Forktionary

Baked Fish Nuggets Recipe

Transform frozen tilapia into irresistible baked nuggets! This kid-friendly recipe combines crispy bread crumbs and cornmeal for a delightful crunch, perfectly baked to flaky perfection. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce – ketchup for the little ones and tartar sauce for the adults – alongside crispy tater tots and applesauce for a complete and satisfying family meal. A quick and easy weeknight dinner that's surprisingly elegant!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 37 mins
Calories 176.7 kcal
Protein 11g
Rating 5.0 (4 Reviews)
Baked Fish Nuggets 36

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Baked Fish Nuggets

  • Tilapia Fillets
  • Skim Milk
  • Fresh Breadcrumb
  • 1/2 cup cornmeal
  • Ground Pepper
  • Cooking Spray
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

How to Make Baked Fish Nuggets

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread 1 cup of fresh breadcrumbs on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown.
  2. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
  3. Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
  4. Cut 1 lb (5 pieces) of thawed tilapia fillets into 1-inch thick slices.
  5. Place the tilapia slices in a bowl and pour in 1/4 cup of milk. Gently stir to coat.
  6. In a large resealable bag, combine the toasted breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup cornmeal, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  7. Remove the tilapia from the milk using a slotted spoon, and add to the bag with the breadcrumb mixture.
  8. Seal the bag and shake gently until all the fish pieces are evenly coated.
  9. Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray.
  10. Arrange the coated tilapia nuggets on the prepared baking sheet.
  11. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  12. Bake for 15-25 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

7 g

Sugar

5g

Fat

2g

Carbs

11g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner Seafood The Americas American Baking

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Preparation Main Dish Seafood Kid Friendly Fish Dietary Freshwater Fish Tilapia