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SALT LAKE CITY — With Mantua Reservoir still producing perch through the ice and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources reporting that Pineview Reservoir is now at safe ice conditions for fishing, it’s time to talk about how to prepare a delicious meal with those fillets you catch.
Pineview Reservoir contains both perch and crappie, which are both great on the plate, with perch tasting mild and sweet. There’s a number of ways you can cook them, from smoking to baking to frying. Here’s an idea for a full Southern fish fry that is hard to beat.
The fish
Perch fillets are not large, but with liberal fish limits, you can make a good pile of fish. For the fish, try mixing together some cornmeal or breadcrumbs with a little flour and your favorite fish seasoning, salt and pepper. You might even like to add some cayenne pepper for that extra kick.
Break a couple of eggs and mix them in a small bowl, dipping the fillets into the eggs before putting them into your cornmeal mix for a tasty breading. Bring your oil, (vegetable, canola or otherwise) to a medium heat until the oil is hot. Fry the fillets for just a couple minutes on each side, until golden brown. You’ll have a tasty perch that even the kids will want to eat. (Don’t forget the lemon wedges to sprinkle juice over the top and the tartar sauce to dip in!)
The sides
Hush puppies are basically a deep fried cornmeal ball to serve as your “bread” for the meal. Most stores carry the mix but consider adding chopped onions and/or spices to taste.
Naturally, baked beans will need some extra ingredients to really make them memorable. Cook some chopped onions until translucent, then add green peppers and sauté together in a pan. Mix in canned baked beans then add ketchup, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and bake in a casserole dish at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or so.
You can buy your coleslaw, but homemade is always best. The slaw really adds to the flavorful array of tastes on your plate. Here is a recipe for creamy coleslaw.
If you like potatoes with your meal, they can be prepared in multiple fashions for the fish fry meal: fried, twice-baked or potato casserole. Experiment with sweet potatoes too, for a true Southern experience.
Cooking a fish meal like this will likely be a hit with the entire family; at least some portions of the dishes. Plus, when the food is so good the family wants more, you'll have a good excuse to go ice fishing again.
Be sure to check specific fish limits wherever you go ice fishing. And if you have some excellent fish recipes of your own, share them in the comments.
