Keeping fried fish fresh

[gaspin]

My friend and i cook fish for our church fish fry. We generally cook for 100 people which takes some time , about 2 hours. We have tried to put the cooked filets in a warm oven uncovered, a warm oven covering the filets with aluminum foil and the filets almost always get dry and tough. My question is, does anybody know of a way to keep these filets fresh for 2 hours. Any help with this problem will be appreciated.. THank You

[gabowman]

Never cooked for that large of a crowd but from what I have learned is when fish is covered they get soft (not crisp) and actually finish cooking from the heat trapped inside causing 'em to dry out. Used to cook for 20-30 people at home and I'd line a double-paper sack with plenty of paper towels and drop the cooked fish inside the bag. Never closed the bag. Fish was much better when served.

[Eager Beaver]

After I cook them I let them cool down and then put in the fridge until I am ready to serve them and then Micro wave them to heat them up again. We keep them for up to a week this way and no one complains. I cooked a bunch for the MASONIC TEMPLE this way and they really enjoyed them.
I usually just cook them as they are served. I have several large fish fry's each year, and the fun part is I catch most of the fish for them.

[SteveJ]

Never cooked for that large of a crowd but from what I have learned is when fish is covered they get soft (not crisp) and actually finish cooking from the heat trapped inside causing 'em to dry out. Used to cook for 20-30 people at home and I'd line a double-paper sack with plenty of paper towels and drop the cooked fish inside the bag. Never closed the bag. Fish was much better when served.

This is how I do it also.