s a sustainable, wild-caught species that’s mild in flavor and flaky in texture. Perfect for folks who don’t want their fish tasting too… well, fishy. I remember my grandma taking me for these as a Friday treat, and that distinct square shape still makes me nostalgic.

McDonald’s sources this white fish from the icy waters of the Bering Sea, where it’s certified by the Marine Stewardship Council. Despite urban legends suggesting otherwise, real fish does indeed swim in these famous square patties!

5. Popeyes Classic Flounder Fish Sandwich: The Southern Twist

“Y’all need to try this fish!” That’s what I texted my friends after trying Popeyes’ relatively new seafood offering. While most chains swim in the pollock pond, Popeyes boldly charts different waters with genuine flounder as their fish of choice—and what a delicious difference it makes!

The flounder fillet gets the full Popeyes treatment: marinated in Louisiana seasonings, then hand-battered and breaded in their signature crispy coating. This creates a spectacular crunch that gives their famous chicken a run for its money. Topped with barrel-cured pickles and tartar sauce on a buttery toasted brioche bun, it’s a symphony of textures and flavors.

Flounder brings a naturally sweeter, more distinctive flavor than pollock or cod. It’s a premium choice that’s slightly more delicate but stands up beautifully to Popeyes’ bold seasoning approach. When they launched this sandwich in 2021, they created a splash in the fast-food fish market that continues to make waves today.

6. Culver’s North Atlantic Cod Filet Sandwich: The Premium Catch

“Fresh, never frozen” isn’t just Culver’s burger motto—their fish philosophy swims along the same current! While waiting in the drive-thru line last Friday, I spotted a poster for their cod sandwich and decided to switch up my usual order. That first bite revealed why cod is considered the premium choice in the fish sandwich sea.

Culver’s uses hand-cut, hand-battered North Atlantic Cod fillets that are noticeably thicker and more substantial than competitors’ offerings. The cod itself has a sweet, clean flavor and large, tender flakes that give it a distinctly upscale taste. Paired with Wisconsin cheddar, crisp shredded lettuce, and their house tartar sauce on a lightly buttered bun, it’s fast food fish elevated.

North Atlantic Cod costs more than pollock, explaining the higher price point. But for that extra dollar or two, you’re getting a genuine cod experience that’s closer to what you’d find at a sit-down seafood restaurant. For cod connoisseurs who find themselves in a drive-thru, this sandwich is the catch of the day, every day!