Within the land of sandwiches, typically the toppings make the meal. We love all of the totally different meats on an Italian sub, but it surely’s actually the combo of recent veggies, oil, vinegar, and scorching peppers that makes it particular. Nonetheless, on the subject of fish sandwiches, the fish is it, pals. You merely cannot have a superb fish sandwich and not using a high quality piece of crispy, fried seafood.

Dealer Joe’s has plentiful handy fried fish choices, however we’re sorry to inform you our reviewer concluded you must keep away from the TJ’s breaded cod fillet. No quantity of high quality slaw or American cheese goes to make rework that product into a superb fish sandwich.

In Tasting Desk’s record of the Dealer Joe’s seafood you can purchase and what to keep away from, the breaded cod fillet was a go. Although it was usually inoffensive and reasonably priced, that is the place the positives ended. We discovered that the cod wasn’t very seasoned despite the fact that the packaging boasted its “seasoned batter,” and it did not get very crispy. “Apart from its mediocre taste,” our reviewer wrote, “I’ve to say its unremarkable texture. These breaded cod fillets did not get tender and as a substitute obtained pretty rubbery and slightly chewy.” It turns on the market are approach higher choices, in all probability even in the identical freezer part!

Fortunately, Dealer Joe’s has higher breaded fish choices out there. Compared to the cod, the battered halibut was a must-buy (and it is gluten-free!). The battered fish nuggets, comprised of Alaska pollock, additionally landed on our “purchase” record. A couple of of these might simply make up a stable base in your do-it-yourself fish sandwich.

And the web agrees. One Reddit consumer stated the battered fish nuggets “got here in a pinch once I was hungry for a Filet-O-Fish sandwich. 10/10 craving glad.” The breaded cod does have some followers on Reddit, however the constructive critiques are principally from individuals who do not take into account themselves fish lovers. It could be a superb starter product in case you’re iffy on fishy (ha ha), as the flavour is not too robust. However in case you like your fish to style like fish, flake like fish, and have a robust seasoned taste, the breaded cod is not your best option for you. One former TJ’s worker wrote for Enterprise Insider that they by no means purchase the Breaded Cod Fillets, and a few one-star scores on Dealer Joe’s Opinions name it “dry and tasteless” and “rubbish.”

The Dealer Joe’s frozen meals part is different and usually stuffed with high-quality selections, particularly on the subject of fish. It has all the things from frozen uncooked fish fillets to scrumptious frozen seafood entrees. However in case you’re seeking to make a high quality fish sandwich at house the place the breaded fish actually shines, you will need to skip the cod.