Crispy Fish Fillets with Zesty Sauce

This delightful dish combines the juicy tenderness of fish fillets with a crispy breadcrumb coating, delivering an unforgettable texture in every bite. Accompanied by a tangy and spicy sauce, this meal is perfect for a family dinner or an elegant evening gathering. You'll appreciate how easy it is to make, with simple ingredients that come together quickly for a gourmet experience. The citrus notes of lemon bring a fresh burst of flavor, while the cayenne pepper adds a gentle kick. It's versatile enough to use different types of fish, depending on what's available or your personal preference. Even if you're not an experienced cook, these clear, step-by-step instructions will guide you to success. Served alongside a creamy dipping sauce with pickles and spring onions, it offers a combination of savory and tart flavors that will please any palate. Perfect for any occasion, these crispy fish fillets are bound to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. A great choice for those seeking to impress, this recipe brings both taste and elegance to the table.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 700 g fish fillets (preferably sea bass or salmon)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Zest of 1/2 lemon
• 8 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• Salt
• Pepper
• 2 eggs
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 2-3 tablespoons melted butter

For the Sauce:

• 3 spring onions
• 2 pickles
• 100 g mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• Cayenne pepper

Preparation Time

30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Fish: Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat dry. Slice them into strips about the thickness of a finger. Drizzle with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.

2. Prepare the Breading Components: In a shallow dish, mix the lemon zest with the breadcrumbs. In a separate dish, beat the eggs, and place the flour in yet another dish.

3. Make the Sauce: Clean the spring onions and finely chop them along with the green parts. Chop the pickles into the smallest pieces you can manage. Mix them well with mayonnaise and sour cream.

4. Season the Sauce: Add cayenne pepper to taste to the sauce for a spicy kick. Adjust the salt if necessary. The sauce should have a spicy and tangy flavor.

5. Bread the Fish: Coat each fish strip first in flour, shaking off the excess. Then, dip them into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll them in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

6. Cook the Fish: Heat the melted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the fish strips for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.

7. Serve: Remove the fish strips from the pan and serve immediately, accompanied by the prepared spicy sauce. Enjoy your meal!

Tips

• Fish Choice: If sea bass or salmon isn't available, cod or haddock work well too.
• Breading Tips: For extra crunch, double coat the fish by repeating the breading steps.
• Sauce Variations: For a sweeter sauce, add a teaspoon of honey to balance the heat from the cayenne pepper.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 650 per serving
• Protein: 42g
• Fat: 32g
• Carbs: 45g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with a plant-based oil and use dairy-free mayonnaise.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Garnish: Top with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor.

Best Places

1. Fisherman's Wharf - Famous for fresh seafood dishes. Location: 39 Pier, San Francisco, USA.
2. Seaside Grill - Offers great ocean views and fresh fish. Location: 401 E Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach, USA.
3. La Mar by Gastón Acurio - Known for its Peruvian seafood. Location: 500 Brickell Key Dr, Miami, USA.
4. The Fish Market - Quality seafood and a warm ambiance. Location: 750 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, USA.
5. Rick Stein's Cafe - Offers a unique twist on classic fish dishes. Location: St. Edmunds House, Saint Edmunds Lane, England.
6. Le Bernardin - An upscale dining experience with exceptional seafood. Location: 155 W 51st St, New York, USA.
7. Soulfish Café - Casual atmosphere with great catfish options. Location: 3162 Village Shops Dr, Germantown, USA.
8. Fish & Co - Modern dining with a focus on fresh and flavorful fish dishes. Location: 2 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore, Singapore.
9. The Fish Company - Traditional fish meals with a contemporary flair. Location: 7860 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, USA.
10. Hawker & Roll - Specializes in fast, fresh, and affordable seafood. Location: 144 Parnell Rd, Auckland, New Zealand.