I remember the first time I tried Subway’s Seafood Sensation. The crispy fish flakes, fresh veggies, and creamy sauce on a perfectly toasted sub roll were unforgettable. I wanted to recreate that delicious experience at home, so I set out to develop this copycat recipe.
Ingredients
To recreate Subway’s Seafood Sensation, gather the following ingredients for each component of the sandwich.
For the Seafood Filling
- 1 cup cooked white fish fillets, flaked (such as cod or haddock)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Sandwich
- 1 fresh sub roll, toasted
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- 2 slices ripe tomato
- 3–4 thin slices red onion
- 2–3 dill pickle slices
- Optional: 2 slices Swiss or American cheese
Tools and Equipment
- Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife: Chop vegetables and slice the sub rolls.
- Mixing Bowls: Combine seafood and prepare the sauce.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Measure ingredients accurately.
- Skillet or Frying Pan: Cook fish flakes to a crispy texture.
- Whisk: Blend the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Stir and handle the seafood mixture.
- Baking Sheet and Oven: Toast the sub rolls if desired.
- Microwave or Saucepan: Heat the creamy sauce as needed.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing parts of your Subway Seafood Sensation ahead of time can streamline your assembly process and ensure every sandwich is fresh and delicious. Here’s how I like to get things ready in advance:
1. Prepare the Seafood Filling
- Cook the Seafood:
- In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add 1 pound of mixed seafood (such as shrimp, scallops, and white fish) seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the seafood is cooked through and slightly golden.
- Combine with Seasonings:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked seafood with 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning.
- Mix thoroughly to ensure the seafood is evenly coated.
- Store Properly:
- Transfer the seafood mixture to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Store the Sauce:
- Place the sauce in a sealed container.
- Keep it refrigerated until ready to use, where it stays fresh for up to 3 days.
3. Prep the Fresh Vegetables
- Chop Vegetables:
- Slice 1 cucumber, 1 tomato, and 1/2 red onion into thin, even slices.
- Shred 1 cup of lettuce for easy assembly.
- Store Vegetables:
- Arrange the sliced vegetables in separate airtight containers.
- Refrigerate to maintain their crispness for up to 3 days.
4. Toast the Sub Rolls
- Prepare Rolls:
- Slice 4 sub rolls horizontally without cutting all the way through.
- Toast Ahead:
- Lightly butter the inside of each roll.
- Toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.
- Store Toasted Rolls:
- Let the rolls cool completely before storing them in a sealed container.
- Reheat briefly in the oven or microwave before assembling the sandwiches.
5. Assemble When Ready
When you’re ready to enjoy your Seafood Sensation sandwiches:
- Layer Ingredients:
- Spread a generous amount of the creamy sauce on each toasted roll.
- Add a hearty portion of the prepared seafood filling.
- Top with your prepped fresh vegetables.
- Serve:
- Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
By following these make-ahead steps, you can enjoy a seamless and enjoyable cooking experience, bringing the taste of your favorite Subway sandwich right into your kitchen.
Instructions
Follow along as I guide you through each step to recreate the Subway Seafood Sensation at home.
Prep
Prepare the Seafood Filling:
- I combine 1 pound of cooked shrimp with 1/2 pound of imitation crab meat in a large bowl.
- Next, I add 1/4 cup of finely chopped celery, 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning.
- I gently mix all the ingredients until well incorporated and set the filling aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, I heat 1/4 cup of mayonnaise over low heat.
- I stir in 1 tablespoon of sriracha sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
- I cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until smooth and warmed through. I remove it from heat and let it cool.
Prepare Fresh Vegetables:
- I wash and slice 1 medium tomato, 1/2 cup of shredded lettuce, and 1/4 cup of sliced red onions.
- I set these aside until it’s time to assemble the sandwiches.
Toast the Sub Rolls:
- I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C).
- I slice 4 sub rolls lengthwise and place them on a baking sheet.
- I lightly butter the inside of each roll and toast them in the oven for 5 minutes or until golden brown.
Cook
Heat the Seafood Filling:
- I heat a skillet over medium heat.
- I add the prepared seafood filling and warm it for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently to heat evenly.
- I ensure the mixture is heated through without overcooking, preserving the seafood’s texture.
Assemble
Build the Sandwich:
- I spread a generous layer of the creamy sauce on each toasted sub roll.
- I evenly distribute the warm seafood filling among the rolls.
- I top each sandwich with fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and red onions.
- Optionally, I add pickles or olives for extra flavor and crunch.
- I drizzle a little more of the creamy sauce over the vegetables.
- I close the sandwiches, press them lightly, and serve immediately while the sub rolls are still warm and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Creating the perfect meal doesn’t stop at assembling a delicious sandwich. Here are some of my favorite ways to elevate your Subway Seafood Sensation copycat recipe experience:
Perfect Side Dishes
Pairing your sandwich with the right sides can enhance the overall meal. I love serving these sandwiches with:
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness complements the savory seafood.
- Fresh Garden Salad: A mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers adds a refreshing balance.
- Classic Coleslaw: The creamy texture and tangy flavor provide a nice contrast.
Beverage Pairings
Choosing the right drink can make your meal even more enjoyable. Consider these options:
| Beverage | Description |
|---|---|
| Iced Lemon Tea | Refreshingly tangy with a hint of sweetness. |
| Crisp Apple Cider | Adds a fruity and light complement. |
| Sparkling Water | Keeps the meal light and refreshing. |
| Creamy Iced Coffee | Perfect for a rich and smooth finish. |
Presentation Tips
A well-presented meal can make it feel extra special. Here are some tips to impress:
- Arrange Neatly: Place the sandwiches on a wooden board with sides in separate bowls.
- Garnish Thoughtfully: Add lemon wedges and fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color.
- Use Quality Serveware: Opt for clean, stylish plates and utensils to enhance the dining experience.
Customize Your Experience
Feel free to tailor your meal to your preferences with these ideas:
- Extra Toppings: Add avocado slices or jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Cheese Options: Melt some Swiss or cheddar cheese on the sandwich for added richness.
- Spice It Up: Drizzle a bit more sriracha or your favorite hot sauce if you like it spicy.
Make It a Family Feast
Turn your seafood sandwiches into a complete family meal by adding:
- Mini Sliders: Create smaller versions for kids or appetizers.
- Fruit Platter: A selection of fresh fruits provides a sweet end to the meal.
- Dessert Bites: Serve cookies or brownies to satisfy any sweet cravings.
By considering these serving suggestions, you can transform your homemade Subway Seafood Sensation into a delightful and memorable meal for any occasion.
Tips and Tricks
Mastering the Subway Seafood Sensation at home is all about attention to detail. Here are my top tips to ensure your copycat sandwich is just as delicious, if not more so, than the original.
Choose Fresh Seafood
Using high-quality, fresh seafood makes a significant difference.
- Shrimp: Opt for large, deveined shrimp. Fresh or properly frozen shrimp work best.
- Imitation Crab: Look for real seafood content. Higher quality imitation crab enhances the flavor and texture.
Perfect the Seafood Filling
Achieve that signature flaky texture by following these steps:
- Cooking Shrimp: Sauté shrimp in a skillet over medium heat until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Mixing Ingredients: Combine cooked shrimp, imitation crab meat, finely chopped celery, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning in a bowl. Stir gently to maintain the texture.
Enhance the Creamy Sauce
A rich and flavorful sauce elevates your sandwich:
- Balance the Heat: Adjust the sriracha to your spice preference. Start with one tablespoon and add more if desired.
- Garlic Flavor: Use garlic powder for a subtle kick, avoiding overpowering the seafood.
Toast the Sub Rolls Perfectly
To achieve the ideal crunch and warmth:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toasting: Place the sub rolls on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Butter Option: Spread a thin layer of butter on the rolls before toasting for extra flavor.
Assemble with Care
Layering each component thoughtfully ensures every bite is balanced:
- Spread Sauce First: Apply a generous layer of creamy sauce on the bottom half of the roll.
- Add Seafood Filling: Spoon the heated seafood mixture evenly over the sauce.
- Top with Fresh Vegetables: Layer tomatoes, lettuce, and red onions for a refreshing crunch.
Make Ahead for Convenience
Prepare components in advance to save time:
- Seafood Filling: Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Creamy Sauce: Keeps well for 3 days when refrigerated.
- Vegetables: Chop and store separately to maintain freshness.
Serve Immediately
For the best experience, serve your sandwiches right after assembly to enjoy the contrast of warm seafood and crisp vegetables.
Customize to Your Taste
Feel free to personalize your sandwich:
- Extra Toppings: Add pickles or jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Cheese Options: Swiss or provolone cheese pairs wonderfully with the seafood.
- Spice it Up: Sprinkle additional Old Bay seasoning or a dash of paprika for enhanced flavor.
Presentation Matters
A well-presented sandwich enhances the dining experience:
- Cut Diagonally: This traditional Subway style makes the sandwich easier to handle.
- Use Quality Serveware: Present your sandwiches on a clean cutting board or a stylish plate.
- Garnish Thoughtfully: Add a sprig of parsley or a lemon wedge for a professional touch.
Conclusion
Bringing the Subway Seafood Sensation home has been such a rewarding experience for me It’s incredible how simple ingredients can come together to recreate that crispy and creamy delight I always loved I hope you enjoy making and savoring this sandwich as much as I do
Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings and sides to make it your own Sharing this meal with family and friends makes it even more special Happy cooking and bon appétit!
