Hearts of Palm “Fish” Sticks
Did you grow up on fish sticks from the freezer aisle?
Well, I have good news: I’ve given this childhood classic a complete gut-friendly makeover. I promise, no one at the table will miss the original.
My Hearts of Palm “Fish” Sticks swap out the fish for hearts of palm, one of my favorite prebiotic powerhouses. (And you can find them at Costco in big jars!)
Hearts of palm may look strange, but they’re loaded with soluble fiber that feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut, helping you feel and look your best!
Serve them with my Tangy Ranch Dressing and Lectin-Light Ketchup (found in the Plant Paradox Family Cookbook)… and watch them disappear.
Ingredients
Method
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Add the hearts of palm, Parmigiano-Reggiano, parsley, flaxseed, Old Bay, paprika, oregano, black pepper, and nori to a food processor fitted with an S-blade. Pulse until well combined. Let the mixture rest for 5–10 minutes to allow the flaxseeds to thicken it.
- Test whether the mixture can be molded into "sticks" by hand. If yes, skip to step five. If it's too thin, add tapioca starch one tablespoon at a time and continue blending. If it's too thick, add water—one tablespoon at a time — until the mixture is moldable.
- Shape the mixture into sticks and place on the prepared baking sheet. (Don't worry about perfection at this stage — just aim for the right shape and size.)
- Freeze the sticks for 15–30 minutes, until firm enough to handle.
- While the sticks freeze, whisk together the remaining tapioca starch and flour in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs.
- Dip each frozen stick in the egg mixture, then coat evenly in the flour mixture. If they still feel soft, freeze for a few more minutes before cooking.
- Spray a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil and place it in a cold oven. Preheat the oven (and baking sheet) to 425°F. Once hot, spray the sheet with a second coat of oil and arrange the sticks in a single layer. Spray the tops with olive oil. Bake for 8–10 minutes, flip, then bake another 4–5 minutes until heated through. Sprinkle with sea salt and serve.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Spray the basket with olive oil and arrange the sticks in a single layer, cooking in batches as needed. Cook for 5–6 minutes, flip, then cook another 5–6 minutes. Sprinkle with sea salt and serve.
P.S. Looking for a side to go with this recipe that is more addictive than potato chips or fries? Watch this video for 3 tasty recipes.
