Fillo pastry-wrapped fish is the new and lighter version of Irish fish & chips. Delicious, tender fish complements the flaky pastry perfectly.
This fillo pastry fish & chips recipe is off the charts, you guys! Think of it as a better, lighter version of fish fry.
It's like your pub's fish fry went to Paris and came back all sophisticated, dressed in delicate ruffles and lace, irresistible and delectable. It's really, really good, is what I'm trying to say. Pot of gold!
I developed this recipe in partnership with The Fillo Factory. I'm so grateful that they trusted me because I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out. It's safe to say, it turned out amazing!
Although I cooked for just the two of us, I bought extra fish in case I ruin it and have to go with plan B (which I didn't even have).
We ate the leftovers two days later and it was still delicious. You'd think the fillo pastry would've gotten all soggy, but it didn't. It was a little softer than it was on day one, but it still retained the crunch. That's what I call quality fillo!
"Fighting Irish"
In a town that is "Fighting Irish" (Go Notre Dame!), fish & chips is a hot item especially during Lent and on St. Patrick's Day. The downtown gets crowded and temporary tents provide loud music, seas of fish & chips, and floods of beer.
Spring won't arrive in our city for another month or two, but the green masses compensate for what the ground is lacking. If you don't wear green, you'll get pinched and if your green attire is not ND branded, you're offending the whole city. Yeah, we're that proud! 🍀
Sometimes it's best to stay home and celebrate quietly and safely. I prefer a good homemade meal over bar food you have to eat next to an obnoxious drunk. You know the saying "if it's too loud, you're too old"? It must be true. 😔
We'll have some friends over and enjoy these fillo fish parcels, beer (Melontini for me), chips, and Irish crushed green peas (salad for husband). I'll make cherry blossoms for dessert with those extra fillo sheets. How about you? How do you celebrate St. Partick's Day?
How to Make Fillo Pastry Fish & Chips:
- Rinse and pat dry cod fillets with paper towels. Season with salt, lemon pepper, and Old Bay seasoning.
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Lightly brush with oil. Set aside. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Meanwhile, gently place one sheet of fillo pastry on a large cutting board or working surface and lightly brush with butter or oil. Immediately top with the second sheet of fillo and brush with butter. Cover the remaining fillo to prevent drying.
- Lay one seasoned fillet along the narrow end of the fillo and top with about 2 tablespoons cream cheese. Fold sides of pastry over the fish and brush edges with butter. Roll fish and fillo up to form a parcel. Brush with butter. Place on prepared pan.
- Repeat with remaining ingredients. Bake 20-25 minutes or until pastry is golden brown.
- Serve on a bed of crushed peas or salad, topped with tartar sauce, and alongside 'chips' (French fries).
Crushed peas (optional)
- Blanche 3 cups frozen peas for about 1 minute and drain them, then immediately shocking them in the ice water. Drain the peas again and pat them dry on a large towel.
- Toss the peas with 3 tablespoons melted butter. Using a potato masher, lightly crush the peas. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
Fillo Pastry Fish & Chips Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 sheets Fillo Factory fillo pastry
- 6 cod fillets skin and bones removed (about 1 ½ pounds)
- Lemon pepper seasoning
- Old Bay seasoning
- Salt to taste
- 8 tablespoons butter or oil
- 6 ounces herbs & spices cream cheese spread
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry cod fillets with paper towels. Season with salt, lemon pepper, and Old Bay seasoning.
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Lightly brush with oil. Set aside. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Meanwhile, gently place one sheet of fillo pastry on a large cutting board or working surface and lightly brush with butter or oil. Immediately top with the second sheet of fillo and brush with butter. Cover the remaining fillo to prevent drying.
- Lay one seasoned fillet along the narrow end of the fillo and top with about 2 tablespoons cream cheese. Fold sides of pastry over the fish and brush edges with butter. Roll fish and fillo up to form a parcel. Brush with butter. Place on prepared pan.
- Repeat with remaining ingredients. Bake 20-25 minutes or until pastry is golden brown.
- Serve on a bed of crushed peas or salad, topped with tartar sauce, and alongside 'chips' (French fries).
Crushed peas (optional)
- Blanche 3 cups frozen peas for about 1 minute and drain them, then immediately shocking them in the ice water. Drain the peas again and pat them dry on a large towel. Toss the peas with 3 tablespoons melted butter. Using a potato masher, lightly crush the peas. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
Expert Tips
- You can substitute cod with another white and firm fish like haddock, pollock, or halibut.
- Mix fresh herbs (chives, dill, parsley), paprika, and garlic powder with plain cream cheese.
Barrie Mooney says
What a good idea! I would never have thought- but I would try this in a minute!
Jas says
Thanks, Barrie! It surprised me how good it was. 🙂
Miz Helen says
What a great tailgate party and your Fish and Chips look fantastic! Thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with us at Full Plate Thursday. Have a great week and come back soon!
Miz Helen
Jas says
Thanks so much for your kind comments and ratings. Hugs
laura says
What a great idea! I love out of the box thinking!!
Jas says
I appreciate it, Laura! 🙂
Teresa says
Looks and sounds delicious! Thank you for linking up to Party in Your PJ's!
Jas says
Thanks for having me, Teresa!
Linda S says
I have been adding more fish to our menu and this looks delicious. Pinning this one and will be trying it soon. Thank you!
Jas says
Thank you much, Linda! I'm sure you'll love it. 😀
Marie | DIY Adulation says
This looks amazing! I never would have though of using fillo pastry to lighten up fried fish. Can't wait to put this on the next meal plan. Thanks so much for sharing your recipe with us at Merry Monday this week!
Jas says
Happy you like it, Marie! It was really a special treat. 🙂
Honest Mum says
Wow Jas, how innovative is that?! As a British Greek girl, I've never seen filo pastry used in that way. Bet it was yummy x
Jas says
Hey, Vicki! As a Bosnian American girl, I think it's pretty dope too :D. It was beyond yummy. Hugs and smiles across the miles...
angie says
this looks so yummy the whole family loves fish, I believe I will have to make them this recipe thanks so much for sharing
Jas says
I'm so glad you like it, Angie! It was a winner with my family. 🙂
Thelma Day says
Looks delicious!. Thanks for sharing. I must try it.
Jas says
Thank you, Thelma! I hope you'll like it.
April J Harris says
Pinning and sharing! I love this lighter version of Fish and Chips, Jas. The Fillo pastry would be lovely! When I was a kid we always celebrated St Patrick's Day. I'm a quarter Irish on my late Father's side. Thank you for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Link Party.
Jas says
Thank you, April! I hope you'll pick this dish to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in honor of your father. Hugs and smiles across the miles.
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
What a delicious take on the old deep fried fish and chips - I'll have some!! So glad you've joined us again for the What's for Dinner party!
Jas says
Just to switch things up a little, Helen. Thanks for stopping in!
Sue Ready says
Looks very easy to put together and I like your step by step tutorial a good Lenten Friday special
Jas says
Thanks so much Sue!
Mrs Shoes says
I asked Mr Shoes if he'd like some Irish salad with supper tonight and he said, "What now?" Then he smiled and raised his eyebrow (like the Rock, but overtop of his reading glasses). He thought I meant some new version of Irish coffee.
I clued him in & his smile faded pretty quickly, but he said, "Sure" which is equivalent to the average person's enthusiastic 'YES!' So salted peas it is.
I guess I'll make the fish too. 😉
Jas says
Whoo-hoo, I got "sure" from Mr. Shoes! It's a glorious day, LOL.