Best Easy Fish Sticks with Tartar Sauce Recipe

Crispy breaded fish sticks served with creamy tartar sauce are a family-friendly classic that kids adore. A quick, protein-rich dinner that pairs perfectly with fries or a fresh salad.

Cook 35 min Difficulty EASY 296 kcal
#family dinner #high protein #kid friendly #easy fish recipe
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • white fish fillets (cod or pollock) 1 lb
  • all-purpose flour 0.5 cup
  • eggs 2 pieces
  • panko bread crumbs 1 cup
  • olive oil (for baking or frying) 3 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • kosher salt 0.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.25 tsp
  • mayonnaise 0.5 cup
  • dill pickles (finely chopped) 2 tbsp
  • lemon juice 1 tbsp
  • fresh dill (chopped) 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 24 g 32%
Protein 20 g 27%
Fat 12 g 41%
Serving size 150g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 425°F or heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high if pan-frying.

  2. 2

    Slice the fish fillets into even strips, about 1-inch wide, then pat thoroughly dry with paper towels.

  3. 3

    Set up three shallow bowls: add flour to the first, beaten eggs to the second, and combine panko with 1/4 tsp salt and pepper in the third.

  4. 4

    Dredge fish pieces in flour, dip in egg, then coat well in seasoned panko, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere.

  5. 5

    Arrange breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle or spray with the remaining olive oil, and bake for 13–15 minutes (flipping halfway) until golden and crisp. For pan-frying, fry for 2–3 minutes per side until cooked through.

  6. 6

    While fish cooks, mix mayonnaise, chopped pickles, lemon juice, dill, and 1/4 tsp salt in a bowl to make tartar sauce; chill until serving.

  7. 7

    Serve fish sticks hot with tartar sauce for dipping.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The essential ingredient is white fish fillets, such as cod or pollock. Their mild flavor and flaky texture provide the perfect base for crispy breading and pair beautifully with the tartar sauce.
Q. Which seasoning gives the tartar sauce its signature taste?
Dill pickles and fresh dill are the standout seasonings in the tartar sauce, giving it a tangy, herby flavor that complements the richness of the fried fish.
Q. How do you ensure the fish sticks turn out crispy without overcooking the fish?
Coating the fish with flour, egg, and panko creates a crunchy crust. Baking at a high temperature or frying briefly on medium-high heat cooks the crust quickly while keeping the fish moist and tender inside. Flipping the fish halfway ensures even browning.
Q. What’s the calorie and macro breakdown per serving?
Each 150g serving provides about 296 kcal, with 24g carbohydrates (32% of calories), 20g protein (27%), and 12g fat (41%), making it a balanced, protein-rich option.
Q. How can I prevent the coating from falling off during cooking?
Be sure to pat the fish dry before coating, press the panko onto the fish so it adheres, and avoid moving the sticks too much during baking or frying to keep the crust intact.
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