Burger King Fish Sandwich Recipe 2026: Copycat Big Fish Guide
You know the Big Fish. It is the one Burger King item that does not get enough credit. While everyone argues about the Whopper, the Big Fish quietly delivers: a crispy panko-breaded Alaskan pollock fillet, sweet tartar sauce, crunchy pickles, and shredded lettuce on a toasted potato bun.
It has been on the BK menu in some form since 1975, when it was called The Whaler. It has survived for fifty years because it works. The fish is mild. The breading is crispy. The tartar sauce is sweet in a way that makes no logical sense but tastes completely right.
The problem? A Big Fish now costs $6.39 to $7.89 depending on your location. And by the time you get it home, half the crunch has steamed away inside the wrapper. So we made it at home instead. This guide gives you the complete copycat recipe, the full nutrition breakdown, the tartar sauce secret, and answers to every question you might have.
Checkout: Burger King Full Sandwich Menu List 2026
Quick Answer: What Is in a Burger King Fish Sandwich?
| Component | What It Is |
| Fish | 100% wild-caught Alaskan pollock, panko-breaded |
| Sauce | Sweet tartar sauce (mayo, dill pickle relish, corn syrup) |
| Toppings | Shredded iceberg lettuce, dill pickle slices |
| Bun | Toasted potato bun (older recipes say brioche) |
| Calories | 510 per sandwich |
| Protein | 16g per sandwich |
| Sodium | 1,180mg per sandwich (51% DV) |
| Price | $4.79 – $7.89 depending on location |
The bottom line: The Big Fish is one of the most underrated items on the Burger King Breakfast menu. It is crispy, sweet, tangy, and satisfying. And it takes about 20 minutes to make at home.
Why This Copycat Recipe Works
Most copycat fish sandwich recipes fail for one of three reasons: they use the wrong bun, they use the wrong breading, or they skip the tartar sauce entirely.
This recipe fixes all of that.
The three secrets to Big Fish authenticity:
- Use frozen panko-breaded Alaskan pollock fillets. You do not need to bread the fish yourself. Gorton’s makes panko-breaded pollock fillets that are almost identical to what Burger King uses. They bake or air-fry in minutes and stay crispy.
- Use a potato bun, not a brioche bun. This is the BK secret most copycats miss. Burger King switched to a potato bun for the Big Fish. Older recipes still say brioche, but the current sandwich uses a soft, slightly sweet potato bun that toasts up perfectly. Brioche is a fine substitute, but potato is more authentic.
- Sweeten your tartar sauce with corn syrup. Burger King’s tartar sauce is noticeably sweeter than most. The secret is corn syrup – just a small amount. It sounds strange, but it is what makes the Big Fish taste like a Big Fish.
Burger King Fish Sandwich Recipe (Copycat Big Fish)
This recipe makes 4 sandwiches. Total time: about 20 minutes.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
| Frozen breaded Alaskan pollock fillets | 4 | Panko-style, e.g., Gorton’s |
| Potato buns (or brioche) | 4 | Toasted |
| Sweet tartar sauce | 8 tbsp | See recipe below |
| Dill pickle slices | 12–16 | Thin slices |
| Shredded iceberg lettuce | 1 cup | Iceberg, not romaine |
| Butter | 2 tbsp | For toasting buns |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the fish fillets.
Pop the frozen fillets in the oven at 425°F (218°C) for 16–18 minutes, flipping at the 10-minute mark. Want extra crunch? Add 2–3 minutes. Air fryer users: cook at 400°F (200°C) for 9–13 minutes. Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 2: Toast the buns.
Lightly butter the cut sides of your potato buns. Toast them in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Do not skip this step – it creates a barrier that prevents the sandwich from getting soggy.
Step 3: Make the tartar sauce.
Combine ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish, and 2 teaspoons corn syrup in a bowl. Stir well. This makes about ⅓ cup of tartar sauce. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 4: Assemble the sandwich.
Spread about 2 tablespoons of tartar sauce on the bottom bun. Add the crispy fish fillet. Top with shredded iceberg lettuce and 3–4 dill pickle slices. Add the top bun. Serve immediately.
How to Make Burger King Tartar Sauce (The Secret)
Burger King’s tartar sauce is not complicated. It has three ingredients. But the ratios matter.
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Mayonnaise | ¼ cup |
| Dill pickle relish | 2 tablespoons |
| Corn syrup | 2 teaspoons |
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Stir until fully mixed. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Why corn syrup? It adds the signature sweetness that distinguishes BK’s tartar sauce from every other fast-food tartar sauce. Do not skip it. If you do not have corn syrup, honey or maple syrup work as substitutes, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Burger King Fish Sandwich Nutrition Facts
Here is the complete nutritional breakdown for one Burger King Big Fish sandwich.
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
| Calories | 510 | – |
| Total Fat | 28g | 36% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 22% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | – |
| Cholesterol | 30mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 1,180mg | 51% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 51g | 19% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 7% |
| Sugars | 7g | – |
| Protein | 16g | 29% |
Without tartar sauce: 340 calories, 9g fat, 49g carbs, 15g protein, 970mg sodium.
Burger King Fish Sandwich Review: What Does It Taste Like?
Reviews of the Big Fish are mixed but passionate.
What reviewers love:
“At its finest, meaning when they make the sandwich fresh to order, it’s simply delicious.” – The Takeout
“The pickles were very crispy, and I loved the texture of the potato bun.” – Business Insider
What reviewers dislike:
“My least favorite sandwich was the Big Fish sandwich from Burger King.” – Business Insider
“It’s NOT a repeat buy and so far, this is the worst fish sandwich I’ve sampled in this challenge. To sum it up in two words, ‘It sucked.'” – Bachelor on the Cheap
The verdict: The Big Fish is a love-it-or-hate-it sandwich. If you like a sweet tartar sauce, crispy panko bread, and tangy pickles, you will enjoy it. If you prefer a more classic, savory fish sandwich, you might prefer McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish. The key is to eat it fresh – it loses its crunch quickly when wrapped and transported.
Burger King Big Fish vs. McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish
| Feature | Burger King Big Fish | McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish |
| Fish | Alaskan pollock | Alaskan pollock |
| Breading | Panko (crispy, airy) | Standard breadcrumb (softer) |
| Bun | Toasted potato bun | Steamed white bun |
| Sauce | Sweet tartar sauce | Classic tartar sauce |
| Toppings | Lettuce, pickles | Half-slice American cheese |
| Calories | 510 | 390 |
| Protein | 16g | 16g |
| Price | $4.79–$7.89 | $4.99–$6.59 |
Key difference: Both sandwiches use the same fish. The difference is in the breading (panko vs. standard), the bun (potato vs. steamed), and the toppings (lettuce and pickles vs. cheese). The Big Fish is crunchier and tangier. The Filet-O-Fish is softer and cheesier.
Dietary Variations
| Diet | How to Adapt |
| Air Fryer | Cook frozen fillets at 400°F (200°C) for 9–13 minutes, flipping halfway. |
| Gluten-Free | Use gluten-free breaded fish fillets and gluten-free buns. Ensure tartar sauce is gluten-free. |
| Lower Sodium | Skip the pickles (high in sodium). Use a low-sodium tartar sauce. |
| Lower Calorie | Skip the tartar sauce (saves 170 calories) or use a lighter mayo. |
The Bottom Line – Should You Make It at Home?
If you love the Big Fish: Yes. This copycat recipe gives you the same crispy panko, sweet tartar sauce, and tangy pickles without the drive-thru. It takes 20 minutes and costs a fraction of the restaurant price.
If you want a lighter option: Skip the tartar sauce. The fish and bun alone are 340 calories.
Key takeaways:
- Use frozen panko-breaded pollock fillets for the easiest, most authentic result.
- Use a potato bun, not brioche, for the closest match.
- Sweeten your tartar sauce with corn syrup – this is the BK secret.
- Toast the buns to prevent sogginess.
- Assemble just before serving – the Big Fish does not wait well.
Now you have the complete guide. Go make a Big Fish – and enjoy every crispy, sweet, tangy bite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is in a Burger King fish sandwich?
A Burger King Big Fish contains 100% wild-caught Alaskan pollock with a crispy panko breadcrumb coating, sweet tartar sauce, shredded iceberg lettuce, and tart pickles on a toasted potato bun.
What kind of fish does Burger King use?
Burger King uses 100% wild-caught Alaskan pollock for its fish sandwiches. Pollock has a mild flavor, flaky texture, and is sustainably managed.
How many calories are in a Burger King fish sandwich?
A Burger King Big Fish sandwich contains 510 calories, with 28g fat, 51g carbs, and 16g protein.
Does Burger King have a fish sandwich?
Yes – the Big Fish sandwich has been on the menu in various forms since 1975. It is a permanent menu item at most locations and is especially popular during Lent.
What is the Burger King fish sandwich called?
It is currently called the Big Fish. Historically, it was known as The Whaler (1975), Ocean Catch Fish Filet, and Premium Alaskan Fish sandwich.
What kind of bun does Burger King use for its fish sandwich?
Burger King uses a toasted potato bun for the Big Fish sandwich. Older recipes may reference brioche, but the current version uses a soft, slightly sweet potato bun.
How do you make Burger King tartar sauce?
Combine ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish, and 2 teaspoons corn syrup. Stir well and refrigerate.
Does the Burger King fish sandwich have cheese?
The standard Big Fish does not include cheese. However, you can add American cheese as a customization.
Is the Burger King fish sandwich healthy?
With 510 calories, 28g fat, and 51g carbs, it is a moderate indulgence. It provides protein and vitamin K but is high in fat and sodium. It is not a low-calorie option.
Can I make a Burger King fish sandwich in an air fryer?
Yes – cook frozen breaded pollock fillets in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 9–13 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What sauce goes on a Burger King fish sandwich?
Tartar sauce – specifically, a sweet and creamy tartar sauce. BK’s version is noticeably sweeter than most tartar sauces.
Is the Burger King fish sandwich gluten-free?
No – the fish sandwich contains gluten from the bread and the bun. Burger King does not offer gluten-free buns or breaded products.
