Vegan Fish Sticks (Crispy & “Fishy”!)

Servings: 4

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 20–25 minutes

Total time: 40–45 minutes

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Ingredients

For the “Fish”

• 2 cups hearts of palm (drained and patted dry)
  (or use tofu, banana blossom, or jackfruit if you prefer)
• 1 tablespoon vegan mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon seaweed flakes (or crushed nori sheets)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Breading

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For the “Egg” Wash

• 1 cup unsweetened plant milk (soy or oat works best)
• 2 tablespoons chickpea flour (or cornstarch)

For the Crunchy Coating

• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon seaweed flakes (optional for extra “sea” flavor)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the “Fish”

1. Slice the hearts of palm into long stick shapes (about 3–4 inches).
2. In a bowl, mix:
   • vegan mayo
   • lemon juice
   • seaweed flakes
   • garlic powder
   • onion powder
   • smoked paprika
   • salt & pepper
3. Coat the hearts of palm in the mixture and let sit for 10 minutes.

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2. Set Up Breading Stations

You’ll need three bowls:

1. Bowl 1 (Flour Mix):
   • flour + salt + paprika + garlic powder + onion powder
2. Bowl 2 (Egg Wash):
   • plant milk + chickpea flour (whisk until smooth)
3. Bowl 3 (Breadcrumbs):
   • panko + lemon zest + seaweed flakes

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3. Bread the Sticks

For each stick:

1. Roll in flour mix → shake off excess
2. Dip in “egg” wash
3. Coat in panko breadcrumbs

Place on a baking tray.

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4. Bake or Air Fry

Option A: Bake

• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
• Spray or drizzle a little oil on the sticks
• Bake 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway
• Bake until golden and crispy

Option B: Air Fry

• Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C)
• Cook 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway

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Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

✅ Vegan tartar sauce
✅ Lemon wedges
✅ Vegan mayo or ketchup
✅ Fries or salad

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Optional “Fishy” Upgrade

For extra seafood flavor, add:

• 1/2 teaspoon kelp powder
• 1 teaspoon dulse flakes