Homemade Fish Sticks With Tartar Sauce
Recipe Overview
Overview
Fish sticks often get a bad rap, but this recipe transforms them into a delightful dish that everyone can enjoy. The process begins with making a fresh tartar sauce, which is a breeze to whip up. Combining mayonnaise, chopped pickles, capers, and a hint of lemon creates a creamy, tangy accompaniment that elevates the dish.
The fish sticks themselves are made from fresh white fish, which you can easily prepare by removing the skin and cutting them into strips. The key to achieving that perfect crunch is in the breading process: a simple dip in flour, followed by egg, and then a coat of panko breadcrumbs. This method ensures a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender fish inside.
Frying the fish sticks at the right temperature is crucial. Keeping the oil at 350°F allows for even cooking without making them greasy. Once they’re golden brown, serve them hot alongside the homemade tartar sauce for dipping. This dish is not only a hit with kids but also a nostalgic treat for adults, reminding us that fish sticks can be both fun and delicious.
Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or just looking for a quick weeknight meal, these fish sticks with tartar sauce are sure to impress. They’re easy to make and can be paired with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Combine garlic, Dijon, egg yolk, and anchovies in a mortar and pestle, then emulsify with olive oil.
Plate the seafood paella with rice, grilled greens, and aioli.
Serve the grilled prawns and steak with lime and additional marinade.
Tip: Use a little lime juice to enhance the flavor of grilled prawns.
Tip: Skim the solids from brown butter for a cleaner flavor.
Combine mayo, chopped pickles, onion, boiled eggs, capers, lemon juice, parsley, dill, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Add the tartar sauce to the fridge to chill.
Remove the skin from the fish and cut it into four fish sticks.
Tip: Air drying your fish overnight makes a big difference in texture.
Sprinkle salt on the fish sticks.
Dredge the fish sticks in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
Heat oil in a pan to 350°F for frying.
Tip: Never fill your frying pot all the way; leave space to prevent bubbling over.
Fry the fish sticks until golden brown, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
Tip: Keep the frying temperature consistent at 350°F to avoid soggy fish.
Tip: Use parchment paper to prevent fried items from moving around.
Prepare parchment paper for serving the fried fish.
Garnish the fish sticks with lemon zest.
Tip: A little lemon zest enhances the flavor of fried fish.
Mix water and vinegar, then soak sliced potatoes in the mixture.
Tip: Soaking potatoes in vinegar helps achieve the crispiest chips.
Fry the soaked potato slices until crispy.
Sprinkle salt on the fried potato chips.
Tip: Use canola oil for frying to achieve the best results.
Tip: Skim the foam off melted butter to achieve clarified butter.
Melt unsalted butter and skim off the foam to clarify.
Tip: Cool down the vinegar before adding it to the double boiler.
Combine shallots, peppercorns, and white wine vinegar in a pot and reduce by half.
Combine egg yolks, vinegar reduction, and clarified butter in a double boiler, whisking until thick.
Tip: Drizzle butter slowly into the egg yolks to create a thick sauce.
Chop lobsters in half and grill them shell side down.
Tip: Grill lobsters with the exoskeleton skin side down for better flavor.
Grill greens until charred and tender.
Tip: Grill vegetables without oil to allow them to steam in their moisture.
Sauté shrimp, octopus, and cuttlefish in a hot pan.
Add clams and mussels to the seafood mix and cover to steam.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Eggs
→ Substitution: Flaxseed Meal + Water
Ingredient: Fish
→ Substitution: Tofu
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Using fresh fish for fish sticks enhances flavor and texture compared to frozen options.
- •Air drying fish before breading helps achieve a crispier texture when frying.
- •Homemade tartar sauce can be customized with various herbs and spices for added flavor.
- •Cooking fish sticks at the right temperature prevents them from becoming soggy.
