Crispy Homemade Cod Fish Sticks
Discover the joy of homemade crispy cod fish sticks with this delightful recipe. Perfectly seasoned cod fillets are coated in a crunchy breadcrumb mixture, accented with optional almonds for a nutty twist. These fish sticks are toddler-friendly and sure to please the whole family with their golden, delicious crunch and tender interior.
4
Servings
450
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
cod fish fillet
1 lb (cut into 1/2-inch strips)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
cayenne
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
seasoned breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs
2 cups
finely chopped almonds
1/4 cup (optional)
flour
as needed (for dredging)
egg
1 (lightly beaten)
water
2 tablespoons (mixed with egg for egg wash)
butter
4 tablespoons (for cooking)
olive oil
1/4 cup (for cooking)
Instructions
1
Prepare the fish: Slice the cod fillets into 1/2-inch wide strips. Season the fish strips with salt, black pepper, and a pinch (or more, to taste) of cayenne pepper. Set aside for seasoning to absorb.
2
Prepare the coatings: Set up a dredging station with three shallow pans. In one pan, place the flour. In the second pan, whisk the egg with 2 tablespoons of water to create an egg wash. In the third pan, combine the breadcrumbs or panko with the finely chopped almonds if using.
3
Coat the fish: Individually dredge each fish strip in flour, ensuring to shake off any excess. Dip the floured strips in the egg wash, allowing excess egg to drip off. Finally, coat the strip in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well.
4
Cook the fish sticks: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over moderate heat. Once hot, carefully place the coated fish strips into the skillet, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for 2-4 minutes, until they achieve a golden brown color and the fish is cooked through.
5
Drain and serve: Transfer the cooked fish sticks to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve warm, garnished with a squeeze of lemon or your favorite dipping sauce, if desired.
Nutrition Information
25.5g
Fat
37g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of fish is used for these homemade fish sticks?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of cod fish fillet.
How should the cod be sliced?
The cod should be sliced into 1/2-inch wide strips.
How do you season the fish?
Season the fish strips with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
How much cayenne pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon or to taste.
What is the first step in preparing the coatings?
Set up a dredging station with three shallow pans: one with flour, one with egg wash, and one with breadcrumbs.
How do you make the egg wash?
Whisk one egg with 2 tablespoons of water in a shallow pan.
What can be used for the breadcrumb coating?
You can use either seasoned breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs.
Are almonds required for this recipe?
No, the 1/4 cup of finely chopped almonds is optional but adds a nutty twist.
What is the correct order for coating the fish?
Individually dredge the fish in flour, dip in the egg wash, and finally coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
Why should I shake the fish after dredging in flour?
Shaking the fish ensures that you remove any excess flour before dipping it into the egg wash.
How do I ensure the breadcrumbs stick well?
Press the breadcrumb mixture gently onto the fish strip to ensure the coating adheres.
What oils are used for cooking the fish sticks?
Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil and 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet.
What heat setting should I use for frying?
The fish sticks should be cooked over moderate heat.
How long do I cook each side of the fish stick?
Cook each side for 2-4 minutes until golden brown.
What is a common mistake when pan-frying fish sticks?
Be cautious not to overcrowd the skillet, which can prevent them from getting crispy.
How do I remove excess oil from the cooked fish?
Transfer the cooked fish sticks to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
What are some recommended serving suggestions?
Serve the fish sticks warm with a squeeze of lemon or your favorite dipping sauce.
Is this recipe good for families?
Yes, it is designed to be a family meal and is specifically noted as toddler-friendly.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 22.5g of protein per serving.
What is the total fat content per serving?
One serving contains 25.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in these fish sticks?
There are 37g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber is in the recipe?
The recipe contains 1.5g of fiber per serving.
Is there any preparation required for the flour?
The flour is used as needed for dredging the fish strips.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe includes a total of 11 ingredients.
What gives the fish sticks their golden color?
Cooking the breadcrumb-coated strips in olive oil and butter over moderate heat creates a golden brown crust.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This is a quick dinner recipe categorized under seafood and family meals.
Can I use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch?
Yes, panko breadcrumbs are recommended as an option for a crunchy coating.
How should the almonds be prepared for the breading?
The almonds should be finely chopped before being mixed with the breadcrumbs.