Fresh and flavorful, these bluegill recipes are a must-try for all panfish enthusiasts. Panfish, such as bluegill, perch, crappies, pumpkin seeds, and bass, offer a mild taste that becomes perfectly crunchy on the outside and flaky-white on the inside when fried. Are you ready to explore some mouthwatering bluegill recipes? Let’s dive right in!
Fried Bluegill Recipes
Cornmeal Fried Bluegills
For this irresistible bluegill dish, you can substitute with your favorite pan fish fillets. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 lb fresh bluegill fillets
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp homemade lemon pepper
- 2 or 3 shakes of homemade hot sauce
- 3-4 cups Aunt Jemima self-rising white cornmeal
- 1/2 tsp homemade seasoned salt
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Canola oil, for frying
Start by rinsing the fillets and then mix all the ingredients, except for the cornmeal, in a large bowl. Make sure to mix everything well with your hands. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap or a plate to prevent it from drying out, and refrigerate overnight, stirring every few hours.
Next, heat the oil in a heavy frying pan to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Be careful not to overheat the oil. Put the cornmeal in a plastic bag and shake a few fillets at a time. Place the breaded fillets on a plate. Once all the fillets are breaded, carefully place them in the hot oil. Fry for approximately 3 minutes on each side or until the fillets turn a deep golden brown color and flake easily.
Feel free to add your favorite fresh vegetables to this bluegill recipe for a delicious stir-fry twist.
Bluegill Stir-Fry
Prepare yourself for a burst of flavors with this bluegill stir-fry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 TBS canola oil
- 8-10 ounces bluegill fillets, chopped
- 1 cup green onions, diced
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms, diced
- 1 cup fresh asparagus, diced
- 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 tsp homemade Old Bay seasoning
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 TBS homemade teriyaki sauce
- Cooked rice
Heat up a wok or a skillet and add the canola oil. Once hot, add all the ingredients, except for the cooked rice. Cook the fish until it flakes easily. Serve this delightful stir-fry over a bed of fluffy cooked rice.
Grilled Bluegill Recipe
If you’re a fan of grilling, you’ll love this delicious bluegill recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bluegill fish fillets
- Homemade Italian dressing
- Fresh lemon
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 TBS melted butter
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Mango salsa
Marinate the fish fillets in the Italian dressing for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator. Drain the marinade and melt the butter. Add the garlic powder to the melted butter in a small bowl and set it aside.
Place tin foil over the grill grates and spray with vegetable oil. Carefully place the marinated fillets on the foil and brush them with the garlic butter blend. Grill the fish until it easily flakes with a fork. Squeeze a lemon wedge over the fish and serve it with the tantalizing mango salsa.
Bluegill Fajitas
Enjoy a delightful fusion of flavors with these mouthwatering bluegill fajitas. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tsp homemade lemon pepper
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 6 TBS fresh lime juice, divided
- 1-1/2 lb bluegill fillets, filleted and cut into 1/2″ strips
- 4 (10″) homemade corn tortillas
Combine the lemon pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and 4 TBS of fresh lime juice in a resealable plastic bag. Add the fish to the bag, seal it, and shake gently. Let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Grill the fish, covered with a grill lid, on a grill rack coated with nonstick cooking spray over medium heat for 4 to 6 minutes on each side, or until it flakes easily with a fork. Alternatively, you can broil the fish if desired.
Once the fish is cooked, load up each tortilla with fish and top it with your choice of toppings, such as chopped cilantro, fresh salsa, chunky guacamole or avocado, red onion slices, tomato slices, jalapenos, homemade mayonnaise, and a sprinkle of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. These bluegill fajitas are incredibly simple yet bursting with flavor.
Fried Bluegills
Indulge in the simplicity and deliciousness of these fried bluegills. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs (such as Old London plain bread crumbs)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp homemade lemon pepper
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 6 eggs
- 1 TBS garlic powder
- 1 TBS onion powder
- 1-1/2 lbs bluegill or crappie fillets
- Canola oil for frying
Preheat the oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a shallow bowl, combine the first 5 ingredients. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with the garlic and onion powder. Dip the fillets in the egg mixture, then coat them with the crumb mixture.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil, and test cook with one fillet before cooking the rest in batches. Fry each fillet for approximately 3 minutes on each side or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and turns a deep golden brown.
For a delightful sandwich, butter sliced Italian bread and brown it under the broiler or on the grill, sprinkling it with a touch of garlic. Top the bread with lettuce, tomato, tartar sauce, and the fried bluegill fillets.
Conclusion
These bluegill recipes are guaranteed to satisfy your panfish cravings and impress your taste buds. Whether you prefer the crispy crunch of fried bluegills or the fusion flavors of bluegill fajitas, there’s a recipe here for everyone. Ekilove invites you to explore these mouthwatering dishes and discover the joy of cooking delicious bluegill meals in your own kitchen. For more delightful recipes and culinary inspiration, visit Ekilove. Happy cooking!
