Fish Fingers
Crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside. These golden-fried fish fingers, seasoned with a hint of Indian spices, are the perfect party appetizer or evening snack for all ages.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Fish (5 minutes)
- b.Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a crispy coating.
- c.Cut the fillets into uniform strips, about 3 inches long and 1 inch thick.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Marinate the Fish (15 minutes)
- b.In a medium bowl, place the fish strips.
- c.Add the ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, turmeric powder, red chili powder, black pepper, and 0.75 tsp of salt.
- d.Gently toss with your hands or a spoon until all the fish pieces are evenly coated.
- e.Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Set Up Breading Station (3 minutes)
- b.Arrange three wide, shallow dishes or plates.
- c.In the first dish, combine the all-purpose flour and the remaining 0.25 tsp of salt.
- d.In the second dish, crack the eggs and beat them lightly with a fork.
- e.In the third dish, spread out the panko breadcrumbs.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Coat the Fish Fingers (7 minutes)
- b.Take one marinated fish strip at a time, letting any excess marinade drip off.
- c.First, dredge it in the seasoned flour, ensuring it's fully coated, then shake off the excess.
- d.Next, dip it into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip back into the dish.
- e.Finally, press the fish strip firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, covering all sides completely. Place the coated finger on a clean plate.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Shallow Fry the Fish Fingers (10 minutes)
- b.Pour oil into a wide, heavy-bottomed pan to a depth of about half an inch. Heat over medium-high heat.
- c.To check if the oil is ready, drop a breadcrumb into it. If it sizzles and turns golden brown in about 30 seconds, the oil is at the right temperature.
- d.Carefully place the coated fish fingers in the hot oil in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in 2-3 batches.
- e.Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are a deep golden brown and crispy.
- f.The fish should be cooked through and flake easily with a fork.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Drain and Serve (2 minutes)
- b.Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried fish fingers from the pan.
- c.Place them on a wire rack to drain. This allows air to circulate and keeps the bottom crispy.
- d.Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce like tartar sauce, mint chutney, or tomato ketchup.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest texture, use Panko breadcrumbs. They are lighter and absorb less oil than traditional breadcrumbs.
- 2Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. If it's not, the fish fingers will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
- 3Do not overcrowd the pan while frying. This lowers the oil temperature and results in uneven cooking and a less crispy texture.
- 4Patting the fish dry is a crucial step to ensure the marinade and coating stick well.
- 5For best results, drain the fried fish fingers on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This prevents the bottom from getting soggy.
- 6To keep the first batch warm while you fry the rest, place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 200°F (95°C).
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthier Baked Version
For a lower-fat option, bake the fish fingers. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated fingers on a wire rack set on a baking sheet. Spray lightly with oil and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked.
Spicy Masala Fish FingersSpicy Masala Fish Fingers
Add 1/2 tsp of garam masala and 1/2 tsp of coriander powder to the marinade for a more robust Indian spice flavor.
Gluten Free VersionGluten-Free Version
Replace the all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the coating.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Fish and eggs are high-quality protein sources, essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
White fish like cod is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for brain health, reducing inflammation, and supporting a healthy heart.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of homemade fish fingers (about 4-5 pieces) contains approximately 350-370 calories. This can vary based on the type of fish and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.