Kid-Friendly Fish Sticks Recipe | Lightened Up Dinner Recipe

You are going to love my Lightened Up Fish Sticks Recipe! It is so simple to make and not deep-fried, so much healthier for your diet.  This breadcrumb and parmesan coated tilapia is an easy lightly pan-fried fish stick idea that is healthy but still kid-friendly.  Serve with your favorite tartar sauce, a squeeze of lemon, or even a dash of malt vinegar.  This is a perfect grown-up fish stick meal!

Lightened Up Fish Sticks Recipe

As a kid, I confess to loving those silly little frozen fish sticks.  Looking back, I’m not even sure they qualified as fish, but they were a favorite dinner dipped in ketchup and served with a bit of macaroni and cheese.  While not a daily meal by any means, I still have fond memories of those dinners.

Now, I am making this healthier fish sticks recipe using a delicious coating that offers crunch and flavor.  No need to deep fry this recipe!  A fast pan-fry makes them just as crunchy without all of the oil.

What Should I Serve with This Fish Sticks Recipe? 

As a kid, macaroni and cheese and peas were a common meal with fish sticks.  Now as an adult, I can think of tons of ways to serve these tasty fish sticks and recreate that same comfort-food feeling. Below are some great sides to serve when you make this recipe.

• Healthy Mac and Cheese
• Creamy Mashed Cauliflower Recipe
• Healthy Baked Broccoli Tots
• Crispy Brussel Sprouts
• Honey Candied Carrots Recipe
• Healthy Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Do I Have to Use Tilapia? 

Sometimes tilapia gets a bad name, so I understand if you prefer not to use that fish for this fish sticks recipe.  That’s perfectly fine with this recipe.  It works just as wonderfully with things like cod, perch, trout, bass, or even orange roughie.  Use the fish you prefer and know it will turn out just as delicious..

What Dipping Sauce Should I Serve with Fish Sticks? 

Fish sticks are known to go perfectly with tartar sauce, and that is almost always on the table when I make these fish sticks.  Other options that are popular are ketchup, cocktail sauce, and just by itself with or with a squeeze of lemon.  Some like to add a dash of malt vinegar, and others will sprinkle on a bit of hot sauce.  Use the sauces your family prefers!

Ingredients

• Tilapia
• Egg whites
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Bread crumbs
• Flax meal
• Parmesan
• Old Bay seasoning
• Canola oil

How to Make a Fish Sticks Recipe

For this recipe, you will begin by preparing your fish.  Rinse and pat the filets dry, then cut into 1″ strips.

Season both sides of the fish with a bit of salt and pepper then set aside.

Prepare two shallow bowls for the breading process of making this fish sticks recipe.

In one bowl you will whisk the egg whites.  The other bowl will be used for the breading.  Add the bread crumbs, flax meal, cheese, and Old Bay to this bowl and stir until well combined.

Dip each piece of fish first into the egg whites, then next into the bread crumb mixture.  Lay them on a wire rack or baking sheet until ready to cook.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add oil to the pan.  When it is hot, you will begin adding the fish sticks cooking them 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside.

Once the fish is cooked through, transfer to a waiting plate or baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain.

Serve with sides and dipping sauces as preferred.