🌶️ Spicy Fish Nuggets Recipe
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
🐠 Ingredients
For the Fish:
1 lb (450 g) white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, haddock, or pollock)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Juice of ½ lemon
For the Coating:
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs (beaten)
1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
2 tbsp cornmeal (optional for extra crunch)
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
For Frying:
Vegetable oil for deep or shallow frying
🔪 Instructions
1. Prep the Fish
1. Cut the fish into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes).
2. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. In a bowl, season fish pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon juice.
4. Toss well and let marinate for 10–15 minutes.
2. Coat the Fish
1. Set up three shallow bowls:
Bowl 1: flour
Bowl 2: beaten eggs
Bowl 3: breadcrumbs mixed with cornmeal and chili flakes
2. Dredge each fish piece in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat in breadcrumbs.
3. Place coated nuggets on a tray and refrigerate for 10 minutes to help the coating stick.
3. Fry the Nuggets
1. Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry nuggets in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp.
3. Drain on paper towels.
(You can also bake them at 400°F / 200°C for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, or air fry at 380°F / 193°C for 10–12 minutes.)
🌶️ Spicy Dipping Sauce Ideas
1. Spicy Mayo:
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp sriracha
½ tsp lemon juice
2. Sweet Chili Dip:
¼ cup sweet chili sauce
1 tsp hot sauce
1 tsp lime juice
🍋 Serving Suggestions