Garam Masala Fish Sticks

If you are looking for a fish sticks recipe that packs a punch and sets itself apart, then look no further! My family absolutely loves these fish sticks. Crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside, garam masala fish sticks are a breeze to make and a great way to introduce spices to the kids. 

Just a few simple ingredients and an oven are all you need to put this delicious finger food together. A flour coating seasoned with garam masala and cayenne powder followed by panko breading gives the fish sticks a satisfying crunch.

What is Garam Masala?

Garam masala is a fragrant spice blend commonly used in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine. The exact blend varies, but it commonly includes ground cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Look for it in the spice section of the grocery store, at Indian markets, and online.

Tips and Tricks for Making Garam Masala Fish Sticks

Keep a few simple tips in mind when making these fish sticks:

• If using frozen fish, completely thaw the fish in the refrigerator before using.
• Pat the fish dry using a paper towel before coating.
• Cut the fish into the same-size pieces to make sure they cook evenly.
• Season, season, season! Season the fish before breading and add salt to the flour, egg wash, and panko. 
• Be sure to flip the fish halfway through cooking for even crispness.
• Make sure the fish sticks don’t overlap or they’ll end up soggy.

How to Freeze and Reheat Fish Sticks

You can freeze cooked or uncooked fish sticks. Spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until frozen solid, 1 to 2 hours. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top freezer bag for up to a month. 

To heat, place them on a baking sheet (no need to thaw), brush with melted butter, ghee, or olive oil on both sides, and bake at 350°F until crispy and warmed through, flipping once halfway through. This will take 10 to 12 minutes for frozen cooked fish sticks and about 20 minutes for frozen uncooked fish sticks.

Using Other Kinds of Fish

Any firm white fish will work great for this recipe. If cod is unavailable, you can use haddock, tilapia, or halibut. Tilapia tend to be a lot thinner than cod, so adjust the cook time for the type of fish you use: the thinner the fish fillet, the less cook time; the thicker the fillet, the longer the cook time.

Make Fish Sticks in the Air Fryer

You can also make the fish sticks in an air fryer! You’ll get slightly crispier, more golden brown results this way:

1. Set the air fryer to 400° F. 
2. Spray the basket with cooking spray. Add the fish sticks to the air fryer basket in one even layer, making sure they do not overlap. You will likely need to cook them in batches.
3. Spray the tops with cooking spray.
4. Air fry for 5 minutes, flip the fish sticks, and cook until cooked through and crisp on both sides, another 5 to 8 minutes. 

How to Serve

These garam masala fish sticks are delicious all on their own, but they’re also great for dipping. Serve with a fun dipping sauce like tahini yogurt sauce, mint yogurt dip, or lemony yogurt sauce, which pair nicely with the spices in the breading.

Try serving garam masala fish sticks with sweet potato or root vegetable fries. Stir-fried green beans, broccoli, crispy sweet peppers, or bell pepper slices are all good options when serving them to the kids.

Baked Fish Recipes

• Sheet Pan Fish and Chips
• Crispy Baked Fish Sandwiches with Avocado Mayo and Pickled Onion
• Salsa Verde Baked Tilapia
• Sheet Pan Harissa Salmon
• Easy Salmon Foil Packets with Vegetables