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.