If you’re an avid fly fisher, you know that fly fishing can be done in fresh or salt water, you pick you the perfect flies to entice fish to eat based on the conditions and what you are fishing for and it differs between lakes, ponds and the ocean. What you may not know is what to do with your catch at the end of the day. No worries—we’re here to help!
There are endless ways to prepare fish, and—depending on the type of fish—an endless variety of flavor profiles to choose from. Mild fish like salmon can be flavored with almost any spice, breading or sauce, while more powerful fish like catfish have a stronger taste that will be the standout of the dish. Here are a few of the most popular ways to prepare your daily haul:
Seared. Crispy crust on the outside, deliciously soft fish on the inside—searing is a great way to prepare bass and trout. Pan-searing is a classic restaurant technique for almost any meat, and it works best with boneless fillets. Get your pan as hot as possible, and sprinkle some salt on your fillets while it preheats. Pat the fillet dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, and add oil or butter to the hot pan. Place the fillets skin side down in the pan, and press down on the fillet for 30 seconds. Turn the temperature down to medium-high, and allow them to cook for about 10 minutes, skin side down. Flip and allow the other side to cook for an additional five minutes.
Grilled. Best used on thicker cuts of fish, grilling will leave beautiful markings and a smoky flavor on your catch. If you’re cooking your fish on direct heat, cook it for about five minutes per side; for indirect heat, allow 15 minutes with the lid closed. You can preseason your fish with almost anything before grilling.
Fried. Who can say no to a piece of crispy, breaded, fried fish? Prepare your favorite seasoned breading, dip it in a bonding agent like an egg and milk mixture, and fry it in a pan or a deep fryer. Cut your fish into fillets or strips for even cooking. Cook about five minutes per side.
Baked. Heat your oven to 450 degrees, and spray a baking seat with nonstick cooking spray. Flavor your fish with a complex combination of spices or something as simple as lemon juice. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes per inch of thickness.
Look forward to our Best Fish Recipes, Part 2 for amazing spices and breadings for your favorite fish!
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