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One of our favorite ways to celebrate summer is to host a Weekend Fish Fry for our family. So, when our freezer has an abundance of freshly caught and frozen fish, it’s time to start planning. Below are some of our favorite recipes for preparing fish as well as salads and sides to go with it.
When my husband and I were first married, we went fishing often in the spring, before the ticks and chiggers became too much of a bother. I loved to fish in my grandma’s pond, where we were almost guaranteed to catch a nice-sized bass. Of course, as our family grew, our daughters joined us on our outings. At that point, my husband spent more time untangling fishing line and bating hooks than fishing.
These days, we mostly get our fresh fish from my husband’s uncle who is retired and does a LOT of fishing. He supplies us with all the fish we can eat. And we always enjoy the bounty he brings.
If you don’t have a fisherman in your family, no worries. You may easily substitute frozen fish from the grocery store, such as farm-raised catfish, tilapia, halibut, or cod.
Frying Tip – Outdoor Burners
Do you own an Outdoor Propane Burner? If so, I recommend using it when preparing a large amount of fried foods. Not only will it hold a frying temperature better than a range top, it will keep your kitchen free for preparing the sides. Plus it will ward off extra heat in the kitchen, which is especially helpful in the summer months when temperatures climb into the triple digits! This would also be an excellent option for a Summer Shrimp Boil!
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Be sure to use the freshest fish you can find, whether from a lake or pond, or from your trusted grocery shop. Frozen fish can be stored for several months without any trouble. Just be sure to allow plenty of time for the fish to thaw in the refrigerator or in cold water. Catfish, bass, or even tilapia are all good choices that are easy to find.
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Fried Catfish
I like to prepare Fried Catfish in larger pieces cooked in a cast iron skillet. This is especially fun when planning a fish fry so that you have lots of variety.
This Beer-Battered Fried Fish recipe is perfect for a weekend fish fry. Use it with your favorite fish, whether bass, catfish, crappie, or walleye. Cornmeal and simple seasonings gives it a crispy, flavorful crust to compliment the tender, freshwater fish.
Much like a Shrimp Boil, a Fish Fry requires some must-have appetizers, sides, and salads. Sure, you can stray from this list if you want, but here are our favorite dishes to serve alongside your platter of fish.
Condiments For Your Table
When planning a fish fry, you do not want to forget the tartar sauce or fish sauce. Here are two easy recipes to whip up in just a few minutes that use common ingredients.
Easy Tartar Sauce – Mix together 1 cup of salad dressing or mayonnaise with 1/2 cup sweet relish or dill relish, depending on whether you prefer a sweet or savory sauce.
Red Fish Sauce – My husband prefers a red shrimp sauce for his fish. Simply mix together 1 cup of ketchup with 2 tablespoons of horseradish sauce.
A Few Appetizers
Be sure to select a few appetizers for guests to enjoy while you finish frying the fish. Beverages that work with fried foods are beer, tea, or sparkling drinks.
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Fried Okra Bites
Fried Okra Bites are great for summer. Serve a batch or two at your next fish fry, shrimp boil, or barbecue. Small pieces of okra that have a crispy cornmeal coating laced with seasoned salt and garlic. So good!
These Zucchini Fritters with Ranch Dip are a great way to use fresh zucchini. I've added a jalapeno pepper for a little kick, and some lemon zest for some zing. Then dip them into a homemade Ranch Dip. These fritters can be served as a side dish or as an appetizer for your next gathering.
Try this recipe for Hush Puppies the next time you serve fish or have a shrimp boil. Crispy on the outside with a tender and seasoned center. They’re quite scrumptious.
Below you’ll find some of my favorite salads to go with a fish fry. You’ll probably notice a garden theme, but what better way to enjoy summer than to use your garden produce!
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Grandma’s Coleslaw
My grandma was a wonderful cook, and Grandma’s Coleslaw was always a favorite at our family gatherings. It still is. Grandma dubbed this recipe as the coleslaw from Kentucky Fried Chicken. It goes great with fried fish!
Here is a recipe to use up all those cucumbers in your summer garden. I ate these at nearly every meal when I was pregnant with my youngest. It's a wonder she didn't turn into a pickle!
Garden Cucumber Tomato Salad is perfect for a hot summer evening and also a summer fish fry. It is a wonderful way to use up your fresh garden vegetables. And what a delicious way to enjoy them!
When planning the side dishes to go with a fish fry, I almost always go with my three favorites. Mac and Cheese, Fried Potatoes, and Corn. Or even a combination, such as the dish below! Be sure to throw in any garden fresh vegetables that are available, too.
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Cheesy Corn and Macaroni Casserole
Cheesy Corn and Macaroni Casserole is a favorite recipe on my husband's side of our family. It’s quite nice for church dinners or family gatherings and is a perfect choice for your next picnic, barbecue, or even a holiday dinner.
Cheesy Squash Bake is another great choice for a fish fry, and perfect when you have a lot of squash in your garden. The squash is baked until tender with onion, green peppers, and garlic, and is then topped with a seasoned cracker crumb and melted cheese.
There are few things more delicious than Fried New Garden Potatoes cooked in a cast iron skillet until they are crunchy and dark golden brown. Smash them before serving for a trendy way to serve them–which is actually quite practical as it helps them to cool down before you bite into them.
Fish and Potatoes go well together. Try frying chips or fries, or make these Pan Fried Country Potatoes. Crispy, tender potatoes, seasoned just right with onion, bell pepper, and salt and pepper.
Most people think of frozen desserts for summer, which is always good. But fruit pies and cobblers are perfect for a summer gathering as they don’t melt and they can withstand the heat. Here are a few of our favorite fruit desserts to enjoy with your Fish Fry.
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Blueberry Peach Slab Pie
No need for a pie plate. Just lay the pastry dough on a baking sheet and spoon the fruit mixture on top. Plus, a slab pie bakes faster than a traditional pie, so that makes this Blueberry Peach Slab Pie perfect for summer desserts!
When I was a girl, my mom made Fresh Tart Rhubarb Pie from the rhubarb she grew in her garden. It was green, very sweet, very juicy, and so delicious. Paired with her flaky pie dough, it was always a hit. And still is today. My daughters request it every spring.
This concludes my ideas for a Weekend Fish Fry. I hope some of these recipes have given you inspiration for hosting a fish fry for your family this summer!
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This concludes my ideas for a Weekend Fish Fry. I hope some of these recipes have given you inspiration for hosting a fish fry for your family this summer! 
