Fried Fish Fingers

Fried Fish Fingers Recipe - Delicious and Easy-to-Make from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 12 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Fried Fish Fingers are a delicious and crispy snack that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. These fish fingers are made with U.S. Farm-Raised catfish fillets, coated in a flavorful mixture of cornmeal, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and salt, and then baked to perfection. They are perfect for a quick and easy meal or as a party appetizer.

History

Fish fingers, also known as fish sticks, are a popular dish that originated in the United Kingdom in the 1950s. They were created as a way to make fish more appealing to children and to encourage them to eat more seafood. Over the years, fish fingers have become a staple in households around the world and are enjoyed by people of all ages.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of cornmeal
0.5 cup of parmesan cheese
0.75 tsp of garlic powder
0.25 tsp of salt
3 tbsp of canola oil
1 lb (454 g) of U.S. Farm-Raised catfish fillets, cut into 1 inch thick strips

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 475° F.
Lightly oil or coat a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
Combine the cornmeal, cheese, garlic powder, and salt in a medium bowl and mix them well.
Place the oil in a small bowl. Lightly coat each piece of fish in the oil and then roll them in the breading until they are well coated.
Arrange the fish on the prepared baking sheet and bake them until they turn golden brown, which usually takes around 10 to 12 minutes. Take the fish fingers out of the oven and serve them warm and plain over rice.

Variations

Use different types of fish such as cod, haddock, or tilapia.
Add herbs and spices to the breading mixture for extra flavor.
Deep fry the fish fingers instead of baking them for a crispier texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the catfish fillets into evenly sized strips to ensure even cooking.

- Lightly coat each piece of fish in oil before breading to help the breading stick to the fish.

- Bake the fish fingers on a preheated baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.

- Serve the fish fingers warm and plain over rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Fried Fish Fingers with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and a side of coleslaw for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use breadcrumbs instead of cornmeal for a different texture.

- Use cheddar cheese instead of parmesan cheese for a stronger flavor.

- Use olive oil instead of canola oil for a different taste.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the fish fingers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Fried Fish Fingers on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs and lemon slices for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Fried Fish Fingers with a crisp white wine or a cold beer for a delicious combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover fish fingers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350° F until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Fried Fish Fingers contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Fried Fish Fingers contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Fried Fish Fingers contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Fried Fish Fingers contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Fried Fish Fingers are a good source of vitamin B12, vitamin D, and selenium.

Alergens

Fried Fish Fingers contain fish, dairy (parmesan cheese), and gluten (cornmeal).

Summary

Fried Fish Fingers are a nutritious and delicious snack that is high in proteins and essential vitamins and minerals. They are a great source of energy and are perfect for a quick and easy meal.

Summary

Fried Fish Fingers are a tasty and nutritious snack that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With a crispy coating and tender catfish fillets, these fish fingers are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Fried Fish Fingers. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mary at her beach house. We had spent the morning swimming and soaking up the sun, and now it was time to indulge in a delicious seafood lunch.

As we sat at the kitchen table, Mary pulled out a worn, stained recipe card from her recipe box. She explained that this recipe had been passed down in her family for generations, and she was excited to share it with me. The ingredients were simple - fresh fish fillets, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and spices. But it was the technique that made all the difference.

Mary walked me through the process step by step, showing me how to coat the fish fillets in flour, dip them in beaten eggs, and then cover them in seasoned breadcrumbs. She then heated a skillet with oil until it sizzled, and carefully fried the fish fingers until they were golden brown and crispy.

I watched in awe as Mary effortlessly flipped the fish fingers with a spatula, ensuring that they cooked evenly on both sides. The aroma of the frying fish filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

After a few minutes, Mary removed the fish fingers from the skillet and placed them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. She sprinkled them with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice, adding the perfect finishing touch to the dish.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I took my first bite of the crispy, tender fish fingers. The flavor was out of this world - perfectly seasoned, with a satisfying crunch that gave way to tender, flaky fish inside. I was hooked.

From that day on, Fried Fish Fingers became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made them for family dinners, potlucks, and special occasions. Each time I prepared them, I remembered that hot summer day at Mary's beach house, and the joy of learning a new recipe from a dear friend.

Over the years, I made a few tweaks to the recipe, adding my own special touch with a dash of paprika or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. But the essence of the dish remained the same - simple, delicious, and full of memories.

As I grew older and my own family started to expand, I passed down the recipe for Fried Fish Fingers to my children and grandchildren. I taught them the same techniques that Mary had taught me, instilling in them a love for cooking and a respect for tradition.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, surrounded by the laughter of my loved ones and the aroma of frying fish, I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. The recipe for Fried Fish Fingers has become more than just a dish - it's a link to the past, a connection to the generations of cooks who came before me.

And as I take a bite of a perfectly cooked fish finger, I am filled with gratitude for the friends and family who have shared their recipes and their love with me. I may not have invented Fried Fish Fingers, but I've certainly made them my own - a testament to the power of good food, good company, and good memories.