Bank Perch
Still working on eating the catch from last week. Last night, I baked one of the Bank Perch, and then since there was plenty of room in the pan, threw in the collar and head of the big red I caught last weekend too.
This way of cooking couldn’t be easier…I just cut a couple slits into the side of the whole fish, then drizzled olive oil on the perch, collar and head. Then I salted and peppered the whole thing. Then squeezed some lemon on it. And to top it off, sprinkled some herbs de provence on it. I’ve also done this way of cooking using fresh rosemary, which works out great also. While I was prepping the
Red Snapper
fish, the oven was preheating at 350 degrees F. When ready, I put the fish in uncovered. I didn’t time it, just waited for the done smell. The kitchen just fills up with a nice aroma of the herbs and fish that I recognize as Done. I’d guess though that it was around 30-35 minutes. You’re going to have to experiment based on your oven and the size of the catch.
While it was going, I heated up some leftover mashed potatoes, and sauteed some asparagus. I got to tell you, when you catch a nice size fish like the red was (4lbs, 2oz), it’s got a good size head. There is a lot of strong muscle around the jaws and collar area, and baking not only brings out the taste, the surrounding tissue kind of gets gelatinous and adds to the sauce. Lots of restaurants charge a lot of money for cheeks and collars, and yet I see a lot of anglers toss these pieces out after the fileting is done. Next time, save those pieces and try this simple method of cooking. Not bad for a midweek dinner!
BTW, gave some of my catch to Fletch, of Fletch’s Fish Taco Sauce fame. He tells me he has some big plans for it that I hope to report here.
at 11:35 am
Sounds good man! Have you ever tried grilling fish on a cedar plank? It’s really good , you should try it sometime.
I wonder if ” Fletch ” would mind if I used his fish taco sauce recipe over on my blog’s recipe page? I’ll give him full credit of course.
I’m needing recipes for that page if you care to submit any. Anything you care to share will include a link back here to SoCalSalty!
at 11:38 am
Of course, I come from Washington State JM! Haven’t done it in awhile though. Good reminder! Feel free to link over here. Fletch confirmed to me that he’s working on some fancy fish sticks, and will take pictures. Watch for the upcoming post.
at 12:02 pm
For sure you can use the recipe. Feel free to make it your own. Socalsalty used some fresh chipotle instead of powder and it sounded great.
For the fish sticks I’m debating bread crumbs or panko. Any suggestions for the herbs in the breading? Dill was great last time.
at 12:37 pm
Canned chipotle peppers that I chopped up. Added a bit of the liquid inside the can too.
at 12:23 pm
Fletch , have you thought about using cracker meal? It’s what I fry oysters in and it might be just right for fish sticks. Maybe try just a little bit of mustard seed? Spicy Brown Mustard is great with fried Striped Bass.
Thanks for letting me use your recipe! I love fish tacos , but they can be hard to find around here.
at 12:40 pm
While I’m thinking about it , there’s a place out here that makes Lobster tacos. If you ever have a chance to try one they are awesome.
at 12:58 pm
Just had lunch, but this food talk is making me hungry again 😉
at 1:53 pm
I love the mustard idea… Full report to come Monday.
at 6:20 pm
Godspeed young Fletch , Godspeed. Just be careful man – it’s easy to overdo it with mustard , but it is an interesting flavor with fish. It actually makes fishy tasting fish seem milder.
I like it anyway.