Fish sandwiches for Lent: Food specials at popular restaurant chains

As the Easter season nears, with Ash Wednesday coinciding with Valentine's Day on Feb. 14, fast-casual restaurant chains have released specialty seafood-forward menu items ideal for practicing Christians during Lent.

Lent is the six-week period between Ash Wednesday and Easter during which many Christians abstain from eating meat on the holy days of obligation and Fridays. Traditionally, it has marked a period or reflection, fasting and penitence, with many giving up specific things in the weeks leading up to the Easter holiday.

For years, McDonald's has been a popular Lent option for its Filet-O-Fish sandwich, and now more competitors are wading in.

Below, check out some of the Lent-friendly menu items that are available now nationwide.

Lent 2023 food specials

Bojangles

Bojangles officially brought its popular Bojangler Fish Sandwich back to the menu on Wednesday for a limited time.

The sandwich is made with an Alaskan Pollock filet dusted in Bo’s Famous Seasoning and topped with a slice of American cheese and creamy tartar sauce, all sandwiched between a toasted bakery bun.

Burger King

Burger King created the all new spicy iteration of its fan favorite seafood sandwich, introducing the Fiery Big Fish sandwich for a limited time.

The Fiery Big Fish features a fried fish filet with lettuce, pickles, tartar sauce and a spicy glaze on a brioche-style bun.

The original Big Fish sandwich is available year-round and great for anyone who doesn't want a spicy option.

From Feb. 14 through Mar. 28, members of the restauran'ts Royal Perks loyalty loyalty program can enjoy a buy-one-get-one deal, for a second original or Fiery Big Fish for just $2 when they purchase one at full price online at BK.com or in the BK app.

Popeyes

The fast food spot known for its fried chicken has brought back two fan-favorite seafood offerings for a limited time: the Flounder Fish Sandwich and the Shrimp Tackle Box.

The Flounder Fish Sandwich, first introduced in 2021, comes in both classic or spicy varieties starting at $5.99. It's made with a light, flakey flounder fillet marinated in Louisiana herbs and spices, dusted in crispy coating and fried, served on a warm, buttery toasted brioche bun with pickles and classic tartar sauce or spicy spread.

The $5.99 Shrimp Tackle Box comes with eight crispy butterfly shrimp seasoned in Louisiana herbs and spices, served crispy in a Southern breading, paired with a regular side, a hot buttery biscuit and classic tartar sauce.

Long John Silver's

The seafood-centric fast-casual chain announced new savings for seafood-loving families with on the seasonal specials.

Shrimp fans have three varieties to choose from for $6 shrimp baskets: a six-piece grilled shrimp basket served on a bed of savory rice with a side; six-piece batter-dipped shrimp served with a choice of one side and two hushpuppies; or crispy breaded popcorn shrimp served with one side and two hushpuppies.

All three of the above shrimp preparations are also available in a $10 shrimp sea-shares box, which includes 15 pieces grilled or battered, or the popcorn shrimp.

Long John Silver's is also offering upgrades for a limited time where customers can upgrade from batter-dipped shrimp to jumbo shrimp.

An earlier version of this story was originally published on Feb. 27, 2023.