Homemade fish sticks are so much better than the frozen kind—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. Here’s a simple recipe to make your own fish sticks from scratch.
Homemade Fish Sticks
Ingredients:
- 1 lb white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia work great), cut into 1-inch wide strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika (or smoked paprika for a little extra depth)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil) for frying
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
- Tartar sauce or a simple dipping sauce (optional)
Instructions:
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Prep the Fish:
- Cut the fish fillets into strips about 1 inch wide and 3-4 inches long.
- Pat the strips dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
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Set Up Your Dredging Stations:
- In a shallow bowl, place the flour and season it with a little salt and pepper.
- In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a third shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Coat the Fish:
- Dredge each fish strip first in the flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat it in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick well. Repeat for all the fish strips.
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Fry the Fish Sticks:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot (but not smoking), add the fish sticks in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you may need to fry them in batches.
- Fry the fish sticks for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully using tongs or a spatula to ensure an even cook.
- Once cooked, transfer the fish sticks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
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Serve:
- Serve your homemade fish sticks with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce, like tartar sauce, ketchup, or even a garlic aioli.
- You can also serve them with some fresh greens or a side of crispy fries for a classic meal!
Tips for Perfect Fish Sticks:
- Use panko breadcrumbs for the best crunch. You can toast them lightly in a pan beforehand if you want even more crispiness.
- Air fryer option: You can also cook these in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook the fish sticks for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Baking option: For a lighter version, bake them on a greased baking sheet at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping once during cooking.
Homemade fish sticks are fun to make and way better than store-bought versions. Let me know if you’re planning to pair them with anything special!