Lent starts on Ash Wednesday, which falls on March 5 this year, and for those observing the Lenten season, that means no meat. For those who may not know what Lent is, here’s a quick summary: Jesus Christ spent 40 days fasting in a desert while also being tempted by Satan before beginning his public ministry. So, those who practice Christianity also fast for the 40 days before Easter, whether it’s fasting from a favorite snack, soda, or even social media. Technically, the only hard-and-fast rule when it comes to food fasting is no meat on Fridays, and instead, substitute it for fish (however, some do the full 40 days without meat). As someone who has always fasted for Lent, Fridays in the spring are somewhat of a struggle in not knowing what to really eat. So, if this is also your vibe, here’s a list of fast food spots offering fish sandwiches — if you’re not into meat alternatives — to stop by during Lent.
Burger King
Burger King isn’t just for burgers, hence the Big Fish. The $7.99 sandwich features white Alaskan Pollock with crispy panko breading, a sweet tartar sauce, lettuce, and crunchy pickles on a potato bun.
The burger spot also offers the Impossible Whopper, priced at $7.19. This whopper is a flame-grilled, plant-based patty with tomatoes, lettuce, mayo, ketchup, crunchy pickles, and sliced white onions on a toasted sesame seed bun.
Dairy Queen
While DQ Blizzards are definitely meat-free, DQ also has a Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich with crispy wild-caught Alaskan pollock that is crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Along with the crispy fish fillet, Dairy Queen’s Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich features fresh lettuce and tangy tartar sauce on a toasted bun.
Foster’s Freeze
Foster’s Freeze Fish Filet features battered fish with special sauce, lettuce, and tomato on a toasted bun, as well as a Fish & Chips meal. If fish isn’t your fave, you can try the vegetarian Garden Burger stuffed with delicious veggies and our garden patty on a fluffy bun.
Jack In The Box
The fast food chain just dropped its fish sandwiches and wraps. Priced at $3.29 (additional toppings might change the amount), the sandwich features a crispy panko-breaded fish filet topped with tartar sauce and shredded lettuce on a toasted buttery bakery bun.
Customers can get two fish wraps for $5. The fish wraps consist of wild-caught Alaskan Pollock, cheddar, lettuce, tartar sauce, and pickles wrapped in a tortilla. There’s also a spicy option that includes jalapeños.
McDonald’s
On Fridays, you can also opt for McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish. Priced at $6.09, the fish sandwich features a crispy fish filet patty with American cheese and is topped with McDonald’s tartar sauce, all served on a soft bun.
Popeyes
Flounder Fish Sandwiches are coming back to Popeyes for a limited time. The classic sandwich is made with Flounder, marinated in signature Popeyes spices, dusted in a Southern crispy coating, and fried until golden brown. The fish is topped with pickles and tartar sauce all on a buttery brioche bun — priced at $5.99. There’s also a spicy version that swaps the tartar sauce for spicy mayo.
That’s not the only fish menu item at the fried chicken spot. The Shrimp Tackle Box features eight crispy butterfly shrimp and is paired with a side, biscuit, and small drink. This combo costs $7.99. There’s also the ¼ Popcorn Shrimp combo ($12.99) which includes a quarter pound of crispy popcorn shrimp, one regular side, a small drink, and a biscuit.
Taco John’s
Returning for a limited time at participating locations nationwide are Taco John’s Alaska Flounder Fish Tacos, with a new sauce.
Customers can get two of these tacos for $7. The Alaska Flounder Fish Tacos feature wild-caught Alaska Flounder dusted with a crispy, seasoned batter and drizzled with the new Fiesta Sauce. The tacos are then topped with shredded lettuce and Pico de Gallo, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.
Taco John’s Alaska Flounder Fish Tacos will be available until March 31.
Sonic
Every spring, Sonic offers delicious fish sandwiches made with premium Alaskan Pollock Fillet and topped with pickles and lettuce, plus other topping options including tomato and diced onions. While it’s not available at every Sonic location, this fish sandwich is a great option for when you’re craving a dirty soda and abstaining from meat.
Wendy’s
In case you didn’t know, Wendy’s also has a fish sandwich — the Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich. The sandwich ($6.99) is a wild-caught Alaskan pollock fillet with crunchy panko breading, topped with dill tartar sauce, pickles, lettuce, and American cheese.
White Castle
White Castle’s Fish Sliders were a staple in my home during Lent — really, just for my dad, I only go to White Castle for its mozzarella sticks (which, luckily, are also meatless). These sliders are $2.69 each and consist of a lightly breaded Alaska Pollock topped with a choice of American, jalapeño, or smoked cheddar cheese.
Wienerschnitzel
While it’s known as a hot dog chain, Wienerschnitzel offers its famous Fish ‘N Chips with golden-brown French fries as a tasty protein alternatives during Lent. Wienerschnitzel’s Fish ‘N Chips includes two pieces of deep-fried Alaskan pollock fish with tartar sauce and French Fries, with prices starting at $4.59. Customers can also “go large” and double to fish, sauce, and fries for an additional fee.
TBH, when in doubt, just order a plain pizza from your favorite spot.