Ideas for an Outdoor Fish Fry

For those that love fish, an outdoor fish fry is fun in more ways than one. It brings friends and relatives together for conversation and good food, and it provides a great way to use up a huge catch. Consider the following creative and easy ideas for an outdoor fish fry, and make it a meal to remember.

Fry it in this Easy Homemade Fish Breading

Fish can be as fresh and as tasty as can be, but if the breading is lacking it will be nearly as good, especially when trying to fry it. Ready-made dry breading especially for fish is available, but it does not go very far when attempting to fry a large amount for a group of people. White flour does not sufficiently brown, and the fish ends up dry and tough.

For a really easy and absolutely delicious homemade breading, combine dry pancake mix with a favorite brand of ready-made seasoned breading. Dip the fish in a scrambled egg wash, and coat it in this 50/50 mixture. Fry it in iron skillets and hot oil on an outdoor grill to make cleanup a breeze. Drain it on paper towels, and serve it immediately with tasty homemade tartar sauce.

Easy Homemade Tartar Sauce

When hosting an outdoor fish fry, delicious tartar sauce is a must. Not everyone likes this condiment, but others will not eat any type of fish without it. Expensive store-bought varieties are not necessary. Simply combine one cup of a favorite brand of mayonnaise with two tablespoons of dill relish and a pinch of sugar. Keep it cold and covered before, during and after the outdoor fish fry. Anyone that likes tartar sauce will love this tasty homemade version.

Fun Table Décor for an Outdoor Fish Fry

Decorating outdoor tables adds interest and appeal when hosting any type of celebration or occasion, even a simple meal. When hosting an outdoor fish fry, decorate the tables with fishing related items. Overpriced home décor is not necessary. Browse the aisles of Cabella’s or Bass Pro Shop, and pick up items of interest. The fishing lure aisle offers oversized lures that are almost whimsical in appearance. They are used to catch muskellunge and other very large underwater creatures, but they also make great outdoor table décor. Cut off the hooks for safety reasons, and use them to embellish outdoor tables in fun new ways.

One way to decorate outdoor tables with fish fry related items is with an inexpensive fishbowl and realistic rubber lures. Fill a tabletop fishbowl with clear prepared gelatin, and as it begins to set, insert small rubber freshwater fish using skewers. They look very realistic. Clear blue marbles can be placed in the bottom for added color before adding the gelatin. Although this is not necessary, these types of decorative items will add to the theme of the outdoor activity.

Suggested Side Dishes for an Outdoor Fish Fry

When trying to decide on side dishes for an outdoor fish fry, consider the side dishes offered by popular seafood restaurants. Corn on the cob is an excellent choice, and coleslaw is always good. Pasta salad, potato salad, tossed salad and a variety of chips will satisfy every preference. If a hot potato side dish is desired, prepare baked spuds in advance. Wrap them in foil and keep them hot in a covered crock pot.

Easy Ways to Keep Cold Food Cold

Keeping cold foods cold is of the utmost importance when hosting an outdoor fish fry or any other outdoor meal where cold foods are offered. The article entitled Ways to Keep Food Cold at an Outdoor Party provides a number of cheap and practical ideas that go beyond the usual cooler filled with ice. Give these ideas a try, and make your next fish fry a huge success.