Fried Lemon Pepper Salmon Sticks with Old Bay Blue Cheese

• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

How to Make Fried Lemon Pepper Salmon Sticks with Old Bay Blue Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Sticks

1. Cut the salmon: Start by cutting your salmon fillets into thick strips, about 1-2 inches wide. You can adjust the size depending on how thick or thin you prefer your salmon sticks.
2. Prepare the breading station: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg. In a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Coat the Salmon

1. Dredge the salmon: First, dip each salmon strip into the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
2. Dip in egg: Next, dip the floured salmon into the beaten egg, allowing any excess egg to drip off.
3. Coat in breadcrumbs: Finally, roll the salmon strip in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. The panko breadcrumbs give the salmon a light, crispy crust.

Step 3: Fry the Salmon Sticks

1. Heat the oil: In a large frying pan, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. To test the oil, drop a small piece of breadcrumb in—if it sizzles, the oil is hot enough.
2. Fry the salmon sticks: Carefully place the salmon strips into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the salmon sticks for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. You may need to flip them gently with tongs to ensure an even fry.
3. Drain excess oil: Once the salmon sticks are crispy and golden, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Old Bay Blue Cheese Dip

1. Combine the dip ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the blue cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and hot sauce (if using). Stir well until smooth and creamy.
2. Season to taste: Taste the dip and add salt and pepper if needed. The Old Bay seasoning should add plenty of flavor, but you can adjust the heat or tanginess to suit your preference.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the fried lemon pepper salmon sticks hot and crispy with the Old Bay blue cheese dip on the side for dipping. You can garnish with extra lemon wedges or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a pop of color.

Tips for the Best Fried Lemon Pepper Salmon Sticks

• Use fresh, high-quality salmon: The key to these crispy salmon sticks is using fresh, high-quality fish. If possible, opt for wild-caught salmon for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the salmon sticks in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause them to cook unevenly and become greasy.
• Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch: Panko breadcrumbs give the salmon sticks a lighter, crunchier texture than regular breadcrumbs. They help create that perfect golden crust without making them too heavy.
• Adjust the seasoning: If you prefer a spicier dip, feel free to add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Old Bay blue cheese dip. For a tangier flavor, a bit more lemon juice can brighten it up.
• Serve with sides: These salmon sticks go great with a variety of sides, such as a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or crispy fries. They’re also delicious with a side of coleslaw for a full meal.

Serving Suggestions

• As an appetizer: These crispy salmon sticks are perfect for serving as finger food at parties, game nights, or family gatherings. The creamy, spicy Old Bay blue cheese dip pairs perfectly with the zesty, crunchy salmon.
• As a main dish: Serve them with a side of mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a light salad for a full meal that’s both satisfying and healthy.
• On a sandwich: Turn these salmon sticks into a delicious sandwich by placing them on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and extra blue cheese dip for a unique twist on a classic fish sandwich.

Why You’ll Love Fried Lemon Pepper Salmon Sticks with Old Bay Blue Cheese

These fried lemon pepper salmon sticks are a perfect balance of crispy, juicy, zesty, and savory. The light and crunchy exterior perfectly complements the rich, tender salmon inside. The Old Bay blue cheese dip brings a creamy, bold contrast to the fried sticks, with a bit of tang, heat, and depth that elevates the dish.

The combination of fresh lemon pepper seasoning and the smoky, spicy Old Bay makes this dish incredibly flavorful, and the creamy blue cheese dip adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re a fan of seafood or simply love trying new flavors, these salmon sticks are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a way to make salmon exciting and full of flavor, Fried Lemon Pepper Salmon Sticks with Old Bay Blue Cheese are your answer. These crispy, golden salmon sticks, paired with the rich, tangy dip, offer a unique and satisfying experience that’s sure to impress. With just a few ingredients and a simple preparation process, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home. So, grab your salmon, fire up the oil, and get ready to indulge in this mouthwatering treat!