| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 572 | 31g | 6g | 42g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 2g | 36g | 1.6g |
Why I Love Canadian Fried Pickerel Sandwich with Spicy Remoulade
If you’re looking for a recipe that is bound to dazzle your tastebuds, you’ve got to try my Fried Pickerel Sandwich with Spicy Remoulade! Inspired by enchanting culinary trips I’ve taken far beyond my Southern roots and my parents’ beloved Nigeria, this pan-Canadian favorite never fails to exude the kind of warmth and richness that truly defines comfort food.
Understanding the Fusion
Reinventing traditional recipes is an adventurous endeavor I truly revel in, with each unique marriage of flavors representing a story waiting to be told. My experiences, both as a person of Nigerian descent rooted in Atlanta, Georgia and my travels, significantly influence the unique dishes I create. I fondly remember my stay in Canada, where I first discovered the delicious Pickerel fish, locally known and widely renowned.
The delicate, moist texture of the Pickerel fish—reminiscent of the popular Catfish often found in plates across the American South—pairs beautifully with a host of flavors. When adequately fried and nestled in a perfectly toasted bun, this delicacy strikes a delightful balance, reminding me of the pleasant interplay between Nigerian spice and Southern comfort in my formative years.
A Noteworthy Inspiration
Though drawn from some Canadian heartland and garnished with a Southern touch, I must admit this recipe wasn’t concocted in a vacuum. One culinary guru who had a notable impact during my journey as a food enthusiast was Matty Matheson. His innovative, eclectic fusions and remarkable passion for Canadian cuisine motivated me to explore further and venture on this culinary path. Embedding those familiar fiery notes into this quintessentially Canadian dish was a challenge that I couldn’t resist—thus bringing forth this stunning Matheson-inspired, Afro-Southern blend.
As a lawyer, dabbling in intricate culinary procedures is a welcoming change from my rigid, legal routine. It allows me to channel a creative, more relaxed side of me—a side that adores creating palate surprises, and most importantly, sharing the love for diverse cuisine. Each bite of this Fried Pickerel Sandwich with Spicy Remoulade is a testament to a thrilling journey from the fryer to your belly, making every moment in the kitchen a worthwhile investment. And the crowning glory of this affair, the Spicy Remoulade, undoubtedly adds another dimension to this Canadian hero, lending it a spicy, creamy contrast that creates an absolutely noteworthy experience.
One bite, and you might find yourself sailing through nostalgic waves, just as I do, all the while appreciating deeply how flavors from different parts of the world can harmonize so stunningly in one outstanding dish.
What You’ll Need
- 6 pickerel fillets, approximately 4 oz each
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 6 buns, split and toasted
- 1/2 cup lettuce, shredded
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickled relish
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons capers, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Start off by seasoning the pickerel fillets with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste.
Step Two
In a shallow bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika. In a separate bowl, place the beaten eggs and in a third bowl, the bread crumbs. Now, dredge each fillet first in the flour mixture, then in the beaten eggs and finally coat them with the bread crumbs flipping them to ensure they are fully coated.
Step Three
In a frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded fillets and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches to not overcrowd the pan and ensure even cooking. Once done, transfer the fillets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step Four
While the fish is frying, you can prepare the Spicy Remoulade. In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, pickled relish, lemon juice, hot sauce, minced garlic, chopped capers, 1 teaspoon of paprika, salt and black pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well mixed and set aside.
Step Five
To assemble the sandwich, spread some of the Spicy Remoulade on the inside of the toasted buns. On the bottom part of the bun, place a layer of shredded lettuce, followed by a few slices of tomato, and some slices of red onion. Top off with a fried pickerel fillet and finish with the top part of the bun.
Enjoy your Fried Pickerel Sandwich with Spicy Remoulade immediately.
