Pickled Bluegill Food

PICKLED FISH

Steps:

• 1. The Fish: Clean and rinse the fillets 1 1/2 to 2 pounds. If fillets are thick slice on the bias to about 1/8" to 1/4" thick, then cut to size of quarter coin. Fish remain raw for this recipe. No cooking of fish. IMPORTANT: The fish bones will dissolve don't worry about them.
• 2. The Brine: Bring 2 cups white vinegar, 1 1/2 cups water and 1 cup pickling or canning salt to a boil and stir. Allow to cool to room temperature. If using stainless steel pan don't add salt until it comes to a high simmer. Otherwise salt can pit stainless steel cookware.
• 3. Put Fish into one gallon size zip-lock bag or sealable container and add the cooled Brine. Refrigerate for 2 to 4 days. Then drain and rinse twice. Then allow to soak in fresh cold water for 5 to 10 minutes.
• 4. The Pickling Liquid: Combine 1 2/3 cups white vinegar, 2/3 cup water, 1 2/3 cups sugar and bring to high simmer-low boil. Add the 2 tablespoons of Pickling Spices and 2 teaspoons Mustard Seed and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature. Then add the 3/4 to 1 cup of Riesling White Wine (I used Black Swan Brand), or use sweet to very sweet white wine of your choice. Strain and reserve both liquid and spices.
• 5. Packing Fish and Onions: In pint jars place a couple layers of Fish, then layer of onion and a small bit of the reserved spices. Continue layering until jars are full to 1/4 inch of top, pack firmly. Then fill with Pickling Liquid to 1/4 inch of top. Seal and refrigerate for 6 to 10 days. Refrigerated will keep months.
• 6. You can use the excess Pickling Liquid and Spices to make Sweet Refrigerator Pickles with Onions. Just combine sliced Cucumbers and Onions, and refrigerate.
• 7. Note: I posted this prematurely prior to editing and checking everything for this recipe on 3/5/10. I will do that and remove this note 3/6/10. Allow me to proof soon before trying this.

FRIED BLUEGILL FILLETS

Steps:

• In a shallow bowl, combine the first five ingredients. In another bowl, whisk eggs. Dip fillets in eggs, then coat with crumb mixture. Dip again in eggs and crumb mixture., In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook fillets in batches in 2 tablespoons oil for 2-3 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork, adding oil as needed.