I have a confession to make. Don’t judge me. I love fish sticks…like love love love love them. I always have, and I’m talking about the fish sticks that you find in that dreaded frozen aisle of the grocery store. The other night, I was explaining to Zach how much I loved them and how I haven’t had them in years (probably decades really) because I try to avoid the frozen aisle (unless ice cream is involved) at all costs. It was at this moment that I decided I needed to come up with a homemade recipe that is baked, not-fried and just as delicious as the childhood favorite. With a little bit of testing, I think I finally have it. These crispy oven-fried fish bites with homemade tartar sauce is such a simple recipe. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal, and the flavor is just incredible.
I tend to go a little crazy with oven-fried recipes. This taco recipe and this sandwich recipe are just two examples. Oh, and don’t even get me started on these pickles. I think subconsciously I feel like it’s better for me, even though it’s only a LITTLE bit lighter, but it doesn’t make my house smell like fried food. That my friends, is a win in my book.
I like to use cod for this recipe. Mainly, I gravitate towards halibut. It’s definitely one of my favorites, but let’s be honest, halibut is super duber expensive…especially when you live in Colorado. I get excited when I can find it ON SALE for less than $30 a pound. As a result, I don’t cook with halibut often, unless there’s a special circumstance or I need to fill some craving from the pacific ocean. So, it’s usually cod. This isn’t a terrible thing. Cod is a great fish to fry, and it is even better when it’s oven-fried.
Recipe for these crispy oven-fried fish bites with homemade tartar sauce is below. Pair it with a pale ale and throw in a side of chips/fries. Fish and chips never tasted so delicious. Have a great day everyone! xo
Yields 4
20 minPrep Time
20 minCook Time
40 minTotal Time
Save Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons sweet relish
- 2 tablespoons dill relish
- 1/2 teaspoon creole seasoning
- salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon creole seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and black pepper
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 pound cod or halibut fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- non-stick canola oil spray
- lemon wedges
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients for the tartar sauce in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste. Cover and refrigerate until you are ready to use.
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. Pour the oil into a baking sheet and tilt to spread evenly. Place the baking sheet in the oven as it preheats.
- Take 3 separate shallow bowls. In 1 bowl, add the flour, creole seasoning, garlic powder and a dash of salt and black pepper. In the 2nd bowl, whisk together the milk and egg. In the 3rd bowl, add the panko bread crumbs. Dredge each piece of fish in the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally the bread crumbs. Place the now dredged fish on the preheated baking sheet. Spray the fish generously with non-stick canola oil spray.
- Bake the fish for 15-20 minutes, flipping them once midway through, or until they are brown and crispy on both sides. Remove from heat and serve immediately with homemade tartar sauce and lemon wedges.
