If you have been searching for a fun twist on a classic comfort food, then this Homemade Salmon Fish Fingers Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Imagine tender, flaky salmon wrapped in a crisp, flavorful crust that delivers both a satisfying crunch and a burst of savory goodness in every bite. These fish fingers are simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough to impress guests. Plus, making them from scratch means you control the quality ingredients and flavors, elevating a familiar dish into something truly memorable and wholesome.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, keeping things simple but packing in a punch of flavor, texture, and color. Each item has been carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of moist, flaky salmon and crunchy, golden crust.
- Salmon fillets: Choose fresh, skinless, and boneless—not only for easy handling but for tender fish fingers that melt in your mouth.
- Breadcrumbs (preferably panko): The secret to that irresistible crispy exterior that keeps your fish fingers delightfully crunchy.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory depth to the coating, enhancing every bite with richness.
- Flour: Essential for the initial dredging to help the egg stick, which in turn holds the breadcrumbs perfectly.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs create the sticky layer for the crumb coating to adhere tightly.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes and a subtle pop of green color.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a welcoming warmth and aroma that complements the salmon.
- Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a beautiful hint of color to the crust.
- Salt and pepper: The foundation of seasoning that brings all the flavors together perfectly.
- Olive oil or vegetable oil: Needed for frying to give your fish fingers that golden-brown finish with a hint of crispness.
How to Make Homemade Salmon Fish Fingers Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Salmon
The first step is to prepare your salmon properly. Trim off any remaining bones and skin to ensure a smooth texture in every bite. Then, cut the fillets into finger-sized pieces, about 2 to 3 inches long. This size cooks evenly and is just right for dipping and snacking. Handling the salmon with care here guarantees tender pieces ready to be coated and cooked to perfection.
Step 2: Setting Up Your Breading Stations
Next, create your breading stations to get a seamless coating. Pour the flour into one shallow bowl; this initial layer helps the egg wash stick better. Beat the eggs in a second bowl to create a sticky binding layer. The third bowl is where all the magic happens—combine your panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture not only clings to the fish but infuses every bite with layers of crispiness and flavor.
Step 3: Coating the Salmon Fingers
Now the fun part: dredge each salmon piece first in flour, tapping off any extra, then dip it fully into the beaten eggs. Finally, roll each piece generously in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring every surface is well covered. This triple layer of flour, egg, and crumbs creates the signature crunchy crust that’s so satisfying to bite into.
Step 4: Cooking Your Homemade Salmon Fish Fingers
You have two delicious options to cook your fish fingers. For a lighter approach, bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) on parchment-paper-lined trays for 12 to 15 minutes, drizzled lightly with olive oil to promote golden crispness. Alternatively, heat a non-stick skillet with oil over medium heat and fry the pieces for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until beautifully golden and crispy. Both methods result in juicy, perfectly cooked salmon encased in a delightful crust.
How to Serve Homemade Salmon Fish Fingers Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your homemade salmon fish fingers with fresh lemon wedges; their zesty brightness brilliantly cuts through the richness of the fish. A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley adds a fresh, green note that’s as visually appealing as it is tasty. You might also try a dollop of tangy tartar sauce or a cool yogurt-dill dip for contrast and creaminess.
Side Dishes
Complement these crispy delights with wholesome sides such as sweet potato fries, a crunchy garden salad, or velvety mashed potatoes. For a lighter touch, steamed greens or a vibrant quinoa salad with citrus vinaigrette provide fantastic textures and colors to round out your meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring an element of fun to your table by serving your Homemade Salmon Fish Fingers Recipe as part of a platters-style spread complete with an assortment of dips and colorful veggies for dipping. For kids or casual dining, arrange the fish fingers on a skewer with alternating cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices for handheld party treats that everyone will love. You can also place them on mini slider buns with fresh slaw for an irresistible twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover salmon fish fingers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days and make for a convenient snack or quick lunch the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked, breaded fish fingers by placing them on a tray lined with parchment and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 1 month. This method keeps them separated so they don’t stick together and lets you enjoy homemade goodness anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, place your fish fingers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) on a baking sheet for about 8-10 minutes. This method helps maintain their crispiness without drying them out. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, frozen salmon can work well as long as it’s fully thawed and patted dry before breading. This ensures the coating sticks properly and your fish fingers cook evenly.
Is it possible to bake instead of fry the fish fingers?
Absolutely! Baking is a great option that makes this recipe lighter without sacrificing flavor or crunch. Just be sure to drizzle a little oil on top to help them crisp up in the oven.
What can I serve with homemade tartar sauce?
Tartar sauce pairs wonderfully with these fish fingers for a tangy contrast. You can also try aioli, honey mustard, or a simple squeeze of lemon for different dipping experiences.
How do I prevent the breadcrumbs from falling off?
Ensuring you follow the three-step coating method—flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs—helps the crumb mixture stick well. Press the crumbs gently onto the fish pieces for a secure coating.
Can kids eat these homemade salmon fish fingers?
Definitely! These fish fingers are a fantastic way to introduce children to the delicious flavors and benefits of salmon, all wrapped up in a fun, easy-to-eat form that’s both nutritious and tasty.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting and satisfying about homemade fish fingers, and with this Homemade Salmon Fish Fingers Recipe, you get to enjoy a fresher, tastier, and healthier version made with love. Whether you bake or fry them, pair them with your favorite sides, or get creative with presentation, these salmon fish fingers are sure to become a cherished meal in your household. Give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new go-to for quick, delicious family dinners!
Print
Homemade Salmon Fish Fingers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Baking and Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These homemade salmon fish fingers are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried fish sticks, featuring tender salmon coated with a crispy Parmesan and breadcrumb crust. Perfectly seasoned and easy to prepare either by baking or frying, they make a great meal for lunch or dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Salmon Fish Fingers
- 2 salmon fillets (about 300g), skinless and boneless
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup flour (for dredging)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying or drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you plan to bake the fish fingers. Alternatively, if frying, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Cut the Salmon: Slice the skinless, boneless salmon fillets into finger-sized pieces, approximately 2-3 inches long, perfect for dipping and eating.
- Set Up Coating Stations: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour for dredging the salmon, a second with beaten eggs, and a third with a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Fish: Dredge each salmon piece first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally roll it thoroughly in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture to ensure a full coating.
- Bake Option: Place the coated salmon fingers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle lightly with olive oil to promote browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Fry Option: Heat about 2 tablespoons of olive or vegetable oil in the skillet over medium heat. Fry the coated salmon fingers for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked fully. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Serve the hot salmon fish fingers with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty meal.
Notes
- Panko breadcrumbs create a crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the fish fingers before serving.
- If baking, placing the fish fingers on a wire rack over the baking sheet can help them become crispier.
- You can substitute Parmesan with a grated hard cheese of your preference if desired.
- Make sure the salmon pieces are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Use fresh parsley for vibrant flavor but dried parsley can be used in a pinch.
