With our world slowing down over the last few months, we had the opportunity to take our fishing poles to a nearby pond ( we really don’t fish much). We got our worms, snacks, and chairs, and were ready for chillin’ by the water. Within a few short minutes, we watched the bobbers sink and a few shrieks. The top of the fishing pole was beginning to curve, and in came bluegill #1 and bluegill #2. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a a bluegill?
After a quick google search, it turns out they are a great fish for frying. Before we knew it, after an hour or two we had a slew of bluegill on a stringer. The kids were begging for a fish dinner. After filleting the fish, and letting them soak in milk (and 1 egg) for about an hour, I scrambled to find the components for frying: cornmeal (which is best when kept in the freezer), Old Bay seasoning, oil for frying, and lemons for garnish. We were ready for our fish fry to begin. I made a simple Caesar salad and heated up some French fries. It was much simpler than I anticipated and everyone thought the fish was fabulous (no fish taste whatsoever).
Pan fried bluegill
Ingredients
- 12-15 fillets of fresh bluegill
- 2 c. milk
- 1 egg slightly beaten
- 1 c. cornmeal
- 1- 2 t. Old Bay seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 c. canola oil
- 1 lemon; sliced
Instructions
- Pour milk and egg in a medium bowl. Add fish fillets and let soak for at least one hour prior to cooking.
- In a medium bowl add cornmeal, Old Bay seasoning, and salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in medium pan over medium heat. Once ready, quickly take fish fillets and coat in cornmeal mixture. Then using tongs, place in hot oil for frying. Depending on size of fish, it takes 1-2 minutes per side, until cooked. Carefully watch and place on a plate with paper towel. Garnish with lemon and / or tartar sauce.
Oh my! Bluegill are the BEST! My husband’s family went to Minnesota for YEARS and almost always had bluegill in the freezer. We have taken a family lake vacation for almost 30 years but rarely get a bite!! And they are seemingly impossible to buy. Your pictures make me so hungry for fish. I am really not much of a fish-eater but you’re right bluegill are not “fishy”-tasting.
Enjoy!
Oh, how fun! I love the memories that come with fish and fishing! Thanks for sharing with us 🙂
What fun! You hit the jackpot! And sounds like you found a perfect recipe. Some of my favorite memories were fishing in Minnesota with Mom, Dad, my two older brothers and several other families from Avoca. And now I love fishing with all of our family in Minnesota too.
Love you all,
Mom
A simple recipe and a surprisingly delicious fish! It was one of those moments that turned into immediate dinner plans 😉 I always think of Minnesota, too! – xo