Community fish fries have long been a staple in the southeastern region of the United States. Fish fries are great for community building, fundraising, or even just family events, and their versatility and appeal has begun to spread across the nation. However, some who are unfamiliar with this largely southern tradition may have a few questions about how to “properly” host a fish fry of their own. Luckily, fish fries are traditionally very casual events, and preparing for them is usually not a terribly intensive process. Here are a few things to keep in mind when organizing your own fish fry.
Planning
Determining how large your fish fry is going to be is one of the first steps. This will influence most of the other decisions (seating arrangements, how much food to buy, outdoor vs. indoor, etc.) involved in your planning process, so getting a general head count fairly early on is important. If you are organizing a larger, community fish fry rather than a small party, consider briefly polling your community before you start planning to get a feel for the level of interest. If you are using your fish fry as a fundraising opportunity, be sure to consider your costs carefully and price your plates (or admission, for buffet-style fish fries) accordingly. Buying and cooking more food than people will actually eat is the quickest way to nullify profits.
The Fish
Your fish will obviously be the most important part of your menu. Cod, catfish, tilapia, and other types of drier whitefish make great choices for your fish fry, as they are easy to coat with most batter mixtures and will hold together well in the fryer. If you are feeding a large crowd and do not have access to a commercial deep fryer, consider investing in a reliable outdoor fryer (smaller models are available for lower volume applications) to speed up the cooking process. No matter how big the pan, trying to pan-fry your fish will almost assuredly take too long and will be too labor intensive to keep the lines moving at larger events. If manageable, also consider preparing a smaller amount of grilled or baked fish for guests who are trying to avoid fried foods.
Sides
Although freshly fried fish will be your main attraction, the often overlooked side-dishes are just as important to a successful fish fry. Hush puppies are a simple and traditional choice of side dish, and many fish fry goers practically expect them at this point. Freshly cooked french fries are also a great choice, but try to avoid serving too many fried sides with your fish. A plate full of nothing but fried foods may appeal to some of your guests, but many people are more likely to leave with a greasy stomach if everything on their plates has been cooked in oil. Potato salad, pasta salad, baked beans, cole slaw, and dinner rolls are all robust sides that will help take the edge off of your fried smörgåsbord. Offering a selection of freshly steamed, seasonal vegetables is also a healthy way to balance out your spread.
Drinks
To host a truly southern-style fish fry, offering sweet tea to your guests is a must. Cold beer is also a fish fry staple, but be careful not to offer anything that will mask the more delicate flavors of your main course. Fried fish pairs best with lighter ales and lagers.
Ambiance
Fish fries are typically held outdoors and are very rarely formal occasions. Reinforce this casual attitude by using paper plates and napkins, plastic eating utensils, and disposable cups. Plastic tables and chairs with a simple cloth or vinyl tablecloth will suffice for seating, as guests generally aren’t likely to linger at the table after they have finished eating. At larger events, be sure to set up the eating area far enough away from socializing and cooking spaces to keep things from crowding up and slowing down dining traffic.
With a little bit of thought and planning, hosting a fish fry can be an easy way to to help fund a cause or simply bring people together. The relatively low-maintenance nature of the food and the casual, social atmosphere of a traditional fish fry make the perfect setting for a friendly, low-key gathering. So pick out your favorite fish recipes, light up the fryer, and enjoy.
