Crisp, golden, and irresistibly flavorful, these Homemade Cod Fish Sticks are a family-friendly twist on a classic favorite. Made with tender, flaky cod fillets coated in a crunchy panko-Parmesan breadcrumb mixture seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and zesty lemon, these fish sticks bring elevated flavor to a simple weeknight meal. Perfectly pan-fried to achieve that satisfying crunch, each stick is light and flavorful, yet hearty enough to please even the pickiest eaters. Ready in just 35 minutes, theyβre an easy, homemade alternative to store-bought varieties and pair beautifully with tartar sauce, a zesty aioli, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Whether as a snack, lunch, or dinner, these fish sticks are sure to become a household favorite!
Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. Cut the fillets into evenly-sized strips, about 2.5 cm wide and 7.5 cm long, and set aside.
Prepare a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest.
Coat each cod strip first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is evenly coated. Finally, press the strip into the breadcrumb mixture, turning to coat fully. Place the breaded cod sticks on a plate or baking sheet.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should reach about 175Β°C (350Β°F). Test the oil by dropping in a small piece of breadcrumb; if it sizzles, the oil is ready.
Fry the cod sticks in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook each batch for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 63Β°C or 145Β°F).
Once cooked, remove the fish sticks from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve the cod fish sticks warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce, ketchup, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Enjoy!
Calories |
3492 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 276.2 g | 354% | |
| Saturated Fat | 44.8 g | 224% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 590 mg | 196% | |
| Sodium | 4020 mg | 175% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 146.9 g | 53% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.7 g | 28% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.1 g | ||
| Protein | 125.0 g | 250% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.6 mcg | 33% | |
| Calcium | 529 mg | 41% | |
| Iron | 9.4 mg | 52% | |
| Potassium | 2318 mg | 49% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.