You had a successful day of fishing and brought home the day’s catch. Now what? Rather than tucking them in the freezer only to forget about them, eat them right away for your next meal. There are countless fresh caught fish recipes depending on the type of fish in your net and your flavor preferences. They’re good for you too, packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, minerals, phosphorus, and vitamins, like vitamin D and B2.
Here are a few of our favorite recipes.
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What Freshwater Fish is Safe to Eat?
First off, you want to make sure that your catch is edible. Generally, most fish caught in designated fishing areas are safe to eat when cooked, although they may not be the most appetizing or delicious. Some have tiny annoying bones, while others have no flavor. A fish identification book—like this pocket guide and Field & Stream’s fishing manual—can help you be sure. A few other rules of thumb include not eating fish caught in polluted waters, fish you can’t identify, and fish that reek and look unpleasant.
It’s also a smart idea to read any rules and regulations at the particular body of water since some species are protected during certain seasons and many have size limitations.
Some of the best freshwater fish to eat include:
- Rainbow Trout
- Catfish
- Tilapia
- Perch
- Largemouth Bass
- Bluegill
- Crappie
- Salmon
Some of the best saltwater fish to eat include:
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Snapper
- Grouper
- Halibut
- Swordfish
- Mahi-Mahi
- Flounder
6 Freshwater and Saltwater Fish Recipes
1. Grilled Whole Fish
Marinate a whole fish (such as snapper, trout, or sea bass) in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, like thyme or rosemary. Grill over medium-high heat until the flesh is cooked through and flakes easily. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Try this: Grill it on a string like Sarah Glover, author of the outdoor cookbook ‘Wild’
2. Fish Tacos
Lightly bread or batter fish filets (such as cod, halibut, or tilapia) and fry until golden brown. Serve the crispy fish in warm tortillas with shredded cabbage or lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and a drizzle of creamy chipotle sauce or salsa.
Try this: Here’s one for the perfect fish taco from our friends at Delish
3. Baked Fish with Herbs
Place fish filets (such as salmon, trout, or snapper) on a baking sheet and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs (like dill, parsley, or thyme). Drizzle with olive oil and bake in a preheated oven until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
Try this: Food’s foil fish dinner recipe is oh-so-simple
4. Fish Curry
Make a flavorful curry sauce with coconut milk, curry paste, garlic, ginger, and spices including cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Add chunks of fish (such as cod, haddock, or mahi-mahi) to the simmering sauce and cook until the fish is tender and cooked through. Serve over steamed rice.
Try this: Swap the sardines for your fresh catch in this Champagne Tastes recipe
5. Fish Ceviche
Marinate diced fresh fish (such as tuna, snapper, or sea bass) in lime juice with chopped onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes until the fish turns opaque and “cooks” in the acid. Serve chilled with tortilla chips or on tostadas.
Try this: Make it with wild cod like Melissa’s Healthy Kitchen
6. Pan-Seared Fish with Lemon Butter Sauce
Season fish filets (such as flounder, sole, or trout) with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add butter. Sear the fish for a few minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Serve with a drizzle of sauce made with butter, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
Try this: The Tasty Chilli’s recipe uses trout
What’s more rewarding than catching your own fish and cooking it up into something delicious? Wherever your fishing curiosities take you, now you have a few solid recipes under your belt. Now go get on the water so you can bring back dinner. Browse RVs and other rigs for the journey.
