Crispy Beer-Battered Fish Sticks with Cajun Remoulade & Cheesy French Fries -

Indulge in the delightful crunch of homemade crispy beer-battered fish sticks, complemented by a zesty Cajun remoulade and cheesy French fries. This combination offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and a umami kick from the remoulade. Not only is this dish incredibly satisfying, but it’s also relatively simple to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or a special treat on weekends. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through making these delicious bites step by step, ensuring that your culinary adventure is a success.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe is a winner for several reasons. First, the crispy beer-battered fish sticks provide a comforting taste of nostalgia, reminiscent of classic fish and chips. The addition of the Cajun remoulade adds a flavorful kick that elevates the whole dish to a new level. Plus, who can resist cheesy French fries? The recipe is not only straightforward but also adaptable—feel free to switch up the fish or adjust the spice levels in the remoulade to suit your taste. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works for families, friends, or even a solo indulgence.

Ingredients

Here’s what you will need for each component of this dish:

For the Fish Sticks:

1 lb (450g) firm white fish (cod, haddock, or pollock), cut into 1-inch thick strips
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (60g) cornstarch
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tsp salt
1 cup (240ml) cold lager beer or club soda (for non-alcoholic)
1 egg (optional, for extra crispiness)
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Cajun Remoulade:

½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise
1 tbsp Creole mustard or Dijon
1 tbsp hot sauce (e.g., Crystal or Tabasco)
1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tsp lemon juice
½ tsp Cajun seasoning

For the Cheesy French Fries:

2 large russet potatoes, cut into fries
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp powdered cheese (like cheddar or nacho flavor)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Cheesy Fries – Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). To prepare the fries, soak the potato strips in cold water for about 10 minutes to remove excess starch. After soaking, drain and pat the fries dry with a kitchen towel. Then, toss them with vegetable oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Spread the fries on a baking sheet in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly. Bake them for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy. While they are still hot, dust them with powdered cheese for an extra cheesy flavor.

Step 2: Make the Remoulade – In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the Cajun remoulade: mayonnaise, Creole mustard, hot sauce, sweet pickle relish, smoked paprika, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, and Cajun seasoning. Stir everything together until well blended. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the fish sticks.

Step 3: Fry the Beer-Battered Fish Sticks – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Gradually pour in the cold beer, whisking continuously until the batter is smooth and resembles pancake batter. If you’re opting for extra crispiness, add an egg to the batter and mix until combined. Next, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot until it reaches 375°F (190°C). Dip each strip of fish into the batter, allowing excess batter to drip off before frying. Carefully place the fish into the hot oil in batches, frying for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer the cooked fish sticks to a wire rack to drain the excess oil.

Step 4: Serve – Arrange the crispy beer-battered fish sticks and cheesy French fries on a serving platter. Serve the Cajun remoulade in a small ramekin for dipping. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for presentation before diving into this delightful dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cod, haddock, and pollock are great options, you can also use firm fish such as halibut or tilapia. Just ensure the fish is fresh and cut into appropriate sizes for frying.

2. Is the Cajun remoulade spicy? Can I adjust the heat level?

The remoulade has a kick from the hot sauce and Cajun seasoning. You can adjust the spice level according to your preference by reducing the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce or even omitting them entirely for a milder version.

3. How can I make this recipe healthier?

To make the dish healthier, consider baking the fish sticks rather than frying them. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour and sweet potato fries instead of regular fries for added nutrients.

4. Can I prepare the remoulade in advance?

Yes! The remoulade can be made a day in advance. Just keep it sealed in the refrigerator, and it will develop even more flavor overnight.

5. What side dishes pair well with this meal?

You can serve the beer-battered fish sticks and fries with coleslaw, salad, or pickled vegetables to complement the richness of the dish. These sides help to balance the meal with freshness.

Conclusion

Making crispy beer-battered fish sticks with Cajun remoulade and cheesy French fries is not only a result of culinary creativity but also a gateway to bringing family and friends together around the table. This recipe combines ease of preparation with satisfying flavors and textures, making it a must-try for any seafood lover. Whether you are looking for a hearty meal or a fun dinner option, these fish sticks will surely be a hit. Roll up your sleeves and dive into this crispy, flavorful delight today!