Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than these Crispy Cod Strips with Tartar Dipping Sauce. This recipe combines tender cod fillets, perfectly breaded and fried to golden perfection, served alongside a zesty homemade tartar sauce. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner, a gathering, or simply want to indulge in some comforting homemade seafood, this dish is sure to please. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe for Crispy Cod Strips with Tartar Dipping Sauce is not just easy to make, but it also delivers fantastic flavors and textures. Here are some reasons why you’ll love it:
- Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps, you can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Kid-Friendly: The crispy coating makes these cod strips appealing to children, encouraging them to enjoy fish in a fun and tasty way.
- Homemade Dipping Sauce: The tartar sauce is simple to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste, making it far superior to store-bought alternatives.
- Healthy Option: Cod is a lean protein that is low in calories and high in essential nutrients, making it a smart choice for a healthy meal.
- Versatile: These crispy cod strips can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even in a sandwich. Feel free to mix and match sides!
Overall, this recipe is a delightful blend of texture, flavor, and ease perfect for any occasion.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Aside from being delicious, trying out this Crispy Cod Strips with Tartar Dipping Sauce recipe offers a fantastic opportunity to hone your cooking skills while enjoying a classic dish. Here’s why you should give it a go:
- Perfect for Entertaining: Impress your guests with this homemade dish that rivals your favorite restaurant’s offerings. They’ll love the crunch and flavor with every bite!
- Customization: The recipe allows for various modifications. You can experiment with spices in the breading or even try different types of fish!
- Budget-Friendly: Cod is often reasonably priced, and making your own fish strips is much more economical than dining out or purchasing pre-made options.
- Health Benefits: Enjoying fish is recommended for a balanced diet. Cod is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health.
- Fun Cooking Experience: Involve family members or friends in the cooking process. It’s a fun way to bond while making a delicious meal!
With all these reasons, you won’t want to miss making this dish. Let’s gather our ingredients!
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
Ingredients for Crispy Cod Strips
- 1 lb fresh cod fillets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Ingredients for Tartar Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recommended Utensils
- Knife for slicing cod fillets
- 3 shallow bowls for the breading station
- Large skillet for frying
- Slotted spoon for transferring cooked strips
- Paper towels for draining excess oil
These ingredients and tools are essential for making delicious Crispy Cod Strips with Tartar Dipping Sauce. Now, let’s get cooking!
Detailed Recipe Steps
Prepare the Cod Strips
- Cut the Cod: Slice the cod fillets into strips, about 1 inch wide. This size allows for even cooking and ensures a crispy exterior.
- Set Up a Breading Station: In three separate shallow bowls, prepare the following:
- First bowl: Combine flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Second bowl: Beat the eggs until well mixed.
- Third bowl: Place the breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Cod: Take each cod strip and dip it into the flour mixture, ensuring it is thoroughly coated. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat the strip with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they adhere. Repeat this process with all the cod strips.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, pour in enough oil to cover about 1/2 inch of the bottom. Heat over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking this ensures a crispy fry without burning the coating.
- Fry the Cod Strips: Carefully add the breaded cod strips to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked strips to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Prepare the Tartar Dipping Sauce
- Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill pickle relish, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Chill: Refrigerate the tartar sauce for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste.
And there you have it! Your Crispy Cod Strips with Tartar Dipping Sauce are ready to be enjoyed. Serve them hot with the tartar sauce on the side for dipping. Pair with your favorite sides or serve them as a tasty appetizer!
FAQs
What type of fish is best for crispy strips?
Cod is an excellent choice for crispy strips due to its mild flavor and flaky texture. Other white fish such as haddock or tilapia can also work well.
Can I bake the cod strips instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the cod strips! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the breaded strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
How do I store leftover crispy cod strips?
Store any leftover cod strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer for the best results to maintain crispiness.
What can I serve with crispy cod strips?
Serve crispy cod strips with a side of coleslaw, fries, or a fresh salad. They also pair well with dipping sauces like garlic aioli or sweet chili sauce.
Can I make the tartar sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the tartar sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Conclusion
In summary, these Crispy Cod Strips with Tartar Dipping Sauce are a fantastic seafood dish that is easy to prepare and delightful to taste. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, you can create a meal that will impress everyone at your table. Don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments below, and if you enjoyed this recipe, share it with your friends! Happy cooking!
For more delicious recipes, check out our Crispy Fish Strips and Crispy Fish Bites.
For visually appealing food ideas, explore our Pinterest page here.
Crispy Cod Strips with Tartar Dipping Sauce
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Shallow Bowls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Fresh cod fillets
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 Large eggs
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (Panko) For extra crunch
- as needed Oil for frying Vegetable or canola oil
Tartar Dipping Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dill pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
Instructions
- Cut the cod fillets into strips, about 1 inch wide.
- In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the first bowl. Beat the eggs in the second bowl. Place the breadcrumbs in the third bowl.
- Dip each cod strip into the flour mixture, coating it thoroughly. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat the strip with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat with all cod strips.
- In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Carefully add the breaded cod strips to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked strips to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill pickle relish, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper for the tartar sauce. Stir until well mixed.
- Refrigerate the tartar sauce for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
