German fish sandwich: A delicious twist on classic street food
When you think of fish for dinner, you might typically imagine it served with potatoes or French fries, a side salad, and a slice of lemon. However, in Germany, the idea is quite different. The German fish sandwich, known locally as Fischbrötchen, is a popular street food and a classic dish from the Baltic coast. Despite its modest appearance, it offers a delightful combination of contrasts: crispy fish, creamy sauce, a tangy hint of cucumber, and the freshness of lettuce, all nestled in a soft milk bun.
Fish and chips is a classic dish. But the Germans have a completely different approach. They put the fish in a bun, doing so with such finesse that a seemingly simple idea becomes a culinary gem. Juicy, crispy fish, creamy sauce, fresh toppings, and a soft bun – all of these elements make the German fish sandwich more than just a quick snack. It’s a concept for a wholesome, delicious meal that you can easily prepare at home.
Recipe for German fish sandwich (Fischbrötchen)
Instead of serving fish with potatoes once again, make something that will surprise everyone at the table. The German fish sandwich is a recipe that demonstrates how a new idea and a few simple ingredients can lead to something truly delicious. And what's even better... you don’t need to travel to Hamburg to enjoy it.
Ingredients:
- 2 organic eggs (size M)
- 1 pickled cucumber
- ½ red apple
- 1 tablespoon of salad mayonnaise
- 3.5 oz (¼ cup) of creamy yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of pickled cucumber brine
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- ½ bunch of parsley
- 2 tablespoons of milk
- 1.4 oz (about ⅓ cup) of wheat flour
- 1.4 oz (about ½ cup) of breadcrumbs
- 2 cod fillets (about 5 oz each)
- 1.4 oz (about 3 tablespoons) of clarified butter
- 2 milk buns
- 2 leaves of butter lettuce
Instructions:
- Boil the eggs until hard, cool them, peel, and chop finely. Cut the cucumber and apple into small cubes.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, yogurt, pickle brine, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the eggs, cucumber, apple, and chopped parsley to create a creamy sauce for the sandwich.
- Pat the cod fillets dry and season with salt and pepper. Coat them in flour, then milk, and then breadcrumbs.
- Heat clarified butter in a pan and fry the fish on both sides until golden – about 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Slice the buns, place a leaf of lettuce, a portion of the egg-yogurt sauce, and the hot fish fillet inside. Assemble, gently press, and serve immediately.
What exactly is Fischbrötchen?
Fischbrötchen is essentially a German fish sandwich, but it’s not just any sandwich. It is a culinary symbol of northern Germany, especially the regions around the Baltic and North Seas. Traditionally served in a crispy or milk bun, it features fresh, smoked, or breaded fish, often accompanied by onions, lettuce, pickled cucumber, and remoulade or mayonnaise.
The most commonly used fish are herring (matjes), cod (Kabeljau), mackerel, salmon, or breaded fish. It's not fast food but street food with tradition – available at train stations, in port kiosks, and fish stalls. For Germans, it’s a classic eaten on the go, and for tourists, it's a delightful surprise.
