Crispy Cod Strips with Tartar Dipping Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Cod Strips are a delightful dish featuring golden, crunchy fish on the outside and tender, flaky texture inside. Paired with a tangy tartar dipping sauce, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare at home.
Ingredients
- 500 g (1 lb) fresh cod fillets, cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1½ cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying (or use air fryer)
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional, for extra flavor in breadcrumbs)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp finely chopped pickles or relish
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp capers (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley or dill
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat cod strips dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Step 2: Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder (add Parmesan here if using).
- Step 3: Dip each cod strip first in flour, then in egg, and finally coat well with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure adhesion.
- Step 4: To fry, heat oil in a skillet to 180°C (350°F) and cook the strips for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. For air frying, spray the coated strips lightly with oil and cook at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through. Drain on paper towels if fried.
- Step 5: To make the tartar sauce, mix mayonnaise, chopped pickles, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, capers, and herbs in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then chill for at least 15 minutes before serving.
- Step 6: Serve the crispy cod strips hot with tartar dipping sauce and lemon wedges. They go wonderfully with fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs and add grated Parmesan to the coating mixture.
- If you prefer baking, coat the strips and bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Fresh herbs like dill or parsley in the tartar sauce add a bright, fresh flavor.
- Use lemon wedges to brighten and balance the richness of the fried fish.
Storage
Store any leftover crispy cod strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness, avoiding the microwave which can make them soggy. Keep the tartar sauce chilled separately and use within 3 days.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry to remove excess moisture for the best crispiness.
Is air frying a healthier option?
Air frying reduces the amount of oil needed while still creating a crispy texture, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying.
Print
Crispy Cod Strips with Tartar Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy Cod Strips with Tartar Dipping Sauce feature golden, crunchy fish strips with a tender, flaky interior, perfectly paired with a tangy, creamy tartar sauce. This easy-to-make dish offers a delightful texture and flavor combination, ideal for a satisfying meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Cod Strips:
- 500 g (1 lb) fresh cod fillets, cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1½ cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying (or use air fryer)
- Optional: 1 tbsp grated Parmesan in breadcrumbs
- Optional: Lemon wedges, for serving
For the Tartar Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp finely chopped pickles or relish
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp capers (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley or dill
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod strips dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Lightly season them with salt, pepper, and paprika to enhance flavor.
- Coat the Fish: Place the flour in one bowl, the beaten eggs in a second bowl, and mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder in a third bowl. Dip each cod strip into the flour first, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.
- Fry or Air-Fry: For frying, heat vegetable oil in a skillet to 180°C (350°F) and fry the coated cod strips for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. For air-frying, lightly spray the coated strips with oil and air-fry at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness. Once cooked, drain on paper towels.
- Make the Tartar Sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, finely chopped pickles or relish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, optional capers, and chopped parsley or dill. Mix thoroughly and season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill the sauce for at least 15 minutes before serving to meld flavors.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve the crispy cod strips hot alongside the tartar dipping sauce and fresh lemon wedges. This dish pairs wonderfully with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture.
- If using an air fryer, spraying the fish lightly with oil helps achieve a crispier texture.
- Patting the cod strips thoroughly dry before seasoning ensures better coating adhesion.
- Feel free to swap parsley with dill in the tartar sauce depending on your preference.
- Leftover tartar sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: crispy cod strips, tartar sauce, fish strips, fried fish, air fryer fish, homemade tartar sauce, seafood appetizer
