Fish fry

American style fried fish and french fries with lemon, ketchup, cocktail sauce, and tartar sauce as served in San Diego.

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Fried Fish

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Fish Fry

Fish fry refers to a traditional meal primarily consisting of battered or breaded fried fish. Accompanying the main dish are various side dishes and condiments that vary based on regional and cultural preferences.

Components

A classic fish fry typically includes the following:

• Fried Fish: Often battered or breaded.
• Sides:
  • French fries
  • Coleslaw
  • Hushpuppies
  • Potato pancakes (often accompanied with sour cream or applesauce)
  • Sliced caraway rye bread (especially in German-influenced regions)
• Condiments:
  • Tartar sauce
  • Lemon slices
  • Hot sauce
  • Malt vinegar
• Desserts: Varies based on locale and tradition.
• Beverages: Beer is commonly chosen to accompany the meal.

In some Native American renditions, the fish is coated with semolina and egg yolk before frying.

Tradition and Popularity

Fish fries have significant cultural importance in certain regions, often tied to religious practices and traditions:

• Lenten Tradition: Particularly in predominantly Roman Catholic communities, fish is a favored dish on Friday nights during Lent, adhering to religious regulations that proscribe most meats.
• Shore Lunch: A traditional meal in the northern United States and Canada, where freshly-caught fish are cooked on the lakeshores.
• Midwestern and Northeastern US: Fish fries are notably popular in these regions. In Wisconsin, where the tradition is particularly strong, over 1,000 eateries offer fish fries on Fridays, and occasionally on Wednesdays. The state's rich Catholic history, combined with its numerous lakes, has contributed to this tradition. While some eateries are independent, others are chain restaurants, taverns, or even Roman Catholic Churches hosting fundraisers. Even beyond Lent, the Friday night fish fry remains a year-round tradition for many Wisconsin residents, regardless of religious affiliation. Typical fish used in a Wisconsin fry include cod, perch, bluegill, walleye, and in areas near the Mississippi River, catfish.
• Scandinavian Influence: In parts of Wisconsin with significant Scandinavian heritage, the fish boil is a popular variant. This involves cooking potatoes, white fish, and salt together in a large pot.

See Also

• Cuisine of the Midwestern United States
• List of fish dishes
• Roman Catholic traditions
• Wisconsin cuisine

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