Get ready to transform your ordinary fish dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! These Thai-inspired fish fingers are not just another boring seafood recipe – they're a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Thailand. Imagine perfectly crispy, golden-brown fish fingers with a spicy kick, paired with a tangy dipping sauce that will make your mouth water before you even take the first bite. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 fillets of white fish
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Chili flakes to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the fish by patting the white fish fillets dry with paper towels and cutting them into even finger-sized strips, approximately 1 inch wide and 3-4 inches long.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with a pinch of chili flakes.
- Dredge each fish strip first in seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then dip into beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure even coverage.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring enough oil to shallow fry the fish fingers.
- Fry the breaded fish fingers in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, ensuring internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- For the Thai dipping sauce, whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili flakes in a small bowl until sugar dissolves completely.
- Remove fish fingers from oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil, allowing them to rest for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot fish fingers immediately with the prepared Thai dipping sauce on the side, garnished with extra chili flakes if desired.
Tips
- Pat the fish dry thoroughly before breading to ensure a crispy exterior. Moisture is the enemy of a perfect golden crust!
- Use fresh, high-quality white fish like cod or halibut for the best texture and flavor.
- Make sure your oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F) before frying. Too cool, and the fish will be greasy; too hot, and the outside will burn before the inside cooks.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying – cook in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding some dried herbs or spices to your breadcrumb mixture, like dried basil or garlic powder.
- The dipping sauce can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, allowing the flavors to meld together even more intensely.
- For a healthier alternative, you can bake the fish fingers in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 12-15 minutes, turning once halfway through.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 110mg
