Fried Lemon Pepper Salmon Sticks with Old Bay Blue Cheese

Looking for a quick, flavorful seafood snack or appetizer? These Fried Lemon Pepper Salmon Sticks with Old Bay Blue Cheese Sauce are perfect for satisfying cravings and impressing guests! Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these salmon sticks are seasoned with zesty lemon pepper and paired with a tangy, creamy blue cheese sauce that brings a delightful twist to every bite.

Who Will Love This Recipe?

This recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers who enjoy bold flavors! It’s ideal for gatherings, a delicious snack, or a fun appetizer. These lemon pepper salmon sticks are easy to make, packed with flavor, and will leave everyone reaching for more.

Before starting, make sure you have:

• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Shallow dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork
• Deep pan or skillet
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Paper towels
• Small bowl (for sauce)
• Serving platter

For the Salmon Sticks:

• 1 lb (450g) skinless salmon fillets
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Old Bay Blue Cheese Sauce:

• ½ cup blue cheese, crumbled
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

1. Prepare the Salmon Sticks:

• Slice the salmon fillets into thin strips, resembling fish sticks, for even cooking and easy serving.

2. Coat the Salmon:

• In a shallow dish, mix the flour, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt. This will give the salmon sticks a crispy, flavorful coating.
• Dip each salmon strip into the beaten eggs to coat, then roll it in the flour mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating adheres. Repeat until all salmon strips are coated.

3. Fry the Salmon Sticks:

• Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.
• Carefully add the coated salmon sticks in batches to avoid overcrowding, which ensures even frying.
• Fry each stick for about 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

4. Prepare the Old Bay Blue Cheese Sauce:

• In a small bowl, mix the crumbled blue cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and black pepper until creamy and smooth.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

• Arrange the hot Fried Lemon Pepper Salmon Sticks on a serving platter and serve with the Old Bay Blue Cheese Sauce for dipping.

• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour.
• Add Extra Zest: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon sticks right before serving.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicier kick.

• Serve as a Snack or Appetizer: These salmon sticks are perfect for parties or family gatherings.
• Pair with Refreshing Drinks: Serve with lemonade, sparkling water, or a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
• Complementary Side Dishes: These salmon sticks pair well with a fresh green salad, coleslaw, or seasoned potato wedges.

1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets, but be sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before slicing and coating.

2. Can I bake these salmon sticks instead of frying?
Absolutely! To bake, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the coated salmon sticks on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover salmon sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until warm and crispy.

4. Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, the Old Bay Blue Cheese Sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before serving.

5. What other sauces go well with these salmon sticks?
In addition to the blue cheese sauce, try serving with tartar sauce, garlic aioli, or even a lemon-dill yogurt sauce for variety.

Fried Lemon Pepper Salmon Sticks with Old Bay Blue Cheese

Fried Lemon Pepper Salmon Sticks with Old Bay Blue Cheese is a delightful appetizer or main dish featuring crispy, golden salmon sticks seasoned with lemon pepper for a zesty, savory flavor. These salmon sticks are quick to prepare, pan-fried to perfection, and paired with a creamy, tangy Old Bay blue cheese dip that adds an extra layer of flavor. This recipe brings together the boldness of lemon pepper and the rich taste of blue cheese with a hint of Old Bay seasoning, perfect for seafood lovers. Great for game days, gatherings, or simply a delicious, fun-to-eat meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American, Seafood

Servings 4

Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

• Cutting board and Chef’s knife
• Mixing Bowls
• Spatula
• Skillet or frying pan
• Paper towels
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients

  

For the Salmon Sticks:

• 1 lb fresh salmon fillets skinless and cut into strips
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko for extra crunch
• 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil for frying
• Optional: lemon wedges for serving

For the Old Bay Blue Cheese Dip:

• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1 garlic clove minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Salmon Coating
• In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the beaten eggs in a second bowl and the breadcrumbs or panko in a third bowl.
• Coat the Salmon Sticks
• Dip each salmon strip into the flour mixture, coating it well, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally roll in the breadcrumbs or panko to form an even crust. Set aside on a plate.
• Make the Old Bay Blue Cheese Dip
• In a mixing bowl, combine the blue cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and minced garlic. Stir well until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Fry the Salmon Sticks
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon sticks in a single layer (working in batches if necessary). Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to turn the sticks carefully.
• Drain and Serve
• Transfer the fried salmon sticks to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Serve hot with the Old Bay blue cheese dip on the side, and garnish with lemon wedges if desired.

Video

Notes

• For an air-fryer option, preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook the salmon sticks for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• If you prefer a milder dip, reduce the amount of blue cheese or substitute with ranch dressing.
• This recipe also works with cod or tilapia, but cooking times may vary slightly.
• Leftover dip can be used as a dressing for salads or a spread for sandwiches.

Keyword Fried Lemon Pepper Salmon Sticks with Old Bay Blue Cheese