Crispy Herby Fish Fingers with a Midwest Twist: Kansas-Style Chinese Rice Recipe

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Herby Fish Fingers with Chinese-Style Rice: A Taste of Kansas Fusion

In the heartland of America, where wide-open prairies meet a culture of simple, hearty meals, there's room for a little international inspiration. Kansas, known for its farm-fresh ingredients and down-to-earth cooking, is the perfect place to enjoy a fusion dish that brings together crispy, herb-crusted fish fingers with the savory flair of Chinese-style rice. This meal combines the best of both worlds—Kansas' love for freshly sourced ingredients and the bold, vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine. It's easy, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners.

Kansas might be miles away from the coast, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a delicious seafood-inspired dish. These Herby Fish Fingers are coated in a blend of fresh herbs that give them a burst of flavor. Paired with a side of Chinese-style rice that’s full of bright vegetables, soy sauce, and a hint of sesame, this meal offers something for everyone. The contrast of the crispy fish with the savory, stir-fried rice makes it a delightful dish that brings a touch of international flair to a traditional Kansas kitchen.

Recipe: Herby Fish Fingers with Chinese-Style Rice

Ingredients:

• 400g firm white fish fillets (such as cod), cut into finger-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 100g breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp fresh herbs (such as parsley, coriander, or dill), finely chopped
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 200g basmati rice
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 red pepper, finely chopped
• 100g frozen peas
• 2 spring onions, sliced
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Set up three shallow bowls—one with flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with the finely chopped fresh herbs.
3. Coat each piece of fish first in the flour, then dip it into the egg, and finally roll it in the herby breadcrumbs until fully covered.
4. Arrange the fish fingers on the baking tray, drizzle with vegetable oil, and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
5. While the fish is baking, cook the basmati rice according to the package instructions.
6. Heat sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, and red pepper, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until softened.
7. Stir in the cooked rice, soy sauce, frozen peas, and spring onions, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
8. Serve the crispy herby fish fingers alongside the savory Chinese-style rice, and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a finishing touch if desired.

A Meal That Celebrates Flavor and Freshness

The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity. The herby fish fingers are tender and flaky inside, with a satisfying crunch on the outside, thanks to the breadcrumb coating infused with fresh herbs. Each bite is packed with flavor, and when paired with the Chinese-style rice, it's a feast that feels light yet fulfilling. The rice, with its vegetables, soy sauce, and sesame oil, adds an Asian-inspired twist that keeps things interesting while still offering comfort food vibes.

This recipe works beautifully for a quick weeknight dinner or even a weekend family meal where you want to try something different. It's a fusion that Kansans will love—simple ingredients, a touch of international flair, and a hearty, wholesome finish. Whether you're enjoying the crisp fish fingers or the rich flavors of the stir-fried rice, each bite is a celebration of good food done right.

Here are the sources for the Herby Fish Fingers with Chinese-Style Rice recipe. You can find variations of this recipe across several food sites that explore different ways to create herbed fish fingers and flavorful rice dishes.

1. Recipes.net offers a detailed version with crispy fish fillets coated in a breadcrumb and herb mixture, paired with Chinese-style stir-fried rice​(Recipes.net).
2. The Cook Book provides a variation that emphasizes brown basmati rice and fresh vegetables like French beans, peas, and spring onions, along with tamari and sesame oil for a robust flavor​(The Cook Book Pakistan)​(The Cook Book Pakistan).
3. On Good Pair Days, they discuss serving herbed fish fingers with rice cooked with a medley of Asian-inspired ingredients, giving a wholesome, balanced meal​(The Last Glass).

Each site provides its own spin on this delicious and family-friendly recipe. You can visit the links for more details on the ingredients and instructions tailored to different dietary preferences and cooking styles.