Steamed Whole Pickerel Food

GRILLED WHOLE MACKEREL WITH LEMON, OREGANO, AND OLIVES

Steps:

• Whisk together zest, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste, then add olive oil in a stream, whisking until combined well. Whisk in olives and chopped oregano.
• Make 1-inch-long slits at 2-inch intervals down middle of fish on both sides with a sharp paring knife, then brush fish all over with vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper. Season fish cavity with salt and pepper, then evenly distribute 3 lemon rounds and 3 oregano sprigs in cavity. Close cavity, then evenly arrange remaining 3 lemon rounds and 3 oregano sprigs on top of fish and tie fish closed with string at 2-inch intervals, securing lemon slices and oregano sprigs to fish.
• Prepare grill for cooking. If using a charcoal grill, open vents on bottom of grill, then light charcoal. Charcoal fire is medium-hot when you can hold your hand 5 inches above rack for 3 to 4 seconds. If using a gas grill, preheat burners on high, covered, 10 minutes, then reduce heat to moderate.
• Grill fish on lightly oiled grill rack, covered only if using gas grill, 15 minutes. Turn fish over using a metal spatula and tongs, then grill until just cooked through, about 15 minutes more.
• Transfer fish to a large platter using 2 metal spatulas, then cut and discard string. Serve fish with sauce.

STEAMED WALLEYE (PICKEREL) ON THE GRILL

Steps:

• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grate.
• Place 2 fillets onto the center of a sheet of heavy duty aluminum foil. Drizzle with butter and lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and place some of the onion rings over top. Bring the sides of the aluminum foil over the fish and fold several times. Roll up the ends, making the pouch airtight. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
• Place the pouches onto the grill, and cook until the fish is no longer opaque in the center, and flakes easily with a fork, 15 to 20 minutes.

THE PANFRIED PICKEREL THAT'S SO CANADIAN

Steps:

• Lightly season fillet with salt and pepper.
• Cover a plate with flour; dredge each side of fillet to lightly coat.
• Melt clarified butter in cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat; panfry fillet for about 4 minutes or until golden brown.
• Flip and fry on other side until golden brown and fish flakes easily.
• Top with freshly squeezed lemon, or try it with hollandaise sauce. Serve for breakfast with eggs, hash browns and toast.

CANADIAN WALLEYE (PICKEREL)

Steps:

• Heat 1/8 inch of vegetable oil in two large cast-iron or heavy-duty frying pans over medium-high heat.
• Arrange three separate pie plates or shallow bowls for breading the fish. Combine flour, salt and pepper in one bowl, milk and eggs in another, and bread crumbs in the third bowl.
• Coat each fillet in the flour mixture, then dredge them in egg wash, then coat them well with bread crumbs.
• Place 4 fillets in each frying pan. Cook until golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately.

BAKED PICKEREL

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450°F.
• Wash and clean fish.
• Place in baking dish and dot with butter; season with salt and pepper.
• Add lemon juice and water; bake about 20 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

STEAMED WHOLE FISH WITH GINGER, SCALLIONS, AND SOY

Steps:

• 1. Rinse the fish in cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season the fish inside and out with salt and pepper. Place the fish on a heatproof plate that is both large enough to accommodate it (a glass pie plate works well) and will also fit inside your steamer, bending the fish slightly if it is too long. Stuff half of the ginger inside the cavity of the fish and spread the remaining ginger on top of the fish.
• 2. Pour water into a wok or stockpot and set a steamer in the wok or on the rim of the stockpot. Make sure the water does not touch the bottom of the steamer. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
• 3. Place the plate holding the fish in the steamer, cover, and steam for about 8 minutes, until the fish flakes easily when tested with the tip of a knife.
• 4. While the fish is steaming, in a small bowl, stir together the soy sauce, wine, and 1 tablespoon of water. Set aside.
• 5. When the fish is ready, carefully remove the plate from the steamer and pour off any accumulated liquid. Lay the scallion and cilantro along the top of the fish. In a small sauté pan, heat the oil over high heat until it is hot but not smoking. Remove the oil from the heat and pour it directly over the scallion and cilantro to "cook" them. Drizzle the soy mixture over the fish and serve immediately.