Fish sticks are perfect for even your pickiest eaters. Some of my children could survive on pasta and pizza alone. Unfortunately, it is a life lesson to eat more than your two favorite foods. My guest blogger today is Susan Conley from Cook the Stone. She is sharing her famous Crispy Fish Sticks that she promises most children will love. She serves this healthier alternative to hotdogs and burgers during summer cookouts. This delicious recipe is easy to make, especially with some of your younger helpers.
Do you have kids who wouldn’t touch the dishes you serve them? My lemon butter salmon might not appeal to most children. It is time to try something new and incorporate some dishes into your repertoire that your kids might enjoy. Crispy fish sticks are not only delicious enough for your kids to try, but it’s also easy enough to make in less than 30 minutes. The best way to make these fish sticks is to invite your little helpers to learn how to make this meal with you. Your children are more likely to eat the foods when they are involved in the cooking process. And don’t worry, this recipe is straightforward and easy.
But you may wonder, are crispy fish sticks healthy enough for your children?
If you compare crispy fish sticks with other foods that children love to eat, such as hotdogs, then it is easy to say that this recipe I am sharing with you is a better, healthier alternative. Sure, frying fish isn’t as healthy as baking or broiling them. But there are still several health benefits that you and your family will enjoy when eating crispy fish sticks.
- Fish is an excellent source of protein. The fish in this recipe, cod, has about 17 grams of protein. Protein is a nutrient that our bodies need for repairing and building muscles.
- Fish is also a good source of omega 3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation throughout the body. Omega 3 fatty acids are also capable of lowering blood pressure, and in turn, decreasing risks of stroke and heart failure.
Ingredients
- Fish Sticks:
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 2 cups of Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup of vegetable oil
- 1 lb. cod fillets
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground pepper
- Tartar Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 1 T. minced onion
- 1 T. sweet pickle relish
- Salt and pepper
- 2 T. lemon juice
Instructions
- Start by slicing the cod fillets crosswise into ¾ inch strips.
- Season them with salt and pepper.
- Put the eggs, flour, and panko in 3 different shallow bowls for dipping.
- Dredge the fish first in the flour and shake off the excess.
- Dredge the fish next in the egg and let the excess drip back into the bowl.
- Dredge a third coat with panko and press it to adhere.
- Tip: This is the part of the preparation process where you can invite your children to help you. Dipping the fish into the flour, egg, and panko is fun for the kids to do.
- In a large skillet, placed over medium heat, add half a cup of oil.
- Working in two batches, and adding oil in between, cook the fish until it becomes golden brown in color.
- It should take about three minutes per side to cook the fish.
- Transfer the fish to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off the excess oil.
- Season it with salt before serving.
- Tip 2: You can bread the fish sticks a day or two before frying them. Simply cover them and store in the fridge. It is also possible to freeze them in zip-lock bags; doing so can extend the shelf life up to three months.
- How to make tartar sauce:
- Mix the sweet pickle relish, minced onion, and mayonnaise together in a small bowl.
- Stir in the lemon juice.
- Add salt and pepper; season to taste.
- Refrigerate for an hour before serving.
Crispy fish sticks are a delicious and nutritious meal that you can prepare with your kids. Invite your children to help with the dipping process. They should be very careful not to be too close to the pan when you are frying with the hot oil. For more great recipes and tips you an follow Susan on her blog or follow her on Facebook or Twitter.
I loved fish sticks as a kid, and my grandkids love them today. I like to think I’ve graduated to fish ‘n chips, but let’s be real … I wouldn’t turn down good old fashioned fish sticks!
I agree with you, fish and chips are so good! I would never turn it down.
We are a family of seafood lovers (including the kids) so fish sticks sound like a fabulous dinner idea! I can not wait to try that homemade tartar sauce too.
Sounds like it will be a big hit with your family.
I love this! Fish sticks are a perfect dinner for ANYONE! I have never met a person who doesn’t love fish sticks. These look great!
Fish sticks are pretty universally loved! Glad you liked them.
Fish sticks and tarter sauce is always a big hit with my family. It is so easy to make and delicious. I am planning on making some this weekend.
Me too! We are definitely having fish sticks this weekend.
This looks like a great alternative to frozen fish sticks. What a great recipe! I always worry that fish sticks will come out gummy and gross.
Frozen fish sticks cannot compare. These are so much tastier.
Healthy and delicious. My twin granddaughters like fish. I’m sure they’d love this.
I hope you try this recipe with them!
This is such a nice recipe! I love fish sticks and it’s a great idea to serve to the kids. They’re going to love it for sure since it’s just like chicken nuggets.
It is probably a good bet that the kids will love this recipe.
I don’t eat a ton of fish. Im weird and it doesn’t appeal me from frozen. If I catch it, I will eat it though.
It has been a long time since I have been fishing.
It is not weird to dislike frozen fish at all. I only like to eat fresh fish too.
This looks like a fantastic fish sticks.
Thank you! So glad you like it.
What an awesome recipe this would be perfect for our snack and dinner time. I would love to try this
I hope you try these fish sticks! Brady will love them.
This looks very tasty and delicious. Wow it’s very appetizing, I wish my would cook me this dish.
Thanks, I hope you can try this recipe.