Childhood Monique is leaping for pleasure at this tremendous nostalgic dinner. I’m not certain how I waited this very long to publish my very own recipe for fish sticks but below we are. And we are Energized.

If you are like me and grew up on baggage of frozen fish sticks with a aspect of tartar sauce and tater tots, get all set for a model new homemade version which is 1000x much more delicious. These selfmade baked fish sticks use new cod, simple substances, and an simple system to make them correctly crispy on the outside.

Not only are these healthier fish sticks so very simple to make but they’re also such a fantastic dinner for young children and toddlers. I created this recipe for Sidney after we released him to fish, and he is beyond obsessed. They are a amazing source of protein and balanced fats for kiddos and reward, they are entertaining for them to consume! We cherished looking at Sidney apply his grips and discover how to consume these yummy fish sticks.

Provide them with your fav dipping sauces (certainly, we connected a bunch of solutions) and a couple of delicious sides and have by yourself the greatest weeknight meal at any time.

Every little thing you’ll want to make healthy baked fish sticks

These homemade fish sticks are so straightforward to make and have the great spice combination. Hold them child and toddler-pleasant by omitting the spicy cayenne pepper! Here’s all the things you’ll need to have to make them:

  • Breadcrumbs: I like to use panko breadcrumbs because they deliver the fantastic, crispy texture.
  • Seasonings: to give the fish sticks taste you will want onion powder, paprika, garlic powder and a great deal of salt and pepper. Experience totally free to insert some cayenne pepper, much too, if you like heat (and are not serving kiddos!)
  • Eggs & milk: an egg and milk combination will help the breadcrumbs stick to the cod filets. You can use any milk you’d like! We normally use unsweetened almond milk to maintain this recipe dairy no cost.
  • Fish: we’re working with refreshing cod filets in this recipe for the reason that they’re tremendous flexible, organization and have a neutral flavor.

toasted breadcrumbs in a bowl to make homemade fish sticks

What fish is finest for handmade fish sticks?

Usually a firmer white fish like cod, halibut or tilapia would make the ideal fish sticks simply because they keep up well and just take on any taste that you add to them. Salmon can perform well, far too!

If you can, try out to get cod filets that are at least 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick.

ingredients for homemade fish sticks in bowls

The important to crispy baked fish sticks

  1. Toast your breadcrumbs. This action is essential for obtaining a awesome crispy coating on your baked cod fish sticks. You are going to simply just spray the breadcrumbs with nonstick cooking spray and toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes before dipping your cod into them. It’s so much greater than the fried edition!
  2. Use a wire rack. When baking the fish sticks you’ll also want to use a wire rack rather of baking them specifically on the parchment paper. The wire rack will allow the fish sticks to get crispy on all sides and prevents sticking. If you do not have one particular, just flip the fish sticks halfway by way of baking.

healthy baked fish sticks on a wire rack

How to make the ideal fish sticks in the oven

  1. Prep your oven & fish. Get started by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F and patting the cod filet dry on both equally sides. You will then want to cut the filet into 1 inch thick sticks that are about 3 inches very long (based on the dimensions of your fish filet).
  2. Bake your breadcrumbs. Like we talked over, you will then want to toast your breadcrumbs in the oven. Unfold them out on a baking sheet, spray with nonstick cooking spray, bake for 2 minutes, and then stir them about and bake for 2-3 minutes much more until finally golden.
  3. Spice your breadcrumbs. Increase your toasted breadcrumbs to a bowl with all of your spices.
  4. Make your egg mixture. In a separate bowl whisk with each other the eggs and milk of option.
  5. Prep your pan. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper, increase your steel rack and give that a spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  6. Make the fish sticks. Dip each and every piece of cod into the egg combination, then use tongs to seize and toss it into the breadcrumb mixture. Roll it all-around to coat it and use tongs to transfer each individual fish adhere to the wire rack.
  7. Bake & provide. The moment you have repeated with all of your fish sticks, spray them with nonstick cooking spray and bake until finally cooked via, about 15-20 minutes. Serve with your fav sauces and appreciate!

kid-friendly fish sticks on a plate with tartar sauce

Let’s chat dipping sauces

If you grew up on fish sticks (likely from the freezer) I’m certain you have eaten them with tartar sauce. Of course, these home made, kid-helpful fish sticks are ideal for dipping in beloved tartar sauce, but they’re also incredible in one of these delicious, marginally additional healthy dips:

Also, no disgrace in dunking these in ketchup! Get all of our fresh & scrumptious dip recipes below.

dipping baked fish sticks in tartar sauce

How to store leftovers

Shop any leftover fish sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, spot the fish sticks on a baking sheet and broil them on large for a pair of minutes till heated by means of and crispy on the outdoors.

Freezer-helpful fish sticks

Skip the packaged, frozen fish sticks and freeze a batch of these homemade types as a substitute!

  1. Enable the fish sticks neat entirely ahead of transferring them to a baking sheet.
  2. Freeze them on the baking sheet to make certain that they do not adhere with each other, then transfer the frozen fish sticks to a freezer-safe bag or container and put in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
  3. To reheat, I’d advise heating them in the oven so that they’re good and crispy.

homemade cod fish stick with a bite taken out

What to provide with do-it-yourself fish sticks

The possibilities are infinite! Serve these crispy baked fish stick with a facet of veggies, maybe some fries, or some of our fav aspect dishes:

I hope you appreciate these home made crispy baked fish sticks! If you make the be positive to go away a comment and a rating so I know how you liked them. Appreciate, xo!

Recipe by: Evi Madison // SRCooking | Images by: Eat Really like Eats