Burgers have become one of the most popular fast-food dishes. The steady rise of burger restaurants and the appearance of new variations on the menu show that this trend is still going strong, constantly developing and evolving. Today you can enjoy burgers with a classic meat patty, vegetarian options, chicken – and of course, fish.
As a producer of commercial chicken breading – which also works perfectly with fish – we are happy to share ideas with our clients for preparing not only chicken dishes, but also delicious fish specialities. A fish burger is one of those dishes that’s easy to prepare and makes a great alternative to a traditional meat burger. Use our inspiration and see for yourself that a fish burger can become a real hit with your customers.
What is a fish burger?
The main difference between a classic burger and a fish burger – or fishburger, as it’s often called – lies in the type of meat. Instead of a beef patty or chicken strips, the star ingredient is a fish patty or a breaded fish fillet. Apart from that, the build of the sandwich is very similar: a bun, vegetables and sauces. The final effect depends entirely on the ingredients you choose. Fish burgers can be made in countless variations – but every version is based on these four essentials: the bun, the fish, the toppings, and the sauce.
Ingredients of a fish burger
Fish burgers can vary widely – but there are a few things they all have in common. First and foremost, each one contains fish – usually white fish, prepared in a crispy golden breading. Since a burger is essentially a type of sandwich, a bun is always essential. Most often it’s a wheat bun, but in fact you can use bread rolls made from any type of flour.
Another group of basic ingredients are vegetables – usually fresh, though not exclusively – and, of course, sauces. This is where you can really experiment, from classic ketchup to creative signature sauces. When it comes to choosing the right sauce for a fish burger, it’s best to go for something slightly tangy and refreshing – often based on mustard or pickled cucumber.
Types of fish used in fish burgers
A fish burger can be made with either a fish patty or a breaded fillet. Regardless of the form, it’s best to choose fish with white flesh, firm texture and a mild flavour. To reduce excess water or glazing, it’s advisable to use fresh rather than frozen fish, and to opt for trusted sources. Always check whether the fish comes from sustainable fisheries and whether it carries MSC or ASC certification.
| Key criteria | when choosing fish for fish burgers |
| Type of fish | Best sea fish: cod, hake, pollock, sea bass, halibut (white flesh, delicate flavour, few bones). |
Freshness | Light-coloured flesh, firm texture, pleasant smell. |
| Form | Fresh fish or frozen fillets with minimal glazing. |
| Practicality | Few bones, pieces that fit well in a bun (wide and flat), properly trimmed. |
| Sustainable source | Look for MSC or ASC certification – a guarantee of quality and a marketing advantage |
Preparing a fish burger – the essentials
How can you make your fish burger stand out from the rest?
It’s simple! Make sure its key ingredient – the breaded fish – is perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. What’s the secret to achieving this result? The right choice of fish, combined with the Holly Powder range: chicken and fish breading, marinade, and fish seasoning. With this ready-made solution, your fish will be aromatic and appetising – delicate and juicy inside, and coated with a perfectly flaky, golden breading on the outside.
Preparing fish for a fish burger – step by step
Cut the cleaned fish into smaller pieces. Use Holly Powder ready-made marinades and seasonings for flavour – they not only guarantee great taste but also make the job quicker and easier. Coat the fish pieces in Holly Powder professional breading, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Fry the fish in hot oil until golden and crispy.
Fish burger variations – get inspired
A well-prepared breaded fish fillet is the foundation of any fish burger. But what about the rest? That’s largely up to your imagination. If you’re looking for ideas, take a look at our suggestions below. Remember – these are just inspirations, which you can freely adapt to your own preferences or those of your restaurant guests.
Fish burger with sprouts
To prepare this version, you’ll need two pieces of breaded fish, a burger bun, tartar sauce, and fresh vegetables: lettuce, tomato, red onion, and radish sprouts.
Layer all the ingredients on the bun and top with the other half. For best results, toast the bun beforehand so it’s warm and nicely golden.
Fish burger with sauerkraut
This one is for fans of bold flavours. Use good-quality sauerkraut or kimchi, add two pieces of breaded fish, and finish with your favourite sauce or mayonnaise.
Fish burger with cheese
The cheesy fish burger is a great alternative to the classic meat cheeseburger. To prepare it, you’ll need cheddar cheese, lamb’s lettuce, pickled gherkins, red onion and, of course, breaded fish coated in Holly Powder. You can replace tartar sauce with mayonnaise or Danish remoulade.
Why choose a fish burger?
Burgers remain one of the most popular types of sandwich. They’re easy to prepare and offer endless possibilities for variation – making it simple to create an attractive and diverse menu. Fish burgers are a fantastic alternative to classic beef or pork burgers. They’re also a great option for fish lovers, as well as anyone curious to try new flavours. Try our recipes for fish burgers and expand your menu with something fresh – delicious fishburgers with crispy breaded fish!
