In the words of Sponge Bob Square Pants…Aw Fish Sticks!
When I was a kid, my mom used to pop store-bought frozen fish sticks into our toaster oven, and I was a happy girl.
I’m a bit older now, and my taste buds have grown up also. Fish is really very healthy for you, unless it’s breaded and fried.
I decided to try to make my own healthified version of this childhood favorite using some tilapia filets I had in my refrigerator. I sliced the filets into approximate 2″ strips.
I cracked open 3 eggs and discarded the yolks, and put the whites into a bowl.
I took about a cup of panko bread crumbs, and mixed in 1/2 t crushed bay leaves, 1t black pepper, a dash of salt, 1/2 t ground mustard, 1/2 t garlic.
Pat the fish with a paper towel.
Next, dredge the strips into the egg whites, then into the breadcrumb mixture.
I set mine up on a wire rack on top of a baking sheet. Then sprayed them just a bit with olive oil so they will crisp up evenly. No soggy sticks here!
Bake on 450 F for 15 minutes.
If you’re classy & chic, squeeze a lemon on them and enjoy. If you’re a weirdo like me, dunk these puppies in barbecue sauce!
michelle@decorandthedog says
Fancy! I should eat more real fish (vs. fish sticks)…but fish sticks are so much easier…and tastier!
Mindy@FindingSilverLinings says
These were super easy & are super crunchy! I don’t eat much fish either. I’m trying to . It’s so healthy.
ausaryn / T says
Awesome idea lady! I used to love fish sticks.. microwaved… *eeks* which would smell up the whole house…lol. For the record, mayo and ketchup mixed together to dunk fish sticks is the jam!
Mindy@FindingSilverLinings says
LOL, my sister calls that “Fancy Sauce”! I used to eat them the same way. No guilt or funky stank with these though… 🙂
xo
nikkionlunch says
Mmm. I’m with Ausaryn on mayo, but probably with hot sauce moreso than ketchup.
Loving your blog, Mindy!
Mindy@FindingSilverLinings says
Thanks Nikki Nick! Stop by anytime!
Lisa says
Min, you and Mish did love your fish sticks! I remember Michelle eating them for breakfast sometimes!
Mindy@FindingSilverLinings says
Ew!
sarah says
what a grand idea :] spongebob is too cute! i’ll have to try this sometime. lemon sounds great squeezed over it and maybe a little malt vinegar also.
Carrie @ Hazardous Design says
Mmmmmmm. I’m totally making these.
Tien says
Ooohhh I love fish! How come there’s no pics of the finished fish?? Did you eat too fast? 😉
Nikki says
Are these something that could be preped and froze?
Mindy@FindingSilverLinings says
I haven’t tried it but if you do, please let me know how they turn out!