The Filet-O-Fish, McDonald’s iconic fish sandwich, was introduced in 1962 to solve a problem unique to some of its restaurants: a dramatic dip in burger sales on Fridays. In the early 1960s, McDonald’s franchisee Lou Groen noticed that his Cincinnati-area location, in a heavily Catholic neighborhood, struggled on Fridays when many of his customers abstained from meat due to religious practices.
To attract these customers, Groen developed a breaded fish sandwich served with tartar sauce. He pitched the idea to McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc, who was initially skeptical, preferring his own idea of a “Hula Burger” made of a pineapple slice and cheese on a bun. A sales contest was set up between the two sandwiches, and the Filet-O-Fish emerged victorious.
The sandwich became McDonald’s first non-hamburger menu item and was rolled out nationwide in 1965. Over the years, it has become a staple of the menu, particularly popular during Lent when many Christians follow dietary restrictions.
Today, McDonald’s ensures that the fish used in the Filet-O-Fish is sustainably sourced, meeting Marine Stewardship Council standards. This commitment reflects the chain’s efforts to align with environmental and consumer expectations while honoring a sandwich that has been part of its history for over 60 years.
The fish used in McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish sandwich is wild-caught Alaska Pollock. This type of fish is chosen for its mild flavor and flaky texture, making it ideal for a breaded fish sandwich. McDonald’s sources its Alaska Pollock from sustainable fisheries that meet the standards of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), ensuring responsible fishing practices and environmental sustainability.
The Filet-O-Fish is square to ensure that the fish fits perfectly within the bun without overlapping or appearing uneven. This design not only enhances the sandwich’s presentation but also emphasizes McDonald’s commitment to consistency across its products.
McDonald’s continues to steam the buns for the Filet-O-Fish sandwich. Steaming gives the buns a softer, fluffier texture, which complements the delicate, flaky fish and creamy tartar sauce. This method has been a signature part of the sandwich since its inception, adding to its unique appeal.
The Filet-O-Fish uses half a slice of cheese because the full slice was found to overwhelm the mild flavor of the fish. The smaller portion provides just the right amount of creamy, tangy flavor to complement the fish and tartar sauce without overpowering them. It’s also a nod to cost efficiency while maintaining the sandwich’s taste balance.
What is the tartar sauce recipe?
McDonald’s tartar sauce recipe is proprietary, but it is known to include:
- Mayonnaise as the creamy base.
- Sweet pickle relish with tiny diced pickles, adding a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
- Onion powder or minced onions for a hint of sharpness.
- Lemon juice or lemon flavoring for a zesty kick.
From a modest solution to a regional problem to a global menu icon, the Filet-O-Fish is a testament to innovation and adaptability in fast food.
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