Hawaii Fish Sandwich

By Molly Watson

Updated 05/31/18

Hawaii Fish Sandwich
© Molly Watson
  • Total: 17 mins
  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 7 mins
  • Yield: 4 Fish Sandwiches (4 servings)

This classic fish sandwich is a mainstay on Hawaiian menus, where it is often listed as a fish burger. The best one I ever had was from a lunch truck in the parking lot of a fish store—the kind of fish store right near the pier and the fish comes in, gets cleaned and put on ice in the counter within minutes, and eager customers show up early in the day lest their favorite sells out. Both the store and the truck had a lovely ocean view. I've modeled this recipe off that sandwich, but have experienced first-hand with this recipe what is always true about fish dishes: the fresher the fish, the tastier it will be.

In Hawaii these sandwiches are usually made with mahi mahi (a.k.a. dorado) or ono, both of which are ocean fish with firm flesh and lots of flavor that give the "burger" a great meaty feel. Other firm whitefish, like farmed tilapia, makes a perfectly tasty burger where and when mahi mahi isn't available. Would this burger also work with salmon? Absolutely. Freshness and a certain thickness of the filet to stand up to the bun are all this sandwich require. 

Ingredients

  • 4 filets mahi mahi (or other firm whitefish)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or Kauai red salt)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Optional: Dash of cayenne
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 4 Hawaiian sweet bread buns (or hamburger buns)
  • 4 tablespoons tartar sauce
  • 4 slices onion (sweet Maui onions are best but red onions work well too)
  • 4 slices tomato

Steps to Make It

  1. Rinse the fish filets and pat them dry. In a small bowl combine the salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne (if using). Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly on both sides of all the fish filets.

  2. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. When the pan is hot, add the oil, and swirl it around to coat the bottom of the pan. When the oil is hot, place the filets in the pan. Cook, undisturbed, until the filets brown along the edges, about 3 minutes. Use a spatula to gently turn the filets over and continue cooking until the fish is cooked through and flaky in the center, about 3 more minutes.

  3. Lay out the buns, open. Spread each bun—top and bottom—with tartar sauce. Place a filet on each bun and top with an onion slice, a tomato slice, and lettuce leaves. Add the top buns and serve immediately.