Fried Lemon Pepper Salmon Sticks with Old Bay Blue Cheese is a delightful combination of crispy, flavorful fish and a creamy, zesty dip. Here’s a step-by-step recipe to make this delicious dish:
Fried Lemon Pepper Salmon Sticks with Old Bay Blue Cheese
Ingredients:
- For the Salmon Sticks:
- 1 lb (450g) fresh salmon fillets, skin removed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Old Bay Blue Cheese Dip:
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (optional, for thinning)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Salmon Sticks:
- Cut the salmon fillets into strips, about 1-inch wide.
- Set Up Breading Stations:
- In three separate shallow bowls, prepare the breading stations:
- Bowl 1: All-purpose flour.
- Bowl 2: Lightly beaten eggs.
- Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs mixed with lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest.
- In three separate shallow bowls, prepare the breading stations:
- Bread the Salmon Sticks:
- Dredge each salmon strip in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured salmon strip into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat the salmon strip in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere. Place the breaded salmon strips on a plate or tray.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking (about 350°F or 175°C).
- Fry the Salmon Sticks:
- Carefully place the breaded salmon sticks into the hot oil, a few at a time, without overcrowding the pan.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the salmon sticks from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the Old Bay Blue Cheese Dip:
- In a medium bowl, combine the blue cheese crumbles, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and minced garlic. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- If the dip is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to achieve the desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Serve the fried lemon pepper salmon sticks hot with the Old Bay blue cheese dip on the side. Garnish with extra lemon zest and fresh herbs if desired.
Tips:
- Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough to avoid soggy breading, but not too hot to prevent burning.
- Baking Option: For a healthier version, bake the breaded salmon sticks in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until crispy and cooked through, flipping halfway.
- Dip Variations: If you prefer a different flavor, try ranch dressing or tartar sauce as an alternative dip.
Enjoy your crispy and flavorful Fried Lemon Pepper Salmon Sticks with the tangy and creamy Old Bay Blue Cheese Dip!
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