Spicy Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe
These Spicy Mozzarella Cheese Sticks offer a crispy, golden exterior with a gooey, melted center, enhanced by a flavorful spicy honey-soy dipping sauce. Perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack, they combine a crunchy double-coated panko crust with a zesty, creamy sauce featuring salsa macha and Japanese mayo.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cheese sticks 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Sticks
- 8 oz mozzarella block, cut into ½ inch thick rectangles
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs, pulverized
- ½ tsp seasoned salt
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Avocado oil, for frying
- Black sesame seeds, for topping
- Toasted sesame seeds, for topping
Spicy Honey-Soy Sauce
- ⅔ cup rice vinegar
- ⅔ cup honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2½ tbsp salsa macha
- 2½ tbsp Japanese mayo
- 1 tiny garlic clove, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese sticks: Cut the mozzarella block into rectangles about ½ inch thick, ensuring even sizes for uniform cooking.
- Make egg wash: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and whole milk until well combined.
- Season panko breadcrumbs: Add the seasoned salt to the pulverized panko breadcrumbs and mix thoroughly.
- Coat the mozzarella: Dredge each mozzarella stick first in flour, then dip into the egg wash, and coat with the seasoned panko. For extra crispiness, repeat dipping in the egg wash and panko for a double dredging.
- Freeze the coated sticks: Place the breaded cheese sticks in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes to firm up before frying, which helps prevent cheese leakage.
- Prepare the spicy sauce: In a skillet, combine rice vinegar, honey, grated garlic, and soy sauce. Simmer the mixture over medium heat until it thickens slightly and can coat the back of a spoon.
- Finish the sauce: Add salsa macha and Japanese mayo to the skillet. Reduce heat to low and whisk continuously until the sauce is smooth and well incorporated.
- Fry the cheese sticks: Heat avocado oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches, cooking for 1 to 3 minutes or until they are fully golden brown and crispy.
- Coat and serve: Drain the fried sticks on paper towels briefly, then toss them in the prepared spicy honey-soy sauce. Finally, sprinkle with black and toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Freezing the breaded cheese sticks before frying helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for even frying and optimum crispiness.
- For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of salsa macha in the dipping sauce.
- You can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat gently before serving.
- Be sure to use good quality mozzarella for best melting results, such as a low-moisture mozzarella block.
Keywords: mozzarella sticks, spicy cheese sticks, fried cheese appetizer, crispy cheese sticks, panko crust, spicy dipping sauce, honey soy sauce, salsa macha, party snacks
Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/spicy-mozzarella-cheese-sticks-recipe/
