Forget everything you know about boring, bland fish sticks from childhood! These homemade Panko Crusted Fish Sticks are about to revolutionize your dinner game with their perfectly crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior. Imagine biting into a golden-brown, crunchy coating that gives way to succulent white fish - this recipe is your ticket to restaurant-quality seafood right in your own kitchen. Whether you're cooking for picky kids or sophisticated adults, these fish sticks are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- White fish fillets
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Flour
- Eggs
- Salt
- Pepper
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare your ingredients: Cut the white fish fillets into uniform sticks, about 1 inch wide and 4 inches long. This will ensure even cooking.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place about 1 cup of all-purpose flour, seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. In the second dish, crack and beat 2 large eggs until well mixed. In the third dish, add about 1 to
- 5 cups of Panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat each fish stick first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, roll the fish stick in the Panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs well. Place the coated fish sticks on the prepared baking sheet.
- Once all the fish sticks are coated, lightly spray or drizzle them with olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake the fish sticks in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can flip them halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
- While the fish sticks are baking, prepare lemon wedges for serving. Cut fresh lemons into wedges and set aside.
- Once the fish sticks are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the fish.
- Enjoy your delicious Panko Crusted Fish Sticks with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce or a spicy mayo!
Tips
- Choose the right fish: Firm white fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia work best for maintaining structure during cooking.
- Keep your breading station organized: Set up your flour, egg, and Panko stations in order to create a smooth, mess-free coating process.
- Press the Panko breadcrumbs firmly onto the fish to ensure a thick, crispy coating that won't fall off during baking.
- Use a light olive oil spray to help the breadcrumbs achieve a beautiful golden color and extra crispiness.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - leave space between fish sticks to ensure even browning and crispy edges.
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding herbs like dried parsley or garlic powder to your breadcrumb mixture.
- Serve immediately for maximum crispiness, and pair with a zesty dipping sauce to elevate the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 75mg
