Finger Fish and Chicken Nuggets – Crispy, Crunchy & Irresistible! Combo Style

 

Finger Fish and Chicken Nuggets – Crispy,

 Crunchy & Irresistible!

Nothing beats the joy of biting into a crispy, golden-brown piece of finger fish or chicken nuggets. Whether you're preparing a quick snack for kids, a party appetizer, or a delicious side dish, these recipes will always impress.

Finger Fish Recipe

Ingredients:

For Marination:

• 500g boneless fish fillets (basa, cod, or tilapia)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional for color)
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

For Coating:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1/2 cup cornflour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Oil for deep frying

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

1.     Wash the fish fillets and pat them dry with a kitchen towel.

2.     Cut them into finger-sized strips.

Step 2: Marinate the Fish

1.     In a bowl, mix lemon juice, salt, black pepper, red chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin powder, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.

2.     Add the fish strips to the marinade and coat them well.

3.     Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour for best results.

Step 3: Coat the Fish

1.     In one bowl, mix flour, cornflour, salt, and black pepper.

2.     Beat the egg in a separate bowl.

3.     Place the breadcrumbs in another bowl.

4.     Take each marinated fish strip, coat it in flour mixture, dip in beaten egg, and then coat with breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Fry the Fish

1.     Heat oil in a deep-frying pan over medium-high heat.

2.     Drop the coated fish fingers gently into the oil and fry for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

3.     Remove and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

4.     Serve hot with tartar sauce, ketchup, or garlic mayo.

Pro Tip: For an extra crispy texture, double coat the fish by dipping it again in egg and breadcrumbs before frying!

Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Ingredients:

For Chicken Marination:

• 500g boneless chicken breast (cut into small cubes)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp buttermilk (or yogurt)

For Coating:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornflour
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1.     Cut the boneless chicken into small nugget-sized pieces.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1.     In a bowl, mix salt, black pepper, red chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, soy sauce, and buttermilk.

2.     Add the chicken pieces and mix well.

3.     Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Coat the Nuggets

1.     In one bowl, mix flour, cornflour, salt, and black pepper.

2.     In another bowl, beat the egg.

3.     Place breadcrumbs in a third bowl.

4.     Take each marinated nugget, coat in flour mixture, dip in beaten egg, and then coat with breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Fry the Nuggets

1.     Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.

2.     Fry the coated nuggets in batches for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.

3.     Remove and place on a paper towel.

4.     Serve hot with BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or ketchup.

Pro Tip: If you prefer baked nuggets, preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F), place the coated nuggets on a baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halway.

Serving Suggestions & Dips

Best Dips to Pair with Finger Fish & Nuggets:

1.     Tartar Sauce: Mix mayonnaise, chopped pickles, lemon juice, and mustard.

2.     Garlic Mayo: Combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, and black pepper.

3.     Honey Mustard: Mix honey, mustard, and a pinch of salt.

4.     BBQ Sauce: A smoky and tangy dip that pairs perfectly with nuggets.

Side Dishes:

• Serve with French fries, coleslaw, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
• Add a fresh green salad for a healthier balance.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Freezing: After coating, place fish fingers or nuggets on a tray and freeze for 1-2 hours. Then transfer to a ziplock bag and store for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes or air fry for 5-7 minutes for crispiness.

Conclusion

Making homemade crispy finger fish and chicken nuggets is easier than you think! With the right seasoning and coating techniques, you can achieve perfectly crunchy, juicy, and flavorful results every time. Try these recipes and enjoy restaurant-style crispy delights at home!