This week on Fish Fryday, weโre 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, weโre not talking about drive-thru nuggets. Weโre talking about crispy, flaky, golden bites of lake born perfection.
The best part is that weโre 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, โYes, I fish. Yes, Iโm fancy.โ
๐ง Ingredients:
- 1 lb pickerel fillets, cut into bite-sized nuggets
- 1 packet of original or crispy Shake ‘n Bake coating mix
- 2โ3 tbsp coconut oil (for shallow frying)
- Salt and pepper (optional, but encouraged)
- Lemon wedges (because weโre 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 (weโre shallow frying, not deep-sea diving here). Let it heat until it shimmers.
- Fry the nuggets: Cook in batches so the pan doesnโt get crowded. Fry 2โ3 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 โsecretโ but is just mayo and hot sauce.
๐ฃ Bonus Tips:
- Pair these nuggets with sweet potato fries, a cold beer, and a lakeside sunset for full effect.
- If youโre cooking these on a boat just know we salute you. Thatโs a power move.
- Want extra crunch? Double shake the nuggets. We call that the โangry octopus double dip.โ
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, lifeโs better when itโs a little crispy.
