Crispy Baked Fish Sticks

If you are trying to get your kids to eat more fish then this recipe is for you!  These homemade fish sticks are super crunchy and full of flavor.  When I was planning my menu for the week I knew I wanted to add some sort of fish entree and as I thought about it for some reason fish sticks came to mind.  I really don't care for the ones that are pre-made in the freezer section so I wanted to make my own.  I have been making these crispy baked chicken fingers from Annie's Eats for well as long as she has had them posted!  This recipe inspired me to use the same technique with a few tweaks!  They turned out to be super delicious and it took no time to put them together.  Enjoy!

homemade fish sticks

Ingredients

3-4 medium sized tilapia fillets, about 2-3 pounds, sliced longways into strips

2 tbsp. canola oil

1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup all purpose flour

2 eggs

3 tbsp. water

2-3 dashes texas pete or other hot sauce

2 tsp. lemon zest

2 tsp. old bay seasoning, divided

2 tsp. garlic powder, divided

salt and pepper

Directions

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.  Spray a baking sheet liberally with cooking spray and set aside.  In a medium skillet heat the canola oil on medium high heat.  When the oil is heated add the panko breadcrumbs, 1 tsp. garlic powder, 1 tsp. old bay seasoning and salt and pepper.  Stirring occasionally but keeping a strong eye on them toast your breadcrumbs until golden brown.

While the breadcrumbs are toasting prepare 1 pie plate and 2 large plates.  Using one of the large plates wisk together flour, 1 tsp. garlic powder, 1 tsp. old bay seasoning, salt and pepper.  Set aside.  In the pie plate beat the 2 eggs, 3 tbsp. of water and hot sauce until well mixed.  Set aside.  Once the breadcrumbs are toasted add them to the 3rd plate and sprinkle the lemon zest on top of the breadcrumbs.

Working in batches taking one tilapia strip at a time.  Dust with the flout, coat with the egg mixture and dredge in the panko breadcrumb mixture.  Place them on the greased baking sheet.  Lightly spray the top of the fish sticks with cooking spray.  Bake for 10-12 minutes turning the pan 1/2 way through the cooking process.

Technique from:  Annie's Eats
Recipe from: Me