Arkansas Striper Fish Fry
- 2 cups yellow or white corn meal.
((( "Just pour into a gallon Zip lock bag" )))
- 1 tbls garlic salt.
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbls McCormick's Lemon Pepper Seasoning
((( "Really, I just grab my All Season bottle and shake the heck out of it" )))
Vegetable oil, cover filets
Mix the meal and seasonings together in a large zip lock bag.
Cut into nugget size pieces, or what ever you feel like, just make sure the oil covers and it fits the pot. Be sure the fish is reasonably dry by draining on a paper towel.
Drop into the corn meal mixture and shake. Remove, shake off the excess meal (optional--set on paper towel for 10 minutes, this helps the meal stick and not immediately come off in the cooking oil).
Heat the oil to 375 degree (F).
I Use a SS 4 Iiter flash frier I get from E-Bay they are cheap and cook fast, I use 3 of them - (Fish, puppies and fries) Less time cookin more time fishin. Add the fish.
Cook only a few pieces of fish at a time to assure the oil stays hot and the fish doesn't absorb the oil. Bounce occasionally, until the fish starts to turn golden brown and float (about 4 minutes). Do not overcook ((( unless your wife is like mine, she likes crispy critters,so do hers last ))). You want it to be firm and somewhat crisp. Remove and drain on a wire rack.
Serve with fresh lemon wedges, hushpuppies, and french fries and your favorite brew.
P.S. If your cooking on the creek bank use the old iron pot and premix your corn meal in the zip lock and take it with you.