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Easy • Seafood

Golden Fish Stick Bites with Tartar Sauce

A fun and incredibly easy spin on fish sticks, perfect for kids and adults, served with a zesty homemade tartar sauce.

Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Servings
4
Level
Easy
Golden Fish Stick Bites with Tartar Sauce

Who says fish sticks are just for kids? These Golden Fish Stick Bites are here to prove everyone wrong! They're delightfully crispy, super flavorful, and made even better with a quick homemade tartar sauce. This recipe is all about ease and enjoyment, making it a fantastic weeknight option when you need something simple yet satisfying.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Fish Stick Bites

  • 1 lb firm white fish (cod, tilapia, or pollock), cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

Zesty Tartar Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles or relish
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, or heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat if pan-frying.

  2. Step 2

    Pat fish pieces very dry with paper towels. Set up a breading station: one shallow dish with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with panko mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

  3. Step 3

    Dredge each fish piece first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in egg, and finally coat thoroughly in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to adhere.

  4. Step 4

    To bake: Place breaded fish on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through. To pan-fry: Cook fish bites in batches in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

  5. Step 5

    While fish cooks, prepare the tartar sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, chopped pickles/relish, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

  6. Step 6

    Serve the golden fish stick bites immediately with the zesty tartar sauce. Enjoy!

Tips

  • For extra crispy fish bites, use an air fryer! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
  • Any mild, flaky white fish works well for this recipe.

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