The Ultimate Fish Finger Recipe: Crispy, Delicious, and Easy!

Are you looking for a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight dinner? Look no further than homemade fish fingers! This recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown fish fingers that are far superior to anything you'll find in the frozen food aisle. Forget the processed stuff – let's dive into making your own perfectly satisfying fish fingers.

Why Make Homemade Fish Fingers?

You might be wondering why bother making fish fingers from scratch when frozen ones are readily available. The answer is simple: taste and control. Homemade fish fingers allow you to control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and avoiding unwanted additives. You'll also notice a significant difference in taste and texture – they're simply more delicious! Plus, it's a surprisingly easy process.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• For the Fish:

  • 1 lb white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or pollock work best), cut into finger shapes
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs are recommended for extra crispiness)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon paprika or garlic powder for extra flavour

• For Frying:

  • Vegetable oil or your preferred frying oil

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the breading adhere better. Cut the fillets into even-sized fingers. Season generously with salt and pepper. If using, add paprika or garlic powder at this stage.

2. Bread the Fish: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs. Dredge each fish finger in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the egg, ensuring it's fully coated. Finally, coat thoroughly in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help them adhere.

3. Fry the Fish Fingers: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of breadcrumb sizzles immediately when added. Carefully place the fish fingers in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

4. Drain and Serve: Remove the fish fingers from the skillet and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce – tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or even a spicy mayo are all excellent choices.

Tips for Perfect Fish Fingers:

• Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy fish fingers. Fry in batches if necessary.
• Use high-quality oil: A good quality oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil, will give you better results.
• Check for doneness: The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
• Get creative with breading: Experiment with different types of breadcrumbs, herbs, or spices to create your own unique flavor combinations.

Serving Suggestions:

• Classic Chips and Fish Fingers: Serve with crispy chips (fries) and a side of mushy peas for a truly traditional British meal.
• Fish Finger Sandwich: Create delicious fish finger sandwiches with your favorite fillings and bread.
• Fish Finger Salad: Add your crispy fish fingers to a fresh salad for a lighter meal.
• Fish Finger Wraps: Use tortillas or flatbreads to create tasty fish finger wraps.

This homemade fish finger recipe is a winner for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings. Enjoy! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!