This week on Fish Fryday, we’re going full comfort mode, with a crunch. Whether you call it pickerel or walleye, this freshwater favorite gets the royal treatment in nugget form. And no, we’re not talking about drive-thru nuggets. We’re talking about crispy, flaky, golden bites of lake born perfection.
The best part is that we’re skipping the mess of traditional breading and going full 90s nostalgic with Shake ‘n Bake, then frying these beauties in coconut oil for a subtle tropical flair that says, “Yes, I fish. Yes, I’m fancy.”
🧂 Ingredients:
- 1 lb pickerel fillets, cut into bite-sized nuggets
- 1 packet of original or crispy Shake ‘n Bake coating mix
- 2–3 tbsp coconut oil (for shallow frying)
- Salt and pepper (optional, but encouraged)
- Lemon wedges (because we’re civilized)
Instructions:
- Prep the fish: Pat your pickerel dry (moisture = soggy sadness). Cut fillets into nuggets about 1.5 inches in size. Lightly season with salt and pepper.
- Shake it like you mean it: Pour the Shake ‘n Bake coating into the provided bag or a zip-top bag. Toss the nuggets in and give them a proper shake, channel your inner maraca. Make sure each piece is well coated.
- Heat the coconut oil: In a skillet over medium heat, add enough coconut oil to coat the bottom (we’re shallow frying, not deep-sea diving here). Let it heat until it shimmers.
- Fry the nuggets: Cook in batches so the pan doesn’t get crowded. Fry 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain and resist eating them all before plating.
- Serve with: Lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or that one spicy aioli you claim is “secret” but is just mayo and hot sauce.
🎣 Bonus Tips:
- Pair these nuggets with sweet potato fries, a cold beer, and a lakeside sunset for full effect.
- If you’re cooking these on a boat just know we salute you. That’s a power move.
- Want extra crunch? Double shake the nuggets. We call that the “angry octopus double dip.”
Next week, we might go international with a curry or bring in some smoky cedar plank action. Got a favorite fish you want featured? Message us before Friday or forever hold your fillets.
Until then, fish hard, fry harder, and remember, life’s better when it’s a little crispy.
