Introduction

This Grilled Fish Sandwich With Slaw & Tzatziki offers a fresh, flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Juicy cod fillets marinated in aromatic spices are grilled to perfection and paired with a tangy slaw and creamy tzatziki sauce. It’s a delicious and healthy meal perfect for any day of the week.

The image shows a close-up of a sandwich with four main layers. The bottom layer is a soft brown bun spread with creamy white sauce. Above it, there is a thick yellow patty that looks spiced and grilled. On top of the patty, there is a colorful mix of shredded vegetables including purple cabbage, orange carrots, and green herbs creating a fresh, textured layer. The top layer is a brown sandwich bun sprinkled with various seeds like oats and flaxseeds, giving it a textured look. The whole sandwich sits on a wooden surface with some shredded vegetables spilled around it, and the background has a soft beige color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest

1 tsp. grated garlic

1 tsp. grated peeled ginger

1 tsp. ground turmeric

1 tsp. kosher salt

1 tsp. paprika

4 (6- to 8-oz.) cod fillets

1 tsp. cumin seeds

3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil (for slaw)

2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

1 tsp. honey

Kosher salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 oz. shredded red cabbage (about 1/4 of a medium head)

1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped

1 cup grated carrot (from about 1 medium)

1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion

1 Persian or English cucumber

1 (5.3-oz.) container 0% Greek yogurt

1 clove garlic, finely grated (for tzatziki)

1/2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest (for tzatziki)

4 whole wheat buns

Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing buns

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, stir together 3 tablespoons olive oil, lemon zest, grated garlic, ginger, turmeric, salt, and paprika until a paste forms. Add the cod fillets and turn to coat evenly. Let marinate while preparing the slaw.

Step 2: Lightly crush cumin seeds using a measuring cup or small skillet. In a large heatproof bowl, combine the crushed cumin seeds and 3 tablespoons olive oil. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until the mixture is fragrant and warmed through, about 1 to 3 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Step 3: Add lemon juice and honey to the cumin oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then stir to combine. Add shredded cabbage, cilantro, grated carrot, and sliced red onion to the bowl and toss well to coat. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 4: Finely grate the cucumber using the large holes of a box grater. Transfer the grated cucumber to a clean cloth or kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Transfer the drained cucumber to a medium bowl.

Step 5: Add Greek yogurt, grated garlic, and lemon zest to the cucumber. Season with salt and pepper, then stir to combine. This will be your tzatziki sauce.

Step 6: Prepare a grill for medium-high heat and preheat for 5 minutes, or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the cut sides of the whole wheat buns with olive oil. Grill buns cut side down until warmed through and slightly charred, about 1 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Step 7: Grill the marinated fish fillets, turning once halfway through cooking. Cook until the fish is cooked through, charred, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 145°F, about 2 to 5 minutes per side depending on thickness.

Step 8: To assemble, spread a generous amount of tzatziki on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a grilled fish fillet, then a portion of the slaw. Close with the remaining bun halves and serve immediately.

FAQs

Can I use another type of fish for this sandwich?

Yes, firm, mild white fish like haddock, halibut, or tilapia can be used in place of cod. Just be sure to adjust grilling time based on thickness.

How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?

Grilling the buns lightly with olive oil creates a barrier that helps prevent sogginess. Also, assemble the sandwiches just before serving to keep buns fresh and firm.