Discover the taste of Germany: The art of the Fischbrötchen
When you think of fish for dinner, you most likely envision it with potatoes or French fries, a side salad, and a slice of lemon. But in Germany, they have a different take. The German fish sandwich—locally known as Fischbrötchen—is a beloved street food and a holiday staple from the Baltic coast. Though it might sound modest, it delights with its contrasting elements: crispy fish, creamy sauce, tangy cucumber, and the lightness of lettuce, all nestled in a soft milk bun.
Fish and chips is a classic. However, the Germans have a completely different approach: they put the fish in a bun. And they do it with such finesse that from a seemingly simple idea, a culinary gem is crafted. Juicy, crispy fish, creamy sauce, fresh toppings, and a soft bun – these elements elevate the German fish sandwich beyond just a quick snack. It's a concept for a wholesome, delicious meal that you can easily make at home.
Recipe for German fish sandwich (Fischbrötchen)
Instead of serving fish with potatoes again, try something that will surprise everyone at the table. The German fish sandwich is a recipe that illustrates how a fresh idea and a few simple ingredients can lead to something truly tasty. And the best part? You don’t even have to travel to Hamburg to try it.
Ingredients:
- 2 organic eggs (size M)
- 1 pickled cucumber
- ½ red apple
- 1 tablespoon of salad mayonnaise
- 100 mL 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
- 40 g of wheat flour
- 40 g of breadcrumbs
- 2 cod fillets (about 140 g each)
- 40 g 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, creating a creamy sauce for the sandwich.
- Pat the cod fillets dry and season them with salt and pepper. Coat in flour, dip in milk, and then into breadcrumbs.
- Heat clarified butter in a pan and fry the fish on both sides until golden—about 3–4 minutes per 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 not just any sandwich. It is a culinary emblem of northern Germany—especially the areas around the Baltic and North Seas. Traditionally, it is served in a crispy or milk bun with a piece of fresh, smoked, or breaded fish, complemented by onions, lettuce, pickled cucumber, remoulade, or mayonnaise.
The most commonly used fish are herring (matjes), cod (kabeljau), mackerel, salmon, or breaded fish. It's not fast food, but rather street food with tradition, found at train stations, in port kiosks, and fish stalls. For Germans, it’s a beloved meal to grab on the go, and for tourists, it’s a delightful discovery.
