One of the most satisfying parts of a day spent fishing is returning home from the water and cooking up your tasty catch for dinner. Aside from knowing a delicious meal awaits you, there’s a certain sense of accomplishment in preparing a fish that represents the fruits of your labour and skill.
You don’t have to be a master chef to make a good fish dish, but there are a few finer points to consider to help you get the texture and flavour just right.
Here are three tips for cooking your next catch to perfection!
1) Don’t Marinate Your Fish for Too Long
Marinating is a great way to add flavour and moisture to your fish, just like any meat. However, you need to be careful not to let fish sit in an acidic marinade for more than the recommended amount of time. If left for too long, acidic ingredients begin to cook the fish and cause the protein to denature, leaving you with a final product that’s too soft. Keep your marinades mild and your eyes on the clock.
2) Only Flip Fish Once
Most cooking methods (other than baking or broiling) require fish to be flipped or rotated about halfway through—but just once. After you throw your fish on the grill or stovetop, leave it alone, and it’ll develop the perfect crust. Then, when it does come time to flip, there won’t be any sticking or mess to destroy your hard work.
3) Prevent Fish From Overcooking by Testing for Doneness
Generally, fish needs about 7-10 minutes to cook through per inch of thickness. Keep in mind, though, that it will continue to cook in the pan even after being removed from the heat. To avoid overcooking, start testing for doneness by inserting a thin knife at the thickest part of the fish around that 7-minute mark (or its equivalent based on thickness). Once it’s just barely translucent in the center, remove it to let it finish cooking off the heat.
Lawrence Bay Lodge is known for our trophy fish catch and release program, but that doesn’t mean we don’t leave you with a few small keepers to cook for dinner!
When you book a guided fishing trip with us, you’ll have ample opportunity to reel in big and small catches. This way, everybody gets a chance to bring a trophy fish and a fresh fillet home. You can even learn a few cooking pointers by watching our fishing guides prepare your small catches from the morning for a delicious shore lunch the same day.
Call us at (701)262-4560 to reserve your spot at our lodge on Reindeer Lake in Northern Saskatchewan this season.
