These Gluten Free Fish Sticks, made with fresh fish, are the perfect meal for Fish Friday’s. They’re crispy, crunchy, kid (and adult) friendly, they’re easy to make and they’re a better option than the super processed store-bought version.
Gluten Free Fish Sticks
Fish.
Do you love it?
We do. I’ve always been a big fan of salmon and other white fish. Adam didn’t really grow up eating it though so he was really introduced to it by my family.
I remember the first time he tried salmon when we were at my parent’s house, he was sooo skeptical, as he tends to be with any new-to-him foods. Luckily he loved it and didn’t have to force it down out of politeness.
Fish and other seafood make a really great choice for weeknight meals since it cooks so quickly – way faster than any other animal protein. We really enjoy sockeye salmon, as it can be grilled, roasted, pan fried, you name it.
However, we most often buy wild caught Alaska cod, which is exactly what I used for these gluten free fish sticks.
Cod is a mild tasting white fish with nice firm flesh that’s perfect for slicing into fish sticks. Because the fish is firm, it doesn’t fall apart when you’re cooking it or when you pick it up but it’s still tender enough that it flakes when you bite into it.
It’s a great choice of fish for this type of dish. (Bonus: You can also use these fish sticks for fish tacos. Hello, Taco Tuesday!)
It’s also mild enough that my girls will eat it without any issue. These gluten free fish sticks have a great crunch from the bread crumb coating that you’d expect when biting into a fish stick.
These are actually crunchier and crispier than anything you’d buy, and for me, a good fish stick is all about that crunch (and good fish). But really, that crunch ❤️
If you guys haven’t cooked your own seafood yet, I highly recommend it. It isn’t nearly as intimidating as you would think. First of all, you can get your fish already cut into fillets at your seafood counter and there’s very little actual prep work on your end.
You’re not de-scaling it, pulling out bones, or filleting it yourself. All you need to do is cut into your little fish sticks. All the hard work is already done for you.
These gluten free fish sticks are a great go-to meal in our house. I actually like to make quite a bit extra when I make them because they freeze so well.
Just cool completely, store in a freezer bag, and freeze until needed. When it comes time to reheat, just heat on a baking sheet in your oven at 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Whether this will be your first time preparing fish at home or your 100th, enjoy!
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Gluten Free Fish Sticks
These Gluten Free Fish Sticks, made with fresh fish, are the perfect meal for Fish Friday’s. They’re crispy, crunchy, kid (and adult) friendly, they’re easy to make and they’re a better option than the super processed store-bought version.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. Alaskan Cod fillets (I used the loin cut)*
- 2 1/2 C gluten-free breadcrumbs, plain
- 1/2 C gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 C milk
- canola oil, for frying
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
- Cut the cod into 3x1 inch strips (think classic fish stick shape) and season with salt and pepper. Set aside while setting up the dredging station.
- Add flour to a small bowl and set aside.
- In a medium size bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. Mix well.
- In a third bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- To dredge, dip the Alaskan cod into the flour, then the egg mixture and finally the breadcrumbs. Set the dredged fish sticks on a plate while finishing the rest.
- Heat 1/4-1/2 inch of canola oil in a heavy bottomed skillet over medium heat. When hot, fry the fish in batches for about 3-5 minutes TOTAL, flipping once halfway through for even browning and cooking.
- When the fish is done, remove it from the pan and place on a paper towel lined plate to soak up any excess oil. Place the fish on a sheet pan in the oven at 200 degrees to keep it hot while the remaining fish cooks. Serve hot.
Notes
You can use more or less fish, just adjust the amount of dredging ingredients as necessary.
I freeze leftovers in a freezer bag and reheat on a baking sheet in a 425 oven for 15-20 minutes.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Melissa
Friday 24th of February 2023
Hi! Could I fry these in olive oil or avocado oil?
Shay
Saturday 4th of March 2023
I would choose Avocado Oil over Olive because it has a much higher smoke point.
Theresa
Thursday 28th of April 2022
Sorry if I posted blank comments.. these look amazing! 2 questions... 1 do you have a recipe for your tartar sauce? 2 can I bake these?
I love that someone used almond milk too!
Thank you again! I'm drooling here at work. 🤭
Kathy Simkins
Saturday 4th of May 2019
I appreciate that you are so willing to share your amazing recipes. I do have a bit of a warning that I would like to share. If you are allergic to Shrimp, as I am, you should stay away from Salmon. Salmon get their gorgeous color from the shrimp or krill that they eat. I have discovered this fact the hard way. Thank heavens I can almost instantly know when I am having an allergy attack and what to do immediately. For a person that has not had a reaction yet this might save a life. Also if you wonder if you are imagining things, 10 to 15% of all gluten sensitive patients are allergic to all things mammal. So if eating a burger or cheese makes you ill you might get tested to see if you are sensitive to mammal products as I am. Experience is a hard lesson but sharing can save lives or at least make more people more comfortable.
Sandy Wolfgang
Monday 24th of September 2018
These turned out yummy, but I was wondering if you could bake them instead of frying
Sharon
Wednesday 26th of September 2018
Hi Sandy, I haven't tried baking them. You definitely could, they just won't be nearly as crispy :)
Judy
Monday 10th of September 2018
I made this tonight and all I can say is WOW! Absolutely delicious! Tastes as good (if not better) than getting fish at a chain restaurant. My husband, who is not GF, like it as well and commented that he was surprised it was GF. Keeper recipe! Thank you :)
Sharon
Wednesday 26th of September 2018
So glad you enjoyed these Judy!