Fish Nuggets

Note/Suggestions: This recipe can be doubled or tripled and kept frozen for 3-6 months.

Ingredients:
  • 1 lb boneless fish fillets cut into small pieces (about 2-3 bites sized)
  • 3 cups fresh breadcrumbs*
  • 3 T Seafood Mixed Seasoning
  • 1 cup safflower oil or other vegetable oil
Equipment:
  • 2 cookie sheets or freezer safe tray
  • tin foil or parchment paper or professional baking mat
  • whisk
  • 1 platter
  • 2 shallow vessels: one large, one medium
Directions:
  1. Line a cookie sheet or freezer safe tray with tin foil.
  2. Set up three stations: 1.) platter of prepared fish; 2.) medium-sized shallow vessel for oil; 3.) large shallow vessel for breadcrumbs.*
  3. Using a whisk, mix together the breadcrumbs with fish seasoning
  4. Take fish pieces in batches of 3-4 pieces at a time, and dip into oil, then coat both sides and edges with breadcrumbs. Press breadcrumbs onto fish, firmly alternating sides.
  5. Place fish pieces on the prepared tray in a single layer. Continue process until all fish is coated.
  6. Cover trays with plastic wrap and place in freezer overnight.
  7. When fish pieces are frozen, place into a labeled freezer bag and return to the freezer for use in the future.
  8. To Cook: Remove the amount you want to cook (2-3 per child) and cook on a cookie sheet (with parchment paper, a professional baking mat or sprayed with cooking spray) at 350F for about 20 minutes. For a crunchier coating, flip the pieces over about half way through the cooking process.
Tip: Fresh breadcrumbs allow you to choose what ingredients go into your dish. Choose healthy whole grain breads. If you are allergic to wheat, choose potato bread or alternative bread. Fill food processor with bread, crust and all. Process until bread is reduced to small crumbs. Empty bowl and continue with more bread. I do this with a whole loaf of bread and put the unused, unseasoned crumbs in a resealable bag then into the freezer. It only takes a few minutes to do. With breadcrumbs at the ready, other recipes are easier to accomplish.

Fish Options: Tilapia, Sole, Catfish, Halibut, Cod, and Bass are all good choices for this recipe. Check local markets and availability in your area. Frozen fillets work well too.  Check out this link to the Monterey Bay Aquariaum to find out more about the best seafood to buy in your area of the United States:  Seafood Watch