This dish offers a delightful contrast between the crispy texture of the salmon sticks and the creamy, tangy flavors of the Old Bay Blue Cheese Sauce. It’s a unique and tasty way to enjoy salmon as a snack or main course.
The Fried Lemon Pepper Salmon Sticks with Old Bay Blue Cheese Sauce recipe is an enticing and flavorful way to enjoy salmon. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the instructions:
Ingredients:
For the Salmon Sticks:
- 1 lb (450g) skinless salmon fillets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Old Bay Blue Cheese Sauce:
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
- Cut the salmon fillets into long, thin strips resembling fish sticks.
2. Prepare the Dredging Mixture:
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt.
3. Dredge the Salmon Strips:
- Dip each salmon strip into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Roll the egg-coated salmon strip in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat with the remaining salmon strips.
4. Heat the Oil:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is about 2 inches deep.
5. Fry the Salmon Strips:
- Carefully add the coated salmon strips to the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Fry for approximately 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Flip the sticks halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
6. Drain Excess Oil:
- Once cooked, transfer the fried salmon sticks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. Prepare the Old Bay Blue Cheese Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
8. Serve:
- Serve the Fried Lemon Pepper Salmon Sticks hot with the Old Bay Blue Cheese Sauce on the side for dipping.
here are some additional tips and suggestions to further enhance the Fried Lemon Pepper Salmon Sticks and Old Bay Blue Cheese Sauce:
Salmon Preparation:
- Consistent Sizing: When cutting the salmon into strips, try to keep them similar in size to ensure even cooking.
Dredging Process:
- Coating Efficiency: Ensure a thorough coating of the salmon strips with the egg wash and the seasoned flour mixture to achieve a crispy and flavorful crust.
Frying Technique:
- Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil at an ideal frying temperature (around 350-375°F or 175-190°C) to ensure that the salmon cooks through and crisps up without absorbing excess oil.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Working in batches prevents overcrowding, allowing the salmon strips to cook evenly and maintain their crispy texture.
Old Bay Blue Cheese Sauce:
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You might want to add more lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, or black pepper to suit your taste.
- Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more crumbled blue cheese to achieve the desired texture.
Presentation and Serving:
- Garnish: Consider adding a fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives over the salmon sticks and sauce for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Serving Options: These salmon sticks make an excellent appetizer or main dish. Serve them alongside a fresh green salad or with sides like rice, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes.
Healthier Alternatives:
- Baking Option: If you prefer a healthier cooking method, you can bake the salmon sticks in the oven at a high temperature until they’re golden and crispy. Lightly brush them with oil before baking.
Quality of Ingredients:
- Freshness of Salmon: Fresh salmon can greatly impact the overall taste and texture. Opt for high-quality, fresh salmon for the best results.
Customization:
Feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. For example, you might want to incorporate other spices or herbs into the seasoned flour mix for added flavor.
Enjoy this dish as a delightful appetizer or main course, and don’t hesitate to get creative and make adjustments to match your culinary preferences!
