5 Mouth-Watering Perch Fish Recipes
When asked their favorite tasting fish, many fishermen respond, “Perch!” And not without good reason!
Perch really is a a super tasty and versatile fish that’s great for cooking. It has a delicate flesh and a mild — even slightly sweet — flavor. Perch is also firm but tender, which makes it great for a variety of cooking techniques.
Whether you grill it, pan-sear it, bake it, or batter and fry it, perch is always delicious! It’s a great choice for a quick and easy dinner or a fancy seafood feast.
Plus, it’s really versatile and works well with a lot of different flavors. So next time you’re looking for a new fish to try, give one of these perch fish recipes a shot! You won’t be disappointed.
Types of Perch and Where They’re Found
Never tried perch? Then you’re definitely missing out!
With its delicate, succulent flesh and mild, slightly sweet flavor, it’s no wonder this is a hit among among anglers and foodies alike. But did you know there are several types of perch to choose from?
First up, we have yellow perch, a North American native known for its mild, sweet flavor and tender flesh. Then there’s European perch, which boasts a more robust flavor and larger size. And let’s not forget sea perch, a saltwater fish with a little more — well, fishy —flavor.
But where can you find these different types of perch? Yellow perch can be found in lakes across North America, while European perch can be caught in the waterways of Europe. Sea perch can be found in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, usually in cooler waters.
So if you’re looking to switch up your fish game, give perch a try! With its versatility in the kitchen and delicious flavor, it’s sure to be a hit.
Tips for Selecting and Preparing Fresh Perch for Cooking
When it comes to cooking with perch, here are some of our favorite tips to get the best flavor from your catch.
If you caught your perch straight from the lake or ocean, you won’t be able to be as choosy.
But when buying fresh perch at the market, look for fish that has firm, shiny flesh and a fresh, clean smell. Run away from any fish that looks dull or has an overly nasty, rank fishy smell.
If you’re not going to be cooking the perch right away, be sure to store it properly. Place the fish in a plastic bag and store it in the coldest part of your refrigerator. That will help it stay fresh for up to two days.
Before cooking, rinse the perch under cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel. This will help remove any yucky slime or critters like bacteria from the skin.
When preparing perch for cooking, you’ll need to remove the bones. Start by running your finger along the top of the fish to feel for any bones. Then, using a sharp knife or fish tweezers, carefully remove any bones you find. (You can pretend like you’re a skilled surgeon doing life-saving surgery if this steps grosses you out.)
If you’re grilling or pan-searing the perch, you can score the skin to help prevent it from curling up during cooking. Simply use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts along the skin, being careful not to cut too deeply into the flesh.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to serving up the freshest and most flavorful perch dishes possible.
5 Delicious Perch Recipes to Try at Home
Grilled Lemon Herb Perch
Ingredients
- 2 lbs perch fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 juiced lemon
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Place the perch fillets in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and toss to coat the fish evenly. Let the fish marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
- Remove the perch from the marinade and discard the remaining marinade. Grill the perch for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve the grilled perch with your choice of sides, such as grilled vegetables or a salad.
Pan-Seared Perch with Tomato Basil Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 lbs perch fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Season the perch fillets with salt and pepper, then place them in the pan.
- Cook the perch for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove the perch from the pan and set it aside.
- In the same pan, add the cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic, and balsamic vinegar. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the tomatoes have softened.
- Return the perch to the pan and spoon the tomato basil sauce over the top. Serve the perch hot, with the sauce on top.
Baked Perch with a Crunchy Breadcrumb Crust
Ingredients
- 2 lbs perch fillets
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs, parsley, basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Brush both sides of the perch fillets with the olive oil, then coat them in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere.
- Place the perch fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the perch for 15-20 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve the baked perch hot, with your choice of sides like salad or roasted veggies.
Perch Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa
Ingredients
- 2 lbs perch fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 cup mango diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 2 tbsp red onion chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- sour cream
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Season the perch fillets with the spice mixture, then place them in the pan. Cook the perch for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it flakes easily with a fork. Remove the perch from the pan and set it aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the mango, bell pepper, cilantro, red onion, and lime juice.
- To assemble the tacos, place a piece of the perch on each tortilla and top it with a spoonful of the mango salsa. Add a dollop of sour cream, if desired. Serve the tacos hot.
Perch Chowder with Potatoes and Corn
Ingredients
- 2 lbs perch fillets
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 gloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups potatoes diced
- 1 cup corn kernels frozen
- 1 cup heavy cream
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the perch fillets into 1-inch cubes.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the thyme, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot and stir to combine.
- Add the chicken broth, potatoes, and corn to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add the perch and heavy cream to the pot and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the perch is cooked through
- Serve the chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Closing Thoughts on Perch Fish Recipes
We hope these perch recipes have inspired you to add this delicious and versatile fish to your culinary repertoire.
Whether you prefer the simple and classic flavors of grilled lemon herb perch or the bold and tropical vibes of perch fish tacos with mango salsa, there’s a perch recipe for every taste and occasion.
So why wait? Start cooking with perch today and discover all the delicious possibilities it has to offer!
