There’s a reason that National Tartar Sauce Day is the Friday after the beginning of Lent. Tartar sauce is the ideal partner to many different seafood dishes. Tartar sauce is of French origin and combines mayonnaise with diced pickles, onions, dill and lemon juice. Get your tartar sauce on with the following inexpensive and easy fish dishes.
Salmon Croquettes
Start with one 15.5 ounce can of pink salmon. Combine with three beaten eggs, one and a half cups of crushed crackers, half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of red pepper. Once fully combined, form 12 patties out of the mixture. Heat oil in a heavy skillet to about 375 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also use a deep fryer. Fry until golden brown and drain on paper towels. These crispy patties are excellent served with tartar sauce.
Jerk Catfish
Catfish tends to be a very inexpensive fish that you can buy either fresh or frozen. It lends itself well to pungent spices like Jamaican jerk seasoning. For four six-ounce catfish fillets, you’ll need about four teaspoons of jerk seasoning to coat each fillet. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and coat it well with cooking spray. Cook fillets for about three minutes on each side. Some jerk seasonings can be quite hot, so cooling tartar sauce is the perfect accompaniment.
Fish Tacos with Tequila and Lime
Another inexpensive fish is tilapia. For this recipe, start with a 30 minute marinade. Combine a splash of olive oil, tequila and agave syrup with the zest of one lime, a clove of chopped garlic, a pinch or two of chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste. For toppings, use pickled red onions. Combine thin slices of half a red onion with a splash of rice vinegar and a dash of salt. Other tasty toppings include avocado, sriracha, cilantro, lime slices and shredded cabbage. The creamy coolness of tartar sauce also goes well with this. When the fish is done marinating, cook in a grill pan over medium high heat until the fish is flaky. Sprinkle with lime juice before removing it from the pan. If you’re using flat corn tortillas, char those briefly in the pan before serving.
Flounder Milanese
Flounder is another inexpensive fish that works well in a light breading and garnished with tartar sauce. This recipe is for four four-ounce flounder fillets. Season fish initially with salt and pepper, then set aside while you make the breading. Put two large egg whites in a shallow dish and beat well. In another dish, add 2/3 cup of Italian seasoned bread crumbs. Dip the fillets into the egg whites, then in the bread crumbs. Once fully coated, spray one side with cooking spray and place oil-side down in a hot grill pan. Coat the other side at this time. Cook for five minutes per side for a golden coating and opaque fish fillets.
Fish and Chips
There’s no better fish pairing for tartar sauce than fish and chips. For this recipe you’ll need one pound of 1/2 inch thick fish fillets. Cod is the standard type of fish for this dish, and usually the least expensive, but you can also use halibut or salmon. Cut four medium potatoes into wedges for the chips portion. Cook the chips in a deep fryer with at least two inches of oil at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry in batches for four to six minutes. Keep warm in an oven preheated to 300 degrees.
Prepare the beer batter for the fish by combining one cup of flour, one cup of beer, two eggs, half a teaspoon of baking powder, and salt and pepper in a bowl. Whisk strongly to make smooth. Dip fish in batter and then place in the 375 degree oil. When you’re doing frying, keep the fish warm in the oven.
Fish Fillet Sandwich
Use an inexpensive white fish for a cheap and easy dinner. Preheat the oven and baking sheet at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Cut fillets to a bun size and season with salt and pepper. Meanwhile, prepare two dishes; one with a beaten egg and the other with a combination of equal parts bread crumbs and flour, plus a dash of salt, pepper and garlic powder. Dip fish in egg first and let it drip off before coating it in the flour and bread crumb mixture. Coat each fillet with cooking spray before placing on the baking sheet spray-side down, then coat the other side. Cook for about 10 minutes on one side and flip to cook the other side for 5-10 minutes. Toast buns and melt cheese on them if you wish. Place fish on the buns and garnish with tartar sauce and shredded lettuce. You can also add sliced onions or tomato if you wish.
Easy Pan Fried Fish
Another super simple and cheap recipe involves a quick and easy pan fry. Combine egg and water in a shallow dish and then cornmeal or fine bread crumbs in another dish with some seasoned salt. Dip fish into egg mixture and then into the cornmeal or bread crumbs. Heat a quarter inch of oil in a heavy skillet and fry fish on each side until golden. If the fish has skin, fry that side last. You can easily modify this recipe with different coatings like crushed potato chips or panko. Serve with tartar sauce and a slice of lemon.
