Crispy Fish Sandwiches with Wasabi and Ginger

I usually don't fry things but when it comes to a fish sandwich, frying is the only way to go.  I also love the Asian flavors in this dish. Wasabi and ginger are my friends...Wasabi paste can be found in the Asian section of your supermarket.

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 medium lime, finely grated to yield 1/2 tsp. zest and squeezed to yield 4 tsp. juice
• 1-1/2 tsp. wasabi paste; more to taste
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 2 Tbs. soy sauce
• 1 cup panko
• 4 4- to 5- oz. boneless, skinless hake, haddock, or cod fillets (preferably 1 to 1-1/2 inches thick)
• 1/2 cup plus 1 Tbs. vegetable oil
• 1 tsp. finely grated fresh ginger
• 3 cups thinly sliced iceberg lettuce (about 1/4 head)
• 4 hamburger buns, lightly toasted

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lime zest, 1 tsp. of the lime juice, and the wasabi paste. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and more wasabi, if you like.

In a wide, shallow bowl, lightly beat the eggs and 1 Tbs. of the soy sauce until combined. Put the panko in another wide shallow bowl.

Pat the fish fillets dry and lightly season with salt. Working with one fillet at a time, dip it in the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off, then coat with the panko, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the fish. Set each breaded fillet on a plate or tray as you finish it.

In a 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat 1/2 cup of the oil over medium heat until shimmering hot. Fry the fish, flipping once, until well browned and just cooked through, 5 to 8 minutes total. Transfer to paper towels to drain and sprinkle each fillet with a pinch of salt.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together the remaining 1 Tbs. lime juice, 1 Tbs. soy sauce, 1 Tbs. oil, the ginger, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Add the lettuce and toss to coat.

Spread the wasabi mayonnaise on both cut sides of the buns. Put one fish fillet on the bottom of each bun, and then top with the lettuce and the bun top.

nutrition information (per serving): 
Calories (kcal): 650; Fat (g): 47; Fat Calories (kcal): 420; Saturated Fat (g): 7; Protein (g): 26; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 16; Carbohydrates (g): 31; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 22; Sodium (mg): 1420; Cholesterol (mg): 140; Fiber (g): 2;

PHOTO: SCOTT PHILLIPS