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I had a lengthy discussion the other day with one of my brothers. I told him I was blogging a delicious Spicy Oven-Baked Fish Stick recipe and was very surprised when he was not at all enthusiastic. Apparently he doesn’t have fond memories of fish sticks from our childhood. We even talked about whether or not the term “fish stick” denotes a negative vibe. I decided to stay with the name as-is, because you can’t change the fact that they are breaded and baked strips of flaky, mild fish. We all ate fish sticks more than a few times and I served them to our children too. But, just to be clear, these are not like the frozen boxed fish sticks of our childhood, they have plenty of spice and a wonderful crunch from the panko bread crumbs.
The fish is flaky and moist and while I thought about making a spicy dipping sauce, they’re just perfect served with a little ketchup. I tend to go easy on the salt so this recipe is written with that in mind. The fish is mild enough to support a little dash or two of salt so check the seasoning in the breading before coating the fillets.
I used fresh wild-caught Cod fillets for this recipe but any mild flavored, firm fish would be great. These would be great served in fish tacos or even as a fish sandwich. Did I mention you can freeze the unbaked breaded fish sticks? Flash freeze some of the fish sticks then put them in an airtight freezer-safe container. They’ll keep up to three months and bake to crispy perfection in about 20 minutes.
Be sure to cut the fillets into similar sized pieces for baking. I used two pans, one with the thicker pieces and another for the smaller, thin pieces. This was a quick and easy meal and who knows, maybe you’ll learn to love fish sticks again!
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Spicy Oven-Baked Fish Sticks
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups plain panko bread crumbs crush some of the breading for a finer texture
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha dry seasoning or Old Bay or your favorite fish seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 pounds Cod fillets cut into 1-inch strips (or other mild, firm textured fish like tilapia)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Sriracha seasoning, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add the olive oil and mix using a spatula until all the bread crumbs are moist.
- Pour the bread crumbs onto a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 3-5 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Remove from the oven and pour the toasted bread crumbs into a shallow pie plate.
- Add the eggs to the bowl used to combine the seasonings. Whisk in 1 tablespoon water.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Dip the fish sticks in the eggs allowing the excess to drip back into the bowl. Coat the fish stick with the seasoned bread crumbs, pressing to adhere. Place on the baking sheet.
- Once all fish sticks are coated, bake for 15-20 (depending on thickness) or until the fish is cooked through. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
- Check the salt in the breading before coating the fillets. Mild fish tends to do well with a little salt
- To freeze the fish stick: dip the fish in the eggs and coat it in the breading.
- Lay the unbaked fish stick on a parchment lined baking sheet. Place the pan in the freezer, uncovered, and freeze until firm. Once frozen, gently place the fish sticks in a freezer safe air-tight container. Preheat oven to 450 degrees and bake on a parchment lined baking sheet for 20 minutes or until crisp.
- Recipe adapted from Real Simple, by Melissa Garman
Nutrition
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Tricia
Karly says
I’ll tell ya, fish sticks are one thing I’ll never outgrow. And that’s definitely true with a more sophisticated fish stick recipe like this one! These are sure to be a hit!
Tricia Buice says
Thank you so much Karly! We love them and find they are great with just about anything.
Abbe @ This is How I Cook says
I was one of those crazy kids that used to love fish sticks on Friday. I never liked the tartar sauce though. These look fabulous and can’t wait to relive my childhood memories through them!
Tricia Buice says
Yeah! Another fish stick lover 🙂 Hope you enjoy Abbe – thank so much for stopping by.
Susan says
These will be on the menu soon 🙂 They look wonderful, Tricia, and so unlike the fish sticks of our childhood!
Tricia Buice says
Haha Susan – frozen fish sticks were better than my mom’s meat loaf! So bad 🙁
Robyn @ Simply Fresh Dinners says
My mom was the worst cook on the planet so fish sticks was a welcome diversion in our house, lol. I love the heat that you’ve added to these, Tricia. I’m a big fan of cod as well. Great recipe for busy families.
Tricia Buice says
How funny Robyn – glad to know that American children are not the only ones subjected to frozen fish sticks! Have a great week 🙂
John/Kitchen Riffs says
My childhood memories are similar to your brother’s — the weekly fish sticks my mom made were not good.. Too bad, because breaded fish — no matter what it’s shape — should be good stuff. Yours look wonderful — juicy. And with the flavor so many of the commercial ones seem to lack. Dipping sauce? Why not. But ketchup is just fine by me. 🙂
Tricia Buice says
Thank you so much John – baked and breaded another great way to eat more fish!
handmade by amalia says
I used to like fish sticks as a child, but I haven’t had them in years. I think I’m ready to give them another try 🙂 Thanks for sharing another great recipe.
Amalia
xo
Tricia Buice says
Thank you Amalia – the readers are very split on whether or not they loved fish sticks as a kid. I come from a big family so an occasional easy meal was a must for my mom. Hope you are doing great!
Diane (Created by Diane) says
these look so crunchy and delicious just the way I love fish sticks and spicy…yes please!
Tricia Buice says
Thanks Diane! Love the crunch without frying.
Mandy says
I do hope your brother tries your divine fish sticks, they are nothing like what we all grew up with.
Have a beautiful day Tricia.
🙂 Mandy xo
Tricia Buice says
Thanks Mandy – I agree! We live about 600 miles apart so I guess he’ll have to get someone to make them sometime. He would love them for sure.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I remember fish sticks of old that were dry and pretty much tasteless. Your oven baked fish sticks look amazing and your brother should try them. 🙂
Tricia Buice says
I think so too Maureen! Hope you’re doing well – thanks for stopping by!
2 sisters recipes says
Hi Tricia ! Love this recipe we have something very similar ! But yours looks divine!
Tricia Buice says
I should have checked your site for a recipe! I still want to make your chicken fingers too – they look wonderful. Have a great weekend!
monique says
they look great! I remember our fish sticks growing up..almost every Friday;)
Tricia Buice says
I’m with you Monique – we ate them on a regular basis – big families have to make some short-cuts 🙂 Have a lovely weekend!
cheri says
Hi Tricia, yes I do remember fish sticks, they were firmly planted in my mom’s weekly dinner rotation. Love that you used panko, they look fabulous!!!
Tricia Buice says
Thanks Cheri – a blast from the past for sure 🙂
Monica says
My childhood fish sticks didn’t look – and I’m sure, never tasted – like these! They look wonderful. I had bake fish sticks on my list of things to cook with my son over the summer when we have more time on our hands but we never did it. Going back on the list! Enjoy the week – it is warming up and lovely here!!
Tricia Buice says
Yeah for warm weather Monica – and I hope you bake some fish sticks this summer – can’t wait to see your recipe. Thanks!
Larry says
These look great Tricia and must be tried. I ate plenty of fish sticks as a kid but it’s been years since I’ve had them and have never made them – must be rectified soon.
Tricia Buice says
I hope you love them Larry – and hope you are doing well on your recovery. Summer is coming and you’ll need to get back out on the road! Have a great week.
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
First sight, I thought they were chicken tenders….this is a scrumptious meal, Tricia.
Tricia Buice says
They look like chicken tenders and we talked about naming them fish tenders, fish fingers or fish strips – but finally decided more people could relate to fish sticks. They are good and crunchy without the greasy mess – thanks!
Betty says
These look way better than any I ever had as a kid! I love fish though, and this looks particularly appealing with the crunchy crust. I hear fish tacos calling my name… 🙂
Tricia Buice says
Haha – thanks Betty. I can’t wait to try them on fish tacos. Hope you are doing well – great to hear from you!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
This is probably my choice for favorite dinner ever, I love fried fish so much, and the fact that this is baked just means I can have it more often!
Tricia Buice says
This is crispy without being fried Sue – and that’s a win – win!
Gerlinde@Sunnycovechef says
I missed out on the fish sticks being raised in Germany . I love yours and will make them real soon, they are such great comfort food.
Tricia Buice says
It is so interesting to learn about the good differences from country to country. I would love to know more about your childhood favorites 🙂 Have a lovely week!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Love this! I was raised on fish sticks and true confession … I still love them 🙂 Will definitely be trying these, as my husband is a fan, too and he’ll especially like the Sriracha addition.
Tricia Buice says
People really seem to be split on the subject of fish sticks. I know a 29 year old that has never tried them. On well – these are much better anyway!
Chris Scheuer says
I don’t have the best memories of fish sticks either Tricia but these look wonderful. So tender and crisp! Looks like a wonderful dinner with a fresh salad!
Tricia Buice says
They are really just baked and breaded fish fillets but fish sticks was much more fun! Thanks – it was a wonderful dinner.