Fried Lemon Pepper Salmon Sticks with Old Bay Blue Cheese

### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Start by cutting the **salmon fillets** into bite-sized sticks (about 1-2 inches wide and 3-4 inches long). If you prefer a different shape, feel free to adjust the size to suit your preferences. Make sure to remove any bones from the fillets before slicing.

#### Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
To create the crispy coating for the salmon sticks, set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:

1. **Flour and Seasonings:** In the first bowl, combine the **all-purpose flour**, **cornmeal**, **lemon pepper seasoning**, **Old Bay seasoning**, **garlic powder**, **salt**, and **black pepper**. Mix everything together until well-combined.
2. **Egg Wash:** In the second bowl, beat the **eggs** until smooth.
3. **Breadcrumbs:** In the third bowl, place the **panko breadcrumbs**. These will give the salmon sticks their extra crispy texture.

#### Step 3: Bread the Salmon Sticks
Take each piece of salmon and first dip it into the flour mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated. Then, dip it into the egg wash to ensure the breadcrumbs will stick. Finally, roll the salmon stick in the **panko breadcrumbs** until fully coated. Repeat for all the salmon pieces.

#### Step 4: Fry the Salmon Sticks
In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about **1-2 inches of vegetable oil** over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of breadcrumb into the oil; if it sizzles, the oil is ready.

Carefully add the breaded salmon sticks to the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook each batch for about **3-4 minutes per side**, or until the salmon is golden brown and crispy. The inside should be tender and flaky. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried salmon sticks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

#### Step 5: Make the Old Bay Blue Cheese Sauce
While the salmon sticks are frying, it’s time to prepare the dipping sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the **blue cheese crumbles**, **sour cream**, **mayonnaise**, **lemon juice**, **Old Bay seasoning**, and **garlic powder**. Mix until smooth, adding **milk** a tablespoon at a time to adjust the consistency to your liking. The sauce should be creamy but still thick enough to dip the salmon sticks into. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

#### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once all the salmon sticks are fried and drained, serve them on a platter with a bowl of the Old Bay Blue Cheese sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra **Old Bay seasoning** or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a finishing touch. These crispy, flavorful salmon sticks are perfect for sharing with friends and family!

### Tips and Variations:

– **Baking Option:** If you prefer a healthier version of this dish, you can bake the salmon sticks instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to **400°F (200°C)**, place the breaded salmon sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for **12-15 minutes**, or until golden brown and cooked through. Be sure to flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
– **Spicy Variation:** For an extra kick, you can add a little bit of **hot sauce** or **cayenne pepper** to the Old Bay Blue Cheese sauce or sprinkle some **paprika** over the salmon sticks before frying.
– **Gluten-Free Option:** Substitute the **all-purpose flour** and **panko breadcrumbs** with gluten-free alternatives to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
– **Lemon Zest:** Add a little **lemon zest** to the breadcrumb mixture to intensify the fresh lemon flavor in the fried salmon sticks.

### Why You’ll Love Fried Lemon Pepper Salmon Sticks with Old Bay Blue Cheese:

These fried lemon pepper salmon sticks offer a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The **crispy, golden exterior** gives way to a **tender, flaky salmon** inside, and the **lemon pepper** seasoning provides a zesty tang that pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy Old Bay Blue Cheese sauce. The **Old Bay seasoning** in both the salmon and the dipping sauce enhances the overall savory profile, making every bite full of flavor.

This dish is incredibly versatile, perfect for a light meal, appetizer, or snack. It’s also a fun way to enjoy salmon in a different form, and the crunchy coating will make it a hit with both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a weeknight dinner, or looking for a delicious seafood dish to impress your guests, these **Fried Lemon Pepper Salmon Sticks with Old Bay Blue Cheese** are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

### Final Thoughts:

If you love seafood and are looking for a fun, flavorful way to enjoy salmon, these **Fried Lemon Pepper Salmon Sticks with Old Bay Blue Cheese** should be at the top of your list. With a crispy exterior, tender interior, and bold dipping sauce, this dish combines the best of both worlds—crunchy and creamy, zesty and savory. Try it out and enjoy a new twist on classic salmon!