Description

These Spicy Mozzarella Cheese Sticks are crispy, golden fried snacks coated in a flavorful, spicy-sweet sauce made with honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, salsa macha, and Japanese mayo. Perfectly breaded with a double dredge of flour, egg, and seasoned panko, then finished with black and toasted sesame seeds for an extra crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Sticks

8 oz mozzarella block
2 eggs
2 tbsp whole milk
2 cups panko (pulverized)
½ tsp seasoned salt
¼ cup flour
Avocado oil for frying
Black and toasted sesame seeds (for topping)

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

Cut the cheese: Slice the mozzarella block into ½ inch thick rectangles for even cooking and easy handling.
Prepare egg wash: Whisk together the eggs and whole milk in a bowl until smooth and combined.
Season breading: Mix the seasoned salt into the pulverized panko crumbs, ensuring the coating has balanced flavor.
Double dredge cheese sticks: Coat each mozzarella piece first in flour, then dip into the egg wash, followed by the panko. Repeat the egg and panko step to ensure a thick, crispy crust.
Freeze: Place the coated mozzarella sticks in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to help the breading set and prevent melting during frying.
Make the sauce base: In a skillet, combine honey, rice vinegar, grated garlic, and soy sauce. Simmer gently until the mixture thickly coats the back of a spoon.
Incorporate spicy mayo: Lower the heat and whisk in salsa macha and Japanese mayo until well blended and smooth.
Fry the cheese sticks: Heat avocado oil in a deep pan or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the frozen mozzarella sticks for 1-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain excess oil.
Coat and garnish: Toss the fried mozzarella sticks in the spicy sauce, sprinkle with black and toasted sesame seeds, and serve immediately for best texture.

Notes

Freezing the cheese sticks before frying is crucial to prevent cheese from oozing out.
Use a deep-frying thermometer to maintain oil temperature for perfect crispiness.
Salsa macha adds a smoky, spicy kick—adjust quantity to taste.
For a milder sauce, reduce the salsa macha or omit the garlic.
If avocado oil is unavailable, use another high smoke point oil like vegetable or canola oil.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Fusion (Japanese-Mexican inspired)

Keywords: Mozzarella sticks, Spicy cheese sticks, Fried cheese appetizer, Salsa macha sauce, Crispy mozzarella, Japanese mayo sauce