There’s something magical about comfort food, it warms your soul and fills you with joy. This week on Food For Stories, I’m sharing a recipe close to my heart… a crispy fish finger sandwich, made with fresh Irish cod and paired with a refreshing leek and apple slaw. The twist? The fish fingers are coated in crunchy cornflakes for a perfectly golden bite every. single. time.
What makes this recipe even more special is its story. It’s inspired by life on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, where fresh fish and wholesome ingredients are part of everyday life. Sprinkle this zesty, juicy dish with heartfelt stories shared by my guests, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for connection.
Crispy Cornflake Fish Finger Sandwich with Irish Cod, Leek & Apple Slaw
Ingredients
For the Fish Fingers:
- 400 g Fresh Irish cod fillets, cut into fingers
- 1 lemon (juice)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 100 g plain flour
- 150 g cornflakes, blended to a medium-coarse crumb
For the Leek & Apple Slaw:
- 1 medium leek (white and green parts), sliced thinly
- 1 medium apple, finely chopped
- 50 g raisins
- 50 g chopped walnuts
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 Zest of lemon
For the Sandwich
- 4 slices of crusty bread or soft sandwich rolls
- 2 slices Gherkins (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Prep The Cod Fish
- Squeeze lemon juice over the fish fingers and let sit for 5-6 minutes. Dab off excess moisture with a paper towel. Season the fish by whisking salt, lemon pepper, dill and olive oil.
- Blend cornflakes to a medium-coarse crumb.
- Set up a dipping station with first bowl of flour eggs, second bowl of eggs and third bowl with blended cornflakes
- Dip each fish finger into flour, then egg, and finally cornflakes. Set aside.
Prepare the Leek & Apple Slaw:
- Pour boiling water over the sliced leek to soften and neutralise its intensity. Drain and squeeze out excess water. Let it cool.
- Combine leek, apple, raisins, and walnuts in a bowl. Add mayo, a drizzle of lemon juice, pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
Cook The Fish:
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the fish fingers for 6-7 minutes, turning until golden and crispy. Adjust cooking time if fish fingers are thinner.
Assemble the Sandwich:
- Spread a generous amount of leek and apple slaw on the bread.
- Layer the crispy fish fingers on top. Add sliced gherkins if desired. Serve immediately.
Video
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing this dish with loved ones, I hope this crispy fish finger sandwich brings a little bit of Irish warmth and joy to your home.
Don’t forget to watch Episode 5 of Food For Stories for the full experience!