Are you tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy meal? Then look no further! This recipe for crispy baked fish sticks is a game-changer. Forget greasy, processed versions; we're making homemade fish sticks that are bursting with flavor and satisfyingly crunchy, all without the guilt. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even a fun Friday night treat. Get ready to elevate your fish stick game!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia work best), cut into 1-inch strips
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Fish
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior.
Step 2: Breading the Fish
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate shallow dish, beat the egg. Finally, place the panko bread crumbs in a third shallow dish.
Now, for the breading process: dredge each fish strip in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dip it into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat the fish strip thoroughly in the panko bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 3: Baking the Fish Sticks
Drizzle the prepared baking sheet with olive oil. Arrange the breaded fish sticks in a single layer on the sheet, leaving a little space between each one for even cooking.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the breading is golden brown and crispy. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fish strips and your oven.
Step 4: Serving Your Creation
Once cooked, remove the fish sticks from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce – tartar sauce is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with remoulade, aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
Tips for Perfect Fish Sticks:
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Overcrowding will lead to steaming instead of crisping. Bake in batches if necessary.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to add other spices like cayenne pepper for a kick, or dried herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor.
- Use fresh ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality fish will significantly impact the taste of your fish sticks.
- Check for doneness: The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Variations:
- Spicy Fish Sticks: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the flour mixture for some heat.
- Herby Fish Sticks: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives into the panko bread crumbs.
- Cheese-Stuffed Fish Sticks: Add a small piece of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack) to the center of each fish strip before breading.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This easy recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner. Enjoy your homemade, crispy, and delicious fish sticks! They are sure to become a family favorite. Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!