Friday Fish Fry

[RobDeer 45]

For kicks, the wife and I are going to do a WI fish fry because I think the bible states we must eat fish today. Not living in WI anymore, I don't have any fish in my freezer. I hate that! Anyway, I was curious what my best bet is for a substitute for good old WI pan fish? I do a breading, not a batter, for my fish fry.

 

Any input on this would be great!

[jjkoestler]

Are you looking for a bluegill/perch/crappie substitute? If so, I can't think of a similar small freshwater fish.

 

Do you live near a decent fishmonger? If so, you should be able to find perch or walleye. If not, I'd probably give catfish a shot with a cornmeal breading. Soak it in milk for a bit if you want to eliminate the "fishy" taste.

 

I'd stay away from most readily available saltwater fish. Tilapia, ocean perch, etc aren't firm. Cod is alright, but it obviously isn't WI panfish.

 

My favorite fish is Halibut and it is amazing no matter how you cook it. You'll also pay $15-$20 per lb. Once again, not similar to WI panfish though.

[RobDeer 45]

Unfortunately, the seafood place by me only has ocean fish. I'm guessing living on the East Coast, it's all about ocean fish, not fresh water, so no walleye or perch.

 

I've been thinking of going with Halibut, but wonder if I shouldn't deep fry that. It seems too good to do that!

 

I guess I can just ask them right at the source, what they think would be best.

[jjkoestler]

You can't go wrong with Halibut. I prefer baking it, but it's also amazing pan/deep fried. I'd probably get a couple pounds so I could bake one larger piece and cut up a few smaller pieces for frying. Wow. I miss Alaska now.

[FVBrewerFan]

I heard McDonalds makes a good fish sandwich?

[GAME05]

halibut is too good to deep fry. for a Wisconsin taste, maybe a slight roll in corn meal, no egg or anything, and pan fry it. that should be good.

 

tilapia can be a good/cheap fish to find outside Wisconsin that will taste great with a batter.

[CheezWizHed]

Mrs. Paul's?