Oven baked grouper fingers are crispy on the outside, flaky and tender on the inside, and full of delicious flavor in every bite. Learn how to make the best homemade fish sticks in less than 30 minutes with this easy seafood recipe!

Fish sticks are a classic family-friendly dinnertime favorite. Sure, tossing a batch of frozen sticks in the oven is great for a quick and casual meal... But once you learn how easy it is to make them from scratch you'll never want to go back! These grouper fingers taste better, are more wholesome, and are surprisingly simple to prepare.

I love grouper and already have a few super popular grouper recipes with high rating. Check them out:

• Grouper recipe(pan seared)
• Air fryer grouper
• Baked grouper( whole grouper baked in the oven)

Meaty, firm and flaky pieces of whole grouper are ideal for dredging in panko to get the crispiest fish sticks possible. (This homemade fish fingers recipe is also great to customize with your choice of breadcrumb seasonings!) And because we use a thick batter made with egg and mayo, the breading is sure to stick onto the fish.

The fingers bake in the oven for under 15 minutes and come out crunchy, moist, and super flavorful every time. They are perfect to serve with nearly any side dish as a comforting dinner meal with a bit of flair!

Recipe ingredients

Grouper filet. Fresh or frozen. If using frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight or run under cool water to defrost. Pat dry before proceeding.

Egg. The foundation for a thick breading that will be extra crispy.

Mayo. My secret ingredient for the most moist and flaky fish sticks. Mayo with egg helps to ensure that the batter will stick to the fish.

Flour. For a tasty breading that is light but crunchy.

Salt and pepper. Classic cooking spices to bring together all of the ingredients.

Panko. Use seasoned breadcrumbs for no-fail perfect flavor.

How to make grouper fingers

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the desired temperature before baking the fish.
2. Prepare the fish: Rinse the grouper fillet and pat it dry with paper towels. Cut the fillet into 1-inch-wide strips, ensuring they are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
3. Make the batter: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the large egg, all-purpose flour, mayonnaise, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to create a smooth and slightly thick batter.
4. Panko crumbs: Pour the 1 ½ cups of panko bread crumbs onto a large plate or shallow dish, spreading them out evenly.
5. Bread the fish: One at a time, dip the grouper strips into the prepared batter, making sure each strip is fully coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off before immediately transferring the strip to the plate with panko crumbs. Press the crumbs into the fish to ensure an even and adherent coating. Repeat this process for all the strips.
6. Prepare the baking tray: Lightly grease a large baking tray with cooking spray or oil. Place the breaded fish strips onto the tray, spaced evenly apart to ensure proper cooking and crisping.
7. Spray with oil: Lightly spray the tops of the breaded grouper fingers with cooking spray or oil to help them brown and crisp up during baking.
8. Bake: Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and cook the fish strips for 13 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Grouper should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.

Best sauces for fish sticks

• Tartar sauce
• Cocktail sauce
• Ketchup
• Honey mustard
• BBQ sauce
• Bang bang sauce
• Ranch dressing

Variations

Gluten free. Use your choice of gluten free panko breadcrumbs to make gluten free grouper fingers.

Seasonings. Here I use seasoned Panko breadcrumbs, which typically has spices like dried parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can buy plain Panko and add whatever spices you like! Try this recipe with Cajun, taco, Old Bay, lemon pepper, or other seasoning blends.

Other fish. Make these oven baked fish fingers with any firm fish. Cod, halibut, sea bass, and even salmon are delicious options.

Deep frying. Baking the fish makes them nice and crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. For an even crunchier breading you can deep fry the fingers instead.

Add 2 inches of fry oil (like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil) to a deep pot and heat to 375 degrees. Carefully add the battered fish sticks to the hot oil and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, until lightly golden. Set on paper towels or a rack to drain off excess oil.

Air frying. Keep the oven open for other dishes, like baking in the oven this method is healthier than deep frying.

Frequently asked questions

Side dishes

1. Coleslaw: A simple and classic side dish that adds a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm fish sticks. You can buy premade coleslaw or make your own with shredded cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and salt.
2. Steamed or roasted vegetables: Pair your fish sticks with a mix of colorful, seasonal vegetables like broccoli, carrots, green beans, or zucchini. You can steam or roast them for a healthy and delicious side.
3. Mashed potatoes: Creamy and comforting, mashed potatoes are a great side for fish sticks. You can also opt for sweet mashed potatoes for a unique twist.
4. Rice or quinoa: Serve your fish sticks with a side of rice, quinoa, or another grain. You can add flavor by cooking the grains in broth and seasoning them with herbs and spices.
5. Salad: A simple green salad with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and your favorite dressing adds a fresh and healthy touch to your meal.
6. Corn on the cob: A warm and buttery corn on the cob adds a touch of sweetness that complements the flavors of the fish sticks.
7. Tartar sauce or aioli: While not a side dish, a dipping sauce like tartar sauce or aioli can enhance the flavor of your fish sticks and bring the whole meal together.

Storage instructions

Store grouper fingers leftovers in the air tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Fish is better when eaten as soon as possible though. Reheat in the air fryer, microwave or in the oven.

You can also freeze fish. Use a freezer safe plastic container or a ziplock bag for up to 3 months.

You may also like

• Red Argentinian shrimp recipe
• Shrimp tartare
• Wahoo recipe
• Air fryer jerk salmon recipe
• Cajun angel hair pasta
• Air fryer haddock
• Air fryer pollock

Hope you will like this grouper fingers recipe as much as we do. Rate the recipe if you like it and leave a commend below if you have any questions or suggestions.