This Vegan Filet O’ Fish Is Crispy, Creamy, and Totally Irresistible
Golden-crisp on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside—this Vegan Filet O’ Fish Copycat hits every craving. Wrapped in a delicate rice paper “fish skin” and seasoned with bold spices and umami-rich nori, it fries up to crackly perfection.
Layered with a melty slice of vegan cheese, slathered in tangy, zesty tartar sauce, and stacked on a soft, toasted bun, this sandwich is savory, crunchy, creamy, and completely plant-based. It’s a bite-for-bite upgrade that delivers all the fast food flavor—minus the fish.
Ingredients
For the Vegan “Fish” Filet:
- 1 can hearts of palm (drained and patted dry)
- Rice paper (2 sheets per filet)
- Old Bay seasoning
- Nori (seaweed) sheets or flakes
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Lemon pepper
- Paprika
- Flour (for batter)
- Water or plant milk (for mixing batter)
- Japanese breadcrumbs (panko, vegan-friendly)
- Grapeseed oil (for frying)
For the Vegan Tartar Sauce:
- Vegan mayo
- Pickle relish
- Dill weed
- Lemon juice
- Minced garlic
- Pink Himalayan salt
- Black pepper
For Assembly:
- Daiya vegan cheese slices (or your favorite vegan cheese)
- Burger buns (toasted)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Hearts of Palm
Drain and flatten the hearts of palm into filet-like shapes for a tender, flaky “fish” base.
2. Wrap with Rice Paper “Skin”
Soften two rice paper sheets in warm water and wrap each filet tightly to create a realistic, crispy “skin.”
3. Make the Seasoned Batter
Whisk flour, spices, and nori with water or plant milk until smooth and velvety.
4. Coat with Breadcrumbs
Dip each wrapped filet in batter, then press into panko for an ultra-crispy crust.
5. Fry Until Golden
Pan-fry in hot grapeseed oil until each side is perfectly golden and crunchy.
6. Make the Tartar Sauce
Stir together vegan mayo, relish, lemon juice, garlic, dill, and seasonings until creamy and tangy.
7. Assemble the Sandwich
Layer toasted buns with tartar, the crispy filet, melty vegan cheese, and more tartar to finish.
Pro Tips + Final Thoughts
- Double wrap with rice paper for a sturdy, crispy “skin.”
- Chill before frying for extra crunch.
- Add toppings like lettuce or pickles for fast-food vibes.
- Homemade tartar makes it pop—don’t skip it!
About the Creator
This recipe is by PolishDCEO, the culinary creative behind @polishdceo. They specialize in soulful, plant-based remixes of comfort food classics, bringing bold seasoning, nostalgic flavor, and a Black vegan twist to every bite.
PolishDCEO | @polishdceo