Fried fish is one of my childhood favorites. Salty and crispy on the outside yet moist and flaky on the inside, fried fish has always been one of my favorites.
I'm certain my fondness for fried fish started in childhood when Mom regularly prepared it and served it with young potatoes or rice. Since going gluten free, I replaced fried fish with baked and grilled varieties but every now and again, I long for that nostalgic taste.
Cassava flour has been my saving grace in preparing my long-forgotten gluttened recipes. It has the texture of the regular wheat flour but without the phytic acid and gluten. Cassava flour has made it easier to enjoy my favorite childhood foods like this fried fish.
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House reeks when fish is cooked!
I love preparing fish and most importantly eating it. But what I don't love is my house reeking of fish, especially if the fish is fried. Some of the options to avoid that would be:
- Remember to have the kitchen vent fan going and open the kitchen windows as well so there's plenty air circulation.
- Go camping without camping! What I mean by that is take your fish outside and fry it on your patio using a patio stove such as this or this for that authentic camping look.
- Don't cook fish. Just kidding.
Note on fish!
I've forgotten what tilapia tastes like. Okay, I lie. I would, on very rare ocassion have tilapia, but only because I don't want to offend my mom or my mom-in-law which is really the only two places we would ever eat tilapia. I've tried to explain to them the dangers of this farm raised fish. I reasoned. I pleaded. I even offered money. Nope. They continue to purchase, cook and serve it just like many other cooks in America. Luckily for my moms, I still love them despite of their affinity to tilapia. And no, I didn't pay them to quit their tilapia-eating-habits.
So, what fish to use? I like to buy frozen wild cod from either Costco or Trader Joe's. Cod is a mild, white fish that is similar in taste and texture to tilapia. It's also reasonably priced compared to salmon and ahi tuna.
Gluten Free Fried Fish Recipe
Rinse and pat dry cod; cut into approximately 6-oz servings. Whisk eggs in a small dish. Combine cassava flour, sea salt and pepper together.
Heat about 1 inch of avocado oil in a cast iron skillet or another large pan that you use for frying.
Coat fish in flour, then egg, then flour again making sure it's completely covered in flour before placing it in the pan. Gently place the coated fish into the hot oil and fry for approximately 5 minutes on each side or until golden brown in color. Remove with a fish spatula or another similar tool and place on paper towel to remove excess oil. Continue with all fish pieces.
Serve immediately.
Gluten Free Fried Fish Sticks
Ingredients
- 1 lb. wild cod rinsed and patted dry
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cassava flour my pick
- 1 teaspoon sea salt my pick
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper my pick
- ½ cup avocado oil my pick
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry cod; cut into small pieces, twice the size typical fish sticks. Whisk eggs in a small dish. Combine cassava flour , sea salt and black pepper together.
- Heat about 1 inch of avocado oil in a cast iron skillet or another large pan that you use for frying.
- Coat fish in flour mixture, then egg, then flour again making sure it's completely covered in flour before placing it in the pan. Gently place the coated fish into the hot oil and fry for approximately 5 minutes or until golden brown in color.
- Carefully flip the fish and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes. Remove with a fish spatula or another similar tool and set the fish on paper towels to remove excess oil. Continue with all fish pieces.
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::: Save this Gluten Free Fried Fish Sticks recipe for later :::
::: Try these Fish Sticks with these sides :::
Parmesan & Garlic Roasted Purple Cabbage
Refreshing Turnip & Dill Salad
Olivier Salad - Real Food Style
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linda spiker says
Yummy. Yummy. Yummy! Looks perfectly crisp and tender!
Anya says
Thank you Linda. 🙂
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says
These look so good!!! I loved fish stick as a child and I haven't had them in years. I can't wait to make these.
Anya says
Thanks Emily. It's one of my favorites too!
Michelle says
I love fish sticks!! And I also WILL NEVER use tilapia!! Some family members just don't understand :/
Anya says
I do too, Michelle. And yes, there are other much better options than tilapia.
Renee Kohley says
Such a great simple kid friendly recipe! Love it! We love Costco's wild caught fish too - While we love the salmon, I love the price point of the cod 🙂
Anya says
I agree, Renee - cod is more realistic for small budgets and hungry tummies.
Beth says
My husband loves fish and chips. Thanks for this healthier version - he'll be excited to see it on the menu soon!
Anya says
Yay!! So glad to hear that Beth.
Megan Stevens says
These look perfect! I love your recipe!
Anya says
Thank you Megan.
Tash says
I bet the avocado oil makes these taste delicious!
Anya says
Yes, avocado oil is the best for frying.
Jolene @ Yummy Inspirations says
Looks deliciously crispy! My kids would love them!
Anya says
Thanks Jolene. 🙂
Michelle Childs says
I didn't know Costco had any wild caught fish. I never looked! This recipe looks so delicious and easy! Love that. Thank you for sharing.
Anya says
Yes, I love their frozen fish.
Missy says
Looks delicious! I grew up eating fried fish and often miss it.
Anya says
Thanks Missy. It's a comfort food, isn't it?