Friday Night Bites Episode 14: Fried Crappie

There’s just something about a Friday night and a skillet of hot oil. Around here, that sound means it’s time to slow things down, grab what the water gave us, and fry up something honest. Friday Night Bites was born from that exact feeling — simple food, real flavor, and moments that remind you what it means to live Equalized.

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Cleaning the Catch

This week, it’s crappie — clean, sweet, and perfect for frying.I start every fish the same way: lime juice and white distilled vinegar. Not because it changes the taste — crappie doesn’t need that — but because that’s how I was raised. We wash our meat. Period. It’s a habit of respect for what you’re about to eat, and it sets the tone for everything that follows.

The Coating

From there, it’s all about texture. I dredge the fish in my own fish rub, some fine cornmeal, and that blue bag of Louisiana Fish Fry — you know the one. That mix gives me a crispy crust that still lets the fish shine. Shake off the extra and it’s ready for the grease.

When you drop it in, let the oil talk to you. The bubbles tell you everything. Once they calm down and the color hits that deep gold, you know you’re there.

The Fry

This isn’t a three-star recipe — it’s a three-minute fry. You don’t need fancy gear, just clean oil, hot enough to kiss the fish quick. The goal is light, not heavy. Let the fillets float to the top, then get them out before they overstay their welcome.

Straight onto sliced bread. That’s the plate. Always has been.

The Trinity

Once it cools just enough to hold, I finish it my way — with what I call The Trinity.Malt vinegar for that tang, hot sauce for heat, ketchup for balance. You can swap in apple cider vinegar if you’re in a pinch, but for me, malt’s the move.

Stack it up, close that sandwich, and that first bite? That’s peace right there.

Real Outdoor Flavor

Friday Night Bites isn’t about complicated recipes — it’s about connection. The sound of the grease, the smell of fresh fish, and a simple meal done with care.

If you haven’t yet, watch Friday Night Bites Episode 14: Fried Crappie on the Equalized Outdoors YouTube channeland see the process for yourself. Then let me know in the comments — what’s your trinity when it comes to fried fish?

Until next time,

MrJayCam