Are you ready to elevate your seafood game? Our Crispy Cajun Fish Strips with Tartar and Lime Dip are the perfect combination of crunchy, flavorful, and zesty. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a casual family meal, or just craving something delicious, these fish strips are sure to impress. Coated in a spicy Cajun seasoning and paired with a creamy tartar sauce and refreshing lime dip, each bite is a taste sensation that will keep you coming back for more. Not only are these fish strips incredibly tasty, but they are also simple to prepare, making them an excellent choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Crispy Cajun Fish Strips with Tartar and Lime Dip is a dish that brings together the best of both worlds: flavor and texture. Here are a few reasons why you’ll absolutely love this recipe:
- Flavor Explosion: The Cajun seasoning provides a delightful kick that enhances the mild flavor of white fish. It’s a perfect balance that appeals to a wide range of palates.
- Versatile Dipping Sauces: The creamy tartar sauce pairs beautifully with the crunchy fish strips, while the lime dip adds a fruity and zesty twist. You can mix and match according to your mood!
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is designed for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
- Healthy Option: Fish is a great source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making these strips a healthier alternative to fried chicken or other greasy options.
- Fun for Everyone: Kids and adults alike will love the crispy coating and flavorful fish. Serve them as bites or alongside a salad for a complete meal!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you’re still on the fence about making Crispy Cajun Fish Strips with Tartar and Lime Dip, here are a few compelling reasons to give it a go:
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or a lively backyard barbecue, these fish strips fit right in. They can be served as a main dish or as a finger food appetizer.
- Customizable: Don’t have white fish? Feel free to substitute with your favorite type of fish or even chicken tenders for a different twist. The breading method remains the same!
- Great for Meal Prep: These fish strips can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven for a quick meal. They can also be frozen for later use, making them a convenient option.
- Impress Your Guests: Your friends and family will be wowed by the homemade nature of these fish strips. They taste gourmet but are surprisingly easy to make!
- Pairs Well with Sides: These fish strips go well with a variety of sides, such as coleslaw, French fries, or a fresh garden salad. You can create a complete meal in no time!
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Crispy Cajun Fish Strips with Tartar and Lime Dip:
For the Fish Strips:
- 1 pound white fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Tartar Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Lime Dip:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt to taste
Necessary Utensils
To ensure your success in making these fish strips, gather the following utensils:
- Sharp knife (for cutting fish)
- Three mixing bowls (for breading station)
- Whisk (for mixing eggs and buttermilk)
- Frying pan or deep skillet
- Slotted spoon or tongs (for flipping fish)
- Paper towels (for draining excess oil)
- Serving plates
Detailed Recipe Steps
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get started on making Crispy Cajun Fish Strips with Tartar and Lime Dip!
For the Fish Strips:
- Prepare the Fish: Cut the fish fillets into strips, about 1 inch wide. This size ensures even cooking and makes for easy eating.
- Set Up Breading Station: In a bowl, combine the flour, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. In a third bowl, place the cornmeal. This three-step breading process creates a deliciously crispy exterior.
- Bread the Fish: Dip each fish strip first into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, coat it with cornmeal, pressing gently to ensure it sticks. Repeat for all strips.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot (around 350°F/175°C). A hot oil ensures a crispy finish.
- Fry the Fish: Carefully place the breaded fish strips in the hot oil, working in batches if needed. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove the strips and drain on paper towels.
For the Tartar Sauce:
- Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until smooth. This tangy sauce complements the fish perfectly!
For the Lime Dip:
- Combine Ingredients: In another small bowl, mix sour cream, lime zest, lime juice, honey, and salt. Stir until smooth. This refreshing dip adds a delightful zing!
FAQs
What kind of fish is best for fish strips?
White fish like cod, tilapia, or haddock are excellent choices for fish strips due to their mild flavor and flaky texture.
Can I bake the fish strips instead of frying them?
Yes! For a healthier option, you can bake the fish strips at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I store leftover fish strips?
Store leftover fish strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
What can I serve with fish strips?
Fish strips pair well with coleslaw, French fries, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with additional dipping sauces for variety.
Can I make the tartar sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The tartar sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld.
Conclusion
In summary, our Crispy Cajun Fish Strips with Tartar and Lime Dip are a deliciously simple dish that everyone will love. They are perfect for any occasion and can be customized to suit your taste. Don’t forget to try both dipping sauces for an extra flavor boost! We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below, try this recipe, and share it with your friends and family. Happy cooking!
For more amazing recipes, check out Cheflora’s Pinterest or explore these delightful options:
- Crispy Chicken Meatballs with Honey Mustard Dip
- Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers with Creamy Garlic Dip
- Crispy Fish Strips Rice Bowls with Spicy Lemon Ranch
- Spicy Beef Bites with Soy Ginger Dipping Sauce
- Sweet and Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Chili Lime Dip

Crispy Cajun Fish Strips with Tartar and Lime Dip
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
For the Fish Strips
- 1 pound White fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia)
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Cornmeal
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 Large eggs
- 1/2 cup Buttermilk
- Vegetable oil (for frying) enough for frying
For the Tartar Sauce
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dill pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Lime Dip
- 1/2 cup Sour cream
- 1 Lime zest from one lime
- 2 tablespoons Lime juice
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Cut the fish fillets into strips, about 1 inch wide.
- Set Up Breading Station: In one bowl, combine flour, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. In a second bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk. In a third bowl, place the cornmeal.
- Bread the Fish: Dip each fish strip first into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat with cornmeal. Ensure each strip is fully coated.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot.
- Fry the Fish: Carefully place the breaded fish strips in the hot oil, working in batches if necessary. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- For the Tartar Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
- For the Lime Dip: In another small bowl, mix sour cream, lime zest, lime juice, honey, and salt. Stir until smooth.