When it comes to quick and delicious meals, few dishes can compete with the delightful combination of crunchy fish strips and zesty tartar cream sauce. Our Lemon Herb Fish Strips with Tartar Cream Sauce recipe is a perfect blend of flavors, texture, and easy preparation. It’s an ideal dish for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, providing a satisfying meal for fish lovers and novices alike. The lightness of the fish combined with the aromatic herbs and the tangy tartar sauce brings a refreshing twist to your dinner table.
In this article, we will guide you through each step of the cooking process, ensuring that you can recreate this delightful dish at home. With our easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll learn how to make perfectly crispy fish strips that are bursting with flavor, paired with a creamy, homemade tartar sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons to fall in love with our Lemon Herb Fish Strips with Tartar Cream Sauce. First and foremost, this dish is incredibly versatile. Whether you serve it as a main course, a party appetizer, or even as a fun meal for the kids, it adapts beautifully to any occasion. The addition of fresh lemon and herbs enhances the flavor of the fish, making it vibrant and appetizing.
Moreover, the preparation is straightforward. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a wholesome meal on the table in under 30 minutes. This makes it perfect for those hectic evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Another reason you’ll love this recipe is its health benefits. Fish is known to be a great source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health and overall well-being. Coupled with the fresh herbs and zesty lemon, this dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body.
Finally, the homemade tartar cream sauce is a game-changer. Unlike store-bought versions, our sauce is made from scratch, allowing you to adjust the flavors to your liking. It’s creamy, tangy, and pairs perfectly with the crispy fish, making every bite a delight.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you’re still not convinced, let’s dive deeper into why you should try making Lemon Herb Fish Strips with Tartar Cream Sauce. One of the standout features of this dish is its crunch factor. The panko breadcrumbs create an irresistible crispy coating that contrasts beautifully with the tender fish inside. Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch, making it a hit among both kids and adults.
Another benefit is the flavor profile. The combination of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs like thyme and parsley infuses the fish with an aromatic essence that elevates the dish beyond ordinary fried fish. The tartar sauce adds a creamy richness that complements the fish without overpowering its delicate flavor.
This recipe also encourages creativity. Feel free to experiment with different types of fish, such as tilapia, haddock, or even salmon, to find your perfect match. You can also customize the spices and herbs in the coating, allowing you to tailor the dish to your family’s taste preferences.
Lastly, this dish is perfect for gatherings. Serve it as finger food at parties, paired with toothpicks for easy eating, or make it part of a seafood platter. Its visual appeal and delectable taste will impress your guests, making it a star at any event.
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
Ingredients for the Fish Strips
- 1 lb white fish fillets (cod or tilapia)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- Oil for frying
Ingredients for the Tartar Cream Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons dill pickles, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recommended Utensils
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Three mixing bowls (for breading station)
- Sharp knife (for cutting fish)
- Whisk or fork (for beating eggs)
- Slotted spoon or tongs (for flipping fish)
- Paper towels (for draining oil)
Having the right tools and ingredients on hand will ensure your success when making these Lemon Herb Fish Strips with Tartar Cream Sauce.
Detailed Recipe Steps
For the Fish Strips
- Prepare the Fish: Start by cutting the fish fillets into strips about 1 inch wide. This size will help them cook evenly and maintain their crispiness.
- Set Up Breading Station: In one bowl, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, thyme, and parsley. In a second bowl, place the beaten eggs. In a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs. This setup will streamline the breading process.
- Coat the Fish: Take each fish strip and dip it into the flour mixture, ensuring to shake off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off before coating it in breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This indicates that it’s hot enough for frying. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
- Fry Fish Strips: Carefully add the breaded fish strips to the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to turn them over gently. Once cooked, remove them and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Add Lemon: For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle the fish strips with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest before serving.
For the Tartar Cream Sauce
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chopped dill pickles, capers, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and fresh dill. Stir until well mixed.
- Season: Taste the tartar sauce and add salt and pepper as needed. Adjust the flavors to your liking, making it as tangy or creamy as you prefer.
Serve your Lemon Herb Fish Strips with Tartar Cream Sauce warm, alongside your favorite sides or as a standalone dish. Enjoy the delightful flavors and crispy textures!
FAQs
Can I use frozen fish fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen fish fillets. Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before breading to achieve the best texture.
What type of fish works best for fish strips?
White fish like cod or tilapia works best due to their mild flavor and flaky texture. However, you can also experiment with other varieties.
How can I make the tartar sauce healthier?
To make a healthier tartar sauce, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, which adds creaminess while reducing calories and fat.
Can I bake the fish strips instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the fish strips. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Conclusion
Our Lemon Herb Fish Strips with Tartar Cream Sauce are not only a crowd-pleaser but also a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, delicious meal at home. With crispy, flavorful fish paired with a creamy, tangy sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. We hope you give it a try and enjoy the burst of flavors!
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Please leave a comment below, and if you enjoyed this recipe, consider sharing it with your friends. Happy cooking!
For more delicious recipes, check out our Pinterest page and explore the variety of flavors we have to offer.
For additional meal ideas, you might also enjoy our Crispy Chicken Meatballs with Honey Mustard Dip or Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers with Creamy Garlic Dip.
Lemon Herb Fish Strips with Tartar Cream Sauce
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb White fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia)
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried parsley
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 2 Eggs, beaten
- 1 Lemon, zest and juice
- Oil for frying Sufficient for frying
Tartar Cream Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dill pickles, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Capers, rinsed and chopped
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Cut the fish fillets into strips about 1 inch wide.
- Set Up Breading Station: In one bowl, mix together flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, thyme, and parsley. In a second bowl, place the beaten eggs. In a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Fish: Dip each fish strip into the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot.
- Fry Fish Strips: Carefully add the breaded fish strips to the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Add Lemon: Drizzle the fish strips with lemon juice and zest before serving.
- Mix Ingredients for Tartar Sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, chopped pickles, capers, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and fresh dill. Stir until well mixed.
- Season Tartar Sauce: Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the flavors as desired.
