Crispy Baked Brown Bullhead Bites with Tartar Sauce

Another excellent way to enjoy your fish is breading them. It is a family favorite in our home. There are never leftovers on the table. Even the youngest ones enjoy it. Paired with tartar sauce, it is absolutely delicious.

Ingredients:

For the Brown Bullhead Bites:
- 1 pound brown bullhead fillets, skin removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil

For the Tartar Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped pickles (dill or sweet)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

For the Brown Bullhead Bites:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Breading Station:
- In three separate bowls, place the all-purpose flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in the third.

3. Coat the Bullhead Bites:
- Take each brown bullhead bite and coat it in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the coated bite into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Finally, coat the bite with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs.

4. Bake the Bites:
- Place the coated bullhead bites on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the bites with cooking spray or drizzle with a little olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and cooked through. You can flip them halfway through for even browning.

For the Tartar Sauce:

1. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chopped pickles, chopped parsley, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined.

2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the tartar sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add more lemon juice, salt, or pepper if needed.

Serve and Enjoy:

- Once the brown bullhead bites are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Serve the crispy baked brown bullhead bites with the homemade tartar sauce on the side for dipping.
- These bites are great as an appetizer, snack, or part of a seafood platter.

Note:

- Brown bullhead is known for its mild flavor and tender flesh. The baking process ensures that the fish remains moist on the inside while getting crispy on the outside.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings and ingredients in the tartar sauce to match your preferences.
- Always ensure that the fish is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork before serving.