Fish on a Stick (Sole Satay)
What’s for dinner? Fish on a stick! More specifically, sole satay—a fun, fast, and family-friendly dish that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Delicate Massachusetts-caught sole fillets are sliced, skewered, and flash-fried until golden and crispy. Whether you’re cooking with kids or just want a creative twist on a weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers on flavor and fun.
Get your dipping sauces ready… because who doesn’t love eating fish off a stick?
Ingredients
Makes 6–8 skewers
- 1 lb sole fillets (grey sole, lemon sole, yellowtail sole, or fluke)
- Salt and pepper
- ½ cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water if grilling instead of frying)
- Neutral oil for frying (canola or vegetable oil work well)
- Your favorite dipping sauces (e.g., tartar, sweet chili, soy-ginger, garlic mayo)
Instructions
- Prep the Fish.
Pat the sole fillets dry. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cut each fillet in half lengthwise to form long strips. - Skewer.
Take a wooden skewer and gently weave it through the center of each strip, creating a tight wavy pattern on the end of the stick. This helps the fish stay in place and fry evenly. - Dredge.
Lightly coat each fish skewer in flour, shaking off the excess. - Heat the Oil.
In a deep pan or pot, heat oil to 375–400°F. Make sure there’s enough oil to submerge the fish portion of the skewer while keeping the handle end above the oil line. - Fry.
Carefully lower each skewer into the hot oil, keeping the handle end resting on the pot’s rim. Fry for 2–3 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels. - Serve.
Plate with an array of dipping sauces and fresh lemon wedges. These are best eaten hot—straight off the stick!
Fun, Fast, and Fried to Perfection
This whimsical twist on fish sticks brings out the best in local flatfish. With minimal prep and maximum fun, it’s a perfect way to get kids excited about eating fresh seafood—or just to mix things up on a summer night.
Have a go-to dipping sauce or variation? Let us know in the comments or tag @OnTheWaterMagazine with your Fish-on-a-Stick creations!
