Pistachio White Fish Recipe

For those of you unfamiliar with the tasty treasures our Great Lakes basin has to offer, it’s home to approximately twenty percent of the world’s freshwater fish, including the lake whitefish. The whitefish made quite a name for themselves with early European explorers and Native Americans and continue to be popular with anglers and food connoisseurs.  So, why all the fuss over this year-round available seafood? Let’s explore what makes it such a catch.

 

White Fish is a Mild Fish Everyone Loves

This tasty fish is perfect for those who may not enjoy a robust fishy flavor or whose palate is new to seafood. Whitefish is a mild fish with a light, sweet flavor. You’ll find this slightly flaky fish is extremely versatile, making it an excellent choice for most cooking methods.  High in quality yet easy on the wallet, whitefish is a favorite of many for its value and taste.  

 

Frozen Freshwater Fish

Whitefish is known for its ability to hold its flavor even when frozen. In fact, in a study by Michigan State University, most people noted this fish is more enjoyable after being frozen up to four months due to its:

  • Texture
  • Appearance
  • Flavor
  • Ease of preparing when deep-frying

 

Health Benefits of Eating Great Lakes Whitefish

While seafood, in general, makes a healthy and delicious choice, whitefish have tremendous health benefits to boast about. Whitefish is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Whitefish is full of omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA and EPA, which may help significantly reduce your risk of coronary heart disease.

Load up on this healthy fish and reap the rewards of: 

  • Vitamin B6
  • Vitamin B12
  • Niacin
  • Potassium
  • Phosphorus
  • Selenium
  • Zinc
  • Iron
  • Calcium

 

Popular Cooking Methods of White Fish

While whitefish adapt quickly to almost any cooking method, we do have favorites we love recommending to our customers. After placing your online home delivery order of the finest lake whitefish around, enjoy preparing it with one of these fantastic methods:

 

  • Pan-Fry: Everyone loves a good pan-fried fish, and whitefish is no exception. Its mild flavoring makes it the ideal choice when you're cooking for a newbie or picky eaters. Pan-frying offers a quick and easy way to prepare your fillets and dazzle your diners. With a few easy ingredients you're likely to have in your cupboards; you'll be dipping, dredging, and frying up your whitefish in a flash.
  • Poach: Poaching your whitefish allows you to toss in all your favorite ingredients and simmer your fillets in tasty juices. Bring to a low boil, then simmer, and you're done! In just under ten minutes, you’ll have perfectly tender fillets.
  • Bake: Baking your whitefish fillets provides plenty of time for you to tend to your side dishes as your seafood bakes to perfection in the seasonings of your choice. Whether in foil packets or a deep baking dish, your flavor-infused whitefish will be ready to serve in under twenty minutes.

 

PISTACHIO WHITEFISH Recipe

 

INGREDIENTS:

2 cloves garlic
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
1 to 1 ½ cups chopped fresh cilantro
1/3 cup shelled pistachios
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 (6 to 8 ounce) fillets lake whitefish, tilapia, or other white fish
2 sheets of parchment paper

 

 DIRECTIONS: 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Combine garlic, oregano, pepper, salt, cilantro, and pistachios in a food processor or blender. Blend into a rough paste. With the motor running, add olive oil slowly and blend into a thick paste.
  3. Lay the fish on parchment paper (skin side down). Spread the mixture on the fish.
  4. Cover with a second sheet of parchment paper.
  5. Bake about 18 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork, and the color is opaque.

 

Tip: This would also work well with sea bass, swai, or barramundi fillets.

*Thanks to one of our customers in Midland, Michigan, for this wonderful recipe!