Introduction
Fish sticks, a classic comfort food, are perfect for a quick dinner or a satisfying snack. This homemade version takes the beloved frozen fish sticks to a new level of flavor and texture. With a crispy golden exterior and a tender, flaky fish inside, these fish sticks are an irresistible treat for both kids and adults alike. Plus, making them at home allows you to choose your preferred fish and control the ingredients for a healthier option.
Ingredients:
500 g of white fish fillets (such as cod, haddock, or tilapia)
1 cup of breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
1/2 cup of flour
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon of paprika
1 tablespoon of lemon juice (optional)
Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
Prepare the fish:
Begin by cutting the fish fillets into uniform strips, about 3-4 cm wide. Pat the strips dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the coating stick better.
Set up the breading station:
In one shallow bowl, place the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs.
Bread the fish:
Coat each fish strip first in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well. Repeat this process for all the fish strips.
Fry the fish sticks:
Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot (about 180°C), carefully add the breaded fish sticks, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for 2-3 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your pan.
Drain and serve:
Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the fish sticks from the pan and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, like tartar sauce, ketchup, or a spicy mayo.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving:
Fish sticks are perfect served with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with a lemon wedge and a dipping sauce for an added burst of flavor. They’re great as a snack, appetizer, or part of a main meal.
Storage:
If you have leftovers, store the fish sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes or until crispy again. You can also freeze the breaded, uncooked fish sticks for later use. Just freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and once frozen, transfer them to a resealable bag. They can be cooked straight from the freezer, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Variations:
