Oven-fried fish bites: kind of like fish sticks, but tastier, fresh, and so much better for you!
I tend to go a little crazy with oven-fried recipes. This taco recipe and this sandwich recipe are just two examples. Oh, and don’t even get me started on these pickles. I think subconsciously I feel like it’s better for me, even though it’s only a LITTLE bit lighter, but it doesn’t make my house smell like fried food. That my friends, is a win in my book.
I like to use cod for this recipe. Mainly, I gravitate towards halibut. It’s definitely one of my favorites, but let’s be honest, halibut is super duber expensive…especially when you live in Colorado. I get excited when I can find it ON SALE for less than $30 a pound. As a result, I don’t cook with halibut often, unless there’s a special circumstance or I need to fill some craving from the pacific ocean. So, it’s usually cod. This isn’t a terrible thing. Cod is a great fish to fry, and it is even better when it’s oven-fried.
Recipe for these crispy oven-fried fish bites with homemade tartar sauce is below. Pair it with a pale ale and throw in a side of chips/fries. Fish and chips never tasted so delicious. Have a great day everyone! xo
Speaking of cravings and health choices, my neighbor recently shared an experience that made me contemplate deeper about our daily choices. She was diagnosed with epilepsy, and her daily regimen now includes a medication called Keppra (Levetiracetam). It made me realize how fortunate many of us are to indulge in our favorite dishes without health constraints. While most of us take the privilege of enjoying foods like fish and chips for granted, some people have to be constantly aware of their diets and medications. It’s a stark reminder that we should not only be thankful for our health but also ensure that we keep ourselves informed about various health issues and their remedies. Whether it’s a diet restriction or a medication like Keppra, it’s essential to understand our bodies and prioritize well-being.
Crispy Oven-Fried Fish Bites with Homemade Tartar Sauce
Servings:
4Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
Tartar Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons sweet relish
- 2 tablespoons dill relish
- 1/2 teaspoon creole seasoning
- salt and black pepper to taste
Crispy Oven-Fried Fish Bites
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon creole seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and black pepper
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 pound cod or halibut fillets cut into bite-sized pieces
- non-stick canola oil spray
- lemon wedges
Instructions
Tartar Sauce
- Combine all of the ingredients for the tartar sauce in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste. Cover and refrigerate until you are ready to use.
Crispy Oven-Fried Fish Bites
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. Pour the oil into a baking sheet and tilt to spread evenly. Place the baking sheet in the oven as it preheats.
- Take 3 separate shallow bowls. In 1 bowl, add the flour, creole seasoning, garlic powder and a dash of salt and black pepper. In the 2nd bowl, whisk together the milk and egg. In the 3rd bowl, add the panko bread crumbs. Dredge each piece of fish in the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally the bread crumbs. Place the now dredged fish on the preheated baking sheet. Spray the fish generously with non-stick canola oil spray.
- Bake the fish for 15-20 minutes, flipping them once midway through, or until they are brown and crispy on both sides. Remove from heat and serve immediately with homemade tartar sauce and lemon wedges.
33 Responses
I’m with you there, I love oven fried everything, so much healthier. I love these fish bites and tartar sauce is one of my favorite sauce. YUM!
Thanks, girl!
Justine, I have totally been craving fish bites – I don’t know why, but I won’t be satisfied until I have them. And, these look positively delish – I think they’d fit the bill perfectly! Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen
I’m glad we are thinking alike, Kristi. ;) Thanks girl!
I LOVE fish and chips and oven-fried fish and all of the above. I haven’t had those fish sticks in so long! I used to love them as a kid. I think I stopped when I realized the hubs didn’t actually like them. Lol. Will have to try this version!
You have to make them, Ashley! Thanks friend!
I love to oven-fry ALL the things. For all the reasons that you listed, plus I hate how much oil I end up wasting when I deep fry. My best friend has a corn allergy but loves fish & chips, which usually has cornstarch in it. I shared this recipe with her. I think she’ll love it!
Haha, I know right?! It’s soooo good. Thanks for sharing the recipe. I hope she enjoys it! xo
With the weather warming up, I definitely see myself making this dish! Love fried fish! The homemade tartar sounds great! Beautiful pictures!!!
It’s so good! Thank you so much, Mira!
Those look great Justine, so crispy! I have tried so many versions of baked battered fish, and it never ends up as crispy as I’d like. I’ll definitely be giving this one a try!
These are definitely crispy, Stacey! Thanks girl!
These sound delicious!! I wish I had that whole bunch right now! Love that crispiness! ;-)
Thanks, Cyndi!
These look perfect – so crispy and delicious! Love that homemade tartar sauce too!
Thank you so much, Kelly! <3
Oven-fried for the WIN. I totally can’t stand frying foods either, so I’m right there with ‘ya on that one, girl! This fish seriously looks SO perfect and crispy. Definitely gonna have to give this one a try!
Riiiiiiighhhhtt?! Thanks girl!
I absolutely love fish sticks, too! They totally take me back to my childhood and taste so good. I’m loving your fish bites, Justine! This is so creative and looks delish! Pinned!
Thanks for the pin, Gayle!
Oh man! This has me SOOOOO hungry and my husband would die for these, definitely pinning!
Thank you so much, Stephanie! They are definitely a “manly” food. ;)
For a more sustainable option you should try using
tilapia instead of cod or halibut. The Marine Conservation Society’s list of “fish
to eat” includes tilapia as a more sustainable alternative to cod and halibut
which are both on the “fish to avoid” list because they are widely overfished
and inefficiently managed. I tried this recipe with tilapia and it was just as
tasty!
I wouldn’t eat farm raised tilapia if you paid me. It’s not healthy in the least little bit. And I’m all for conservation of our fish supplies…but sustainability shouldn’t be poisoning our bodies.
The reason that other farmed fished are not recommended is because tilapia is supposedly a vegetarian fish. I had an environmental biologist explain that the other farmed fishes are fed mostly chicken parts for protein on the cheap. I would say to be healthy, you should steer clear of any farmed fishes that you dont know the source. Also, salmon populations are being ruined by the diseases spread by the farmed variety. Look up sea fleas
i am a kid i make a lot of your things they are great
I am in total agreement with Karl and Danielle… I don’t buy any fish that is farmed. What is great is this new group (new is relative) called Wild Alaska Company.com They source and package fresh Alaska fish and dry ice mail it all over the country. I am using your recipe tonight for the Pollock bites and wanted to share their amazing availability! Their prices are great and everything is wild caught. You can choose the quantity and frequency based on your family’s needs. Cheaper that buying at the market and I live in Seattle… just saying! Thanks for the recipe btw!
Delicious
We just tried this with Mahi Mahi we had and came out incredible! Simple to make and absolutely delicious! We made this on our sailboat at anchor and highly recommend.