Thread: mushy

we fried up some crappies last night they were mushy. they supposed to be mushy or did we under cook them?

1) Oil was not hot enough?
2) Breader sat too long on fish before entering grease?
3) Fish was still cold or partially frozen?

vegetable oil wuz 350 - 400
a few shakes in the breader straight to the grease
fish were still swimming in my live well 10 minutes before going in the pan

Crappie do not have the same texture of say walleye, salmon, swordfish or even white bass. They seem to have a tendency to be somewhat "mushy", I guess. They are not a real firm fish. I much prefer a fresh crappie fillet to a frozen crappie fillet as they kinda 'puff up' a lot more!:D

Try putting them in ICE cold water to firm them up before cooking them.:D

Originally Posted by CrappieMagnet

Try putting them in ICE cold water to firm them up before cooking them.:D

I do this too, but sounds like to me they were either under cooked or grease was still too cold. Cold grease will make the fillets cook apart. When the fillets hits the grease they should boil instantly. Grease too hot smokes before putting in the fish and browns the fish too quick leaving them too raw inside. Even frozen crappie should be somewhat firm and flakey when cooked properly.

An old boy told me to soak them for a day in 7up before frying. The fillets actually come out light and fluffy. I guess the acid in the soda does something to the fish. It is wonderful and not mushy at all. Give that a try the next time you cook some up.

HOTTER GREASE...Cook until golden brown. If filets are big, then cut them up.

thanks CrappieMagnet I'll try the ice water

sac-a-lait my frying pan only goes up to 400 I'll max her out next time

CrappieHusky I thought they must be more mushy than other fish... being new to crappie and all wasn't really sure

You should be able to drop a piece of white bread in the oil and it will inst turn into toast . Thats how I know when then the oil is hot enough , and after the first batch the oil will have cooled off a little because of the first batch you cooked .let it come back up to the right temp again . Take and dip your fish in an egg and then in the flour , fry till crispy on each side about 2min on each side add salt to taste. send me all the ones you don't want . Ha enjoy