Sheet Pan Fish-and-Chips

 

Fish-and-chips get a healthy makeover in this weeknight-friendly recipe! If you’re like me, then the thought of deep-frying fish in your kitchen is a smelly nightmare. In this version, the fish is baked on piles of thinly sliced potatoes and lemon until flaky and golden brown. No oil splatter, no funky fish smell. The trick is to pre-toast your breadcrumbs in the microwave. When baking quick-cooking proteins like fish, the panko doesn’t have enough time to brown. This no-fuss step gives it a head start.

 
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Serves 4

  • 1½ pounds russet potatoes (about 2 potatoes), sliced into ¼ inch thick rounds

  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced, plus 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • 2 Tablespoons thyme leaves

  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • Kosher salt and pepper

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 large eggs

  • 4 skinless cod fillets (about 6 ounces each), 1 to 1½ inches thick

  • 1 cup mayonnaise

  • 2 Tablespoons rinsed and drained capers, chopped

  • 2 Tablespoons chopped dill sprigs, plus small sprigs for garnish

  • 2 Tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish

  • Lemon wedges, for serving

     

    1. Preheat the oven to 425°. In a medium bowl, toss the potatoes with the sliced lemon, thyme leaves and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. On a rimmed baking sheet, shingle the potatoes and sliced lemon into four 6-by-4-inch rectangular piles. Roast until just tender and beginning to brown, about 30 minutes.

    2. Meanwhile, prepare the fish. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Microwave on HIGH, stirring once, until toasty and beginning to brown, about 90 seconds; let cool. Spread the flour in a shallow bowl and season with salt and pepper. In a separate shallow bowl, lightly beat the eggs. 

    3. Pat the cod dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Working one at a time, dredge the fish in the flour, then dip in the egg, letting the excess drip back into the bowl. Then, dredge the fish in the panko, pressing lightly to help it adhere. Transfer to a plate.

    4. Remove the potatoes from the oven and lay one cod fillet on each pile of potatoes. Bake until the cod is crispy and just cooked through, about 15 minutes more.

    5. Meanwhile, make the tartar sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk the mayonnaise with the capers, dill, parsley, the 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and ¼ teaspoon of pepper.

    6. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Slide a spatula underneath the potatoes and cod and gently transfer to four plates. Garnish with more dill and parsley and serve right away, passing the tartar sauce and lemon wedges at the table.