Getting ready for a fishing trip and wondering what to do with your fresh catch? Look no further! Crappie, a popular fish among anglers, is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. From classic fried dishes to bold fusion flavors, we’ve got 20 mouthwatering recipes to get you started on your culinary adventure.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of crappie cooking and explore a wide range of ideas to suit every taste and skill level. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to inspire you to try something new and exciting with your next batch of fresh crappie.
So grab your favorite cookbook, sharpen your knife, and get ready to reel in the flavor! In our upcoming article, we’ll be sharing 20 delicious crappie recipes that every angler should try. From savory main courses to sweet and tangy desserts, there’s something for everyone.
Classic Fried Crappie with Tartar Sauce
A Southern favorite, classic fried crappie is a simple and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe yields crispy and flavorful fish with a tangy tartar sauce for dipping.
Ingredients:
– 4 crappie fillets (about 1 pound)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Tartar sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each crappie fillet into the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in the flour mixture to coat. Place coated fish on a plate or tray.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the crappie for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Remove the fried crappie from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Serve hot with tartar sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: About 12-15 minutes total
Lemon Butter Garlic Crappie
Brighten up your seafood dinner with this zesty and flavorful crappie recipe, featuring the perfect balance of citrusy lemon, rich butter, and savory garlic.
Ingredients:
– 4 crappie fillets (about 6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
3. Place crappie fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Brush the lemon-butter mixture evenly over each crappie fillet.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through, flaky, and tender.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Blackened Crappie with Cajun Spices
Add a bold twist to your seafood game with this spicy and flavorful blackened crappie recipe, infused with the authentic taste of Cajun spices.
Ingredients:
– 4 crappie fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp blackening seasoning (Cajun blend)
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together olive oil, blackening seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each crappie fillet into the spice mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place the coated crappie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through and blackened to your liking.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Crappie Tacos with Fresh Mango Salsa
Add a tropical twist to traditional tacos with this flavorful recipe featuring crappie, a mild-flavored fish perfect for this unique combination.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb crappie fillets, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Fresh Mango Salsa (recipe below)
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, crumbled queso fresco
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a shallow dish, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add crappie pieces to the marinade; let sit for 15 minutes.
4. Grill crappie for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos with grilled crappie, Mango Salsa, and desired toppings.
Fresh Mango Salsa:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt, to taste
Combine ingredients in a bowl; stir to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Baked Parmesan-Crusted Crappie
A crispy, cheesy crust elevates this classic fish dish to new heights.
Ingredients:
– 4 crappie fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
4. Dip each crappie fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place the coated fish on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each fillet.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the fish, then sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Grilled Crappie with Herb Butter
Elevate your outdoor cooking game with this simple and flavorful recipe that combines the crispness of grilled crappie with a rich, herby butter.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 crappie fillets
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season crappie fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Grill crappie for 4-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, mix softened butter with parsley, dill, and lemon juice.
5. Serve grilled crappie with a pat of herb butter on top.
Cooking Time: Approximately 12-15 minutes total (grilling time + prep time)
Crappie Chowder with Potatoes and Corn
This hearty chowder is a perfect blend of flaky crappie, tender potatoes, and sweet corn, all smothered in a rich and creamy broth. A comforting and filling meal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb crappie fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups fish stock or water
– Heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add crappie, potatoes, corn, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until fish is cooked through and potatoes are tender.
3. Stir in fish stock or water and bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let chowder cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, topped with heavy cream or half-and-half if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Crappie Cakes with Remoulade Sauce
Experience the rich flavors of the South with this classic recipe, perfect for a weekend brunch or dinner party.
Ingredients:
For the Crappie Cakes:
– 1 pound crappie fillets, flaked
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
For the Remoulade Sauce:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a bowl, combine flaked crappie, flour, panko breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Using a spoon, drop small amounts of the mixture into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Remove cakes from oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. For the Remoulade Sauce, combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
6. Serve crappie cakes warm with Remoulade Sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Air Fryer Crappie with Crispy Coating
Transform ordinary crappie into a mouthwatering treat with this simple air fryer recipe.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 crappie fillets (1-2 pounds)
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the crappie fillets under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Dip each crappie fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place the coated crappie fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the crappie.
7. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, or until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Honey Glazed Crappie with Sesame Seeds
Sweet and savory, this honey glazed crappie recipe is a flavorful twist on traditional fish dishes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 crappie fillets (about 6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp sesame seeds
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place crappie fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the honey glaze evenly over each fillet.
5. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of each fillet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Crappie and Shrimp Jambalaya
This hearty dish combines the flaky goodness of crappie with succulent shrimp, all cooked to perfection in a spicy tomato-based sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner or weekend gathering!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb crappie fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup long-grain rice
Instructions:
1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add crappie and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside with crappie.
4. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
5. Stir in diced tomatoes, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer.
6. Add cooked crappie and shrimp back into the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through.
7. Serve jambalaya over long-grain rice.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Smoked Crappie Dip with Cream Cheese
Experience the rich flavors of smoked crappie in a creamy and addictive dip, perfect for your next gathering or sporting event.
Ingredients:
– 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
3. Spread the mixture into a shallow baking dish or ramekin.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden brown around the edges.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped scallions before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Crappie Stir-Fry with Vegetables
A flavorful and spicy stir-fry dish that combines the delicate taste of crappie with a medley of colorful vegetables, all wrapped up in a savory sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb crappie fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 small carrot, peeled and grated
– 1 cup snow peas, sliced
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as sriracha)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the crappie and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrot. Cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the snow peas and cooked crappie back into the pan. Stir in the soy sauce and hot sauce.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Panko-Crusted Crappie Fillets with Aioli
Savor the delicate flavor of crappie fillets elevated by a crispy Panko crust and creamy aioli dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 crappie fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Aioli ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix Panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each crappie fillet in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the breaded crappie fillets to the skillet (do not overcrowd). Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
6. Transfer the fillets to a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Meanwhile, prepare aioli by mixing all ingredients in a bowl.
8. Serve crappie fillets with warm aioli for dipping.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Crappie Po’ Boy Sandwich with Coleslaw
Get ready for a taste of the South with this crispy, fried crappie sandwich smothered in creamy coleslaw.
Ingredients:
– 4 crappie fillets (about 1 pound total)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, and pickles (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each crappie fillet into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry crappie for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and flaky.
5. Assemble sandwiches by placing fried crappie on hamburger buns, topping with coleslaw, lettuce, tomato, pickles (if using), and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: About 15 minutes
Crappie Piccata with Capers and White Wine
This classic Italian-inspired dish is a flavorful and elegant way to prepare crappie, with the bright, tangy taste of capers and white wine adding depth to this pan-seared delight.
Ingredients:
• 4 crappie fillets (about 1 lb)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup capers, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Rinse crappie fillets under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a shallow dish, mix together olive oil, garlic, capers, salt, and pepper.
4. Dredge crappie fillets in the caper mixture, coating evenly.
5. Place crappie fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Drizzle white wine over the crappie and sprinkle with lemon juice.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Southern-Style Crappie and Grits
A classic Southern comfort food dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 4 crappie fillets (about 1 pound)
– 2 cups stone-ground grits
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Chopped scallions and grated cheddar cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook grits according to package instructions. Stir in melted butter, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
3. Place crappie fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle with a little water and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until flaky and cooked through.
6. Serve crappie with hot grits spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped scallions and grated cheddar cheese, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Crappie Kebabs with Bell Peppers and Onions
Experience the flavorful combination of crappie, bell peppers, and onions on a skewer, perfect for a quick dinner or outdoor gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound crappie fillets, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced into 1-inch strips
– 1 medium onion, sliced into 1-inch rings
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: lemon wedges and your favorite seasonings
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Thread crappie pieces, bell pepper strips, and onion rings onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill kebabs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until crappie is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
5. Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite seasonings, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Crappie Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Bread
Savor the flavors of a creamy pasta dish and crispy garlic bread, perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti)
– 1 lb. crappie fillets, flaked
– 2 tbsp. butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp. garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
– Garlic bread:
+ 4 slices white bread
+ 2 tbsp. butter, softened
+ 2 cloves garlic, minced
+ Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add flaked crappie and cook for 3-4 minutes or until opaque.
3. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine cooked pasta and crappie Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat.
5. For garlic bread, preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter each slice of bread on both sides. Sprinkle minced garlic evenly over the bread slices. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Crappie en Papillote with Herbs and Lemon
Discover the simplicity of this Mediterranean-inspired fish recipe, where flaky crappie is wrapped in a flavorful herb and lemon-infused parchment paper for a moist and aromatic dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 crappie fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
– 2 lemons, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, parsley, and dill.
3. Place a crappie fillet on each sheet of parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch border around the fish.
4. Brush the herb mixture evenly over the fish, then top with a lemon slice.
5. Fold the parchment paper over the fish, creating a sealed packet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to reel in some delicious flavors with these 20 mouth-watering crappie recipes! From classic fried crappie with tartar sauce to spicy stir-fry with vegetables, there’s something for every angler and foodie. Try your hand at baking parmesan-crusted crappie or grilling it with herb butter. If you’re in the mood for something new, go for crappie tacos with fresh mango salsa or crappie chowder with potatoes and corn. With a variety of flavors and cooking methods, these recipes are sure to catch your taste buds’ attention.