Are you craving a crispy, flavorful dish that won’t derail your low-carb lifestyle? Look no further than these mouthwatering Low Carb Fish Sticks! Made with tender cod or any white fish fillet and coated in a savory almond flour and Parmesan cheese crust, these fish sticks are a guilt-free delight that the whole family will love. Whether you’re following a ketogenic diet or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional fish sticks, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Let’s reel in the flavor and embark on a culinary adventure!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cod or any white fish fillet, cut into 1-inch strips
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Pat the fish fillet strips dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Coat Fish Strips: Dip each fish strip into the beaten eggs, shaking off any excess, then dredge it in the almond flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating to all sides of the fish.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated fish strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each strip to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish sticks are golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the fish sticks from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce or homemade aioli.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Lemon Zest: For a burst of citrusy flavor, add the zest of one lemon to the almond flour coating mixture.
- Use Different Spices: Customize the seasoning of your fish sticks by adding spices like cayenne pepper, onion powder, or dried herbs such as thyme or oregano.
- Make Them Crispy: For extra crispiness, you can spray the coated fish sticks with cooking spray or a light drizzle of olive oil before baking.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto Option: These Low Carb Fish Sticks are already keto-friendly, as they are made with almond flour and Parmesan cheese, which are low in carbs. Serve them with a side of keto-friendly dipping sauce for a complete meal.
- Low-Carb Twist: To further reduce the carb content, you can use crushed pork rinds instead of almond flour for the coating. The result will be equally delicious and crunchy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use any white fish fillet of your choice, such as halibut, tilapia, or haddock, instead of cod. Just make sure the fillets are cut into uniform strips for even cooking.
Q: Can I make these fish sticks ahead of time and reheat them? A: While these fish sticks are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for optimal crispiness, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze these fish sticks? A: Yes, you can freeze the uncooked fish sticks for future use. Arrange the coated fish strips in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen fish sticks to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen fish sticks on a baking sheet and bake according to the recipe instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: What can I serve with these fish sticks? A: These Low Carb Fish Sticks pair perfectly with a variety of side dishes such as roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, or a crisp green salad. You can also enjoy them with a side of coleslaw or steamed broccoli for a complete and satisfying meal.
Say goodbye to carb-laden fish sticks and hello to a healthier, more flavorful alternative with these Low Carb Fish Sticks! With their crispy almond flour coating, tender fish fillets, and irresistible seasoning, these fish sticks are sure to become a staple in your low-carb meal rotation. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, appetizer, or main course, you can feel good about indulging in this delicious dish. So, fire up your oven, whip up a batch of these tasty fish sticks, and get ready to savor every crunchy bite!
