Fish & chips get an elegant upgrade with Fillo Pastry Fish Parcels! Instead of deep frying, flaky white fish is wrapped in crisp, golden layers of delicate fillo pastry, locking in moisture and flavor. The result? A lighter, crunchier, and more refined take on the classic pub favorite! Pair these crispy fish parcels with crushed peas and a side of fries for an authentic Irish experience, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, a cozy dinner, or a weekend indulgence. Serve with tartar sauce for an extra layer of flavor, and enjoy a dish that’s both crispy and creamy, light yet satisfying!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 sheets of fillo pastry
- 6 cod fillets (skin and bones removed, about 1 ½ pounds)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 8 tablespoons butter or oil
- 6 ounces herb & spice cream cheese spread
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly brush it with oil.
- Rinse cod fillets and pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt, lemon pepper, and Old Bay seasoning.
- Lay one sheet of fillo pastry on a flat surface and brush lightly with melted butter or oil. Place another sheet on top and repeat the process. Keep the remaining fillo covered to prevent drying.
- Place a seasoned cod fillet on the narrow end of the fillo pastry and top with 2 tablespoons of cream cheese.
- Fold the sides of the pastry over the fish, brush the edges with butter, and roll into a parcel. Brush the outside with butter and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Repeat the process for the remaining fillets.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is golden brown.
- Serve with a side of crushed peas or salad, and traditional chips (fries).
Crushed Peas (Optional):
- Blanche 3 cups of frozen peas for 1 minute, then transfer them to an ice bath. Drain and pat dry.
- Toss peas with 3 tablespoons of melted butter and lightly mash with a potato masher.
- Season with black pepper to taste.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes Kcal: 372 kcal | Servings: 6
Why Choose Fillo Pastry for Fish & Chips?
Fillo pastry is a game-changer in the world of crispy coatings. Unlike heavy batters, it provides an ultra-thin, delicate crunch that enhances rather than overpowers the fish. Here’s why fillo pastry makes a fantastic alternative to deep-fried batter:
1. Lighter and Healthier
Since this recipe bakes instead of fries, it significantly reduces the amount of oil used in cooking. Traditional fish & chips are often deep-fried in heavy batter, which can absorb a lot of grease. With fillo pastry, you get a crispy, golden-brown crust with just a light brush of butter or oil a much healthier alternative without sacrificing texture.
2. Flaky and Crunchy Texture
Fillo pastry bakes into delicate, golden layers that shatter with each bite. This gives the fish a beautifully crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender and moist. The contrast between flaky pastry and succulent fish makes every bite a delight.
3. Elevated Presentation
This dish looks incredibly elegant on the plate. The wrapped fish parcels resemble something you’d find at a high-end restaurant rather than a casual fish & chips shop. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or a cozy night in, the refined presentation will impress your guests.
4. Versatility in Flavor
Because fillo pastry is neutral in taste, it allows the seasonings, herbs, and fish flavors to shine. You can customize this dish by experimenting with different seasonings, fillings, and sauces, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
Choosing the Right Fish for This Recipe
The best fish for this recipe is a firm, white fish that holds its shape well while baking. Some excellent choices include:
- Cod – The classic choice for fish & chips, cod is mild, flaky, and pairs beautifully with the crispy fillo pastry.
- Haddock – A slightly stronger flavor than cod but equally delicious, haddock has a tender yet firm texture that works well in this dish.
- Halibut – A premium option, halibut is thicker and meatier, giving the dish a more substantial bite.
- Pollock – A budget-friendly alternative that still delivers on flavor and texture.
Regardless of which fish you choose, be sure to use fresh, high-quality fillets for the best results. The delicate crispness of the fillo complements moist, flaky fish, so selecting a fresh fillet is key.
The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Fillo Fish
Since fillo pastry is much thinner than traditional batters, there are a few tricks to ensure it bakes to golden perfection:
1. Keep the Fillo Pastry Moist
Fillo pastry dries out quickly, so it’s important to keep it covered with a damp kitchen towel while you’re working with it. This prevents it from becoming brittle and difficult to handle.
2. Brush with Butter or Oil
Each layer of fillo pastry needs a light brushing of butter or oil to achieve that crispy, flaky texture. Be careful not to overdo it too much butter can make the pastry soggy instead of crisp.
3. Bake at High Heat
A high oven temperature (around 400°F / 200°C) ensures the pastry crisps up quickly while keeping the fish inside tender and juicy.
4. Avoid Overstuffing
Adding too much filling can make it difficult for the pastry to crisp up properly. Keep the fish portions moderate and ensure the fillo is folded snugly but not too tightly around the fillet.
Serving Suggestions: The Perfect Pairings
A great fish dish deserves equally great sides and sauces. Here are some perfect pairings to complete your meal:
1. Classic Chips (French Fries)
No fish & chips meal is complete without crispy, golden fries. You can bake, fry, or air-fry your chips for the perfect accompaniment.
2. Crushed Peas
A popular side dish in the UK and Ireland, crushed peas add a fresh, slightly sweet contrast to the crispy fish. They’re easy to make simply blanche, mash, and season with butter and black pepper.
3. Tartar Sauce
Creamy, tangy tartar sauce is the ultimate dipping companion for fish. Made with mayonnaise, pickles, lemon juice, and capers, it brings a delicious zing to each bite.
4. Fresh Green Salad
If you prefer a lighter side, a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the crispy fish parcels. The acidity helps cut through the richness of the dish.
5. Lemon Wedges
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the fish just before serving brightens the flavors and adds a touch of freshness.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. It can be served as:
✔️ A casual, comforting dinner – Swap out deep-fried fish & chips for this healthier alternative on a weeknight.
✔️ A fancy dinner party main course – The elegant presentation makes it a show-stopping dish for guests.
✔️ A festive meal for St. Patrick’s Day – Give a nod to Irish traditions with this delicious twist on a pub favorite.
✔️ A great option for seafood lovers – If you love fish but want a lighter, crispier take on classic recipes, this one is for you!
Conclusion:
If you love the flavors of traditional fish & chips but are looking for a lighter, more elegant version, this Fillo-Wrapped Fish & Chips recipe is the perfect solution. By swapping out deep-fried batter for delicate fillo pastry and baking instead of frying, this dish delivers all the crunch without the grease.
The result is a beautifully golden, flaky, and flavorful fish dish that’s easy to prepare yet impressive enough for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation.