Nashville Hot Halibut Sandwich

Preparation

1. Step 1

   In a large pot over high heat, combine 1 cup (240 ml) of the canola oil and the Scotch bonnet, bird’s eye, and jalapeño chiles and cook until a deep-fry thermometer reaches 350°F (175°C). Turn off the heat and let steep for 30 minutes. Working in 2 batches, pour into a blender and blend until smooth. Pass through a fine chinois or strainer into a medium pot. Heat again, then add the butter, cayenne, and paprika and stir with a whisk. Set aside and keep warm.

   Step 2

   In a large Dutch oven, heat the remaining 4 cups (800 ml) canola oil over medium-low heat to 320°F (160°C).

   Step 3

   Mix the flour and salt in a medium bowl, whisk the eggs in another medium bowl, and put the panko in a third medium bowl. Dust a piece of fish in the flour, then dip in the eggs, then coat in the panko. Place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining halibut.

   Step 4

   Once the oil has come up to temperature, use a spider to carefully lower 2 pieces of the breaded halibut into the oil. Cook until golden and the internal temperature is 275°F (135°C), 4 to 6 minutes. Scoop out the fish and rest on a baking sheet with a rack set on it. Repeat with the remaining halibut and spoon the hot chile oil over it until the fish is covered and glossy.

   Step 5

   Build your sandwiches: Lay out the bottom bread, mayo, then pickles, the halibut, followed by the cheese and onion slices. Slather mayo on the top bread and squish the sando down.