Milwaukee Fish Fry – The Fish fry is a tradition in Wisconsin, especially in Milwaukee.
Our guest on “Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders” is Maudwella Kirkendoll. Maudwella is the COO at Community Advocates, which is a non-profit that provides people in the community with advocacy and services to meet their basic needs so they can live in dignity.
Maudwella shows us how he makes atypical Milwaukee Fish fry. And he brought along his Grandmother’s Lemon Pie.
You can also listen to the podcast version of this interview and cooking episode –
Origins and Religious Influence of Milwaukee Fish Fry:
Let’s talk about the fascinating history of Fish Fry in Wisconsin.
The roots of the fish fry can be traced back to 1249 when Canon law forbade Catholics from consuming meat on Fridays. This prohibition led to the tradition of eating fish as an alternative.
In the mid-19th century, when European immigrants, particularly Catholic Europeans, settled in Milwaukee, they brought this practice with them.
Jones Island and the Kashubes:
Jones Island, which is located in Milwaukee, played a pivotal role in popularizing the fish fry.
The Kashubes came from northwest Poland and were skilled Baltic Sea fishermen. They settled on Jones Island. They were the first seminal fishers for Milwaukee.
Around the 1870s, they established fishing villages on the island and served fish in their taverns.
Louis and Ruth Hirschinger:
In the 1940s and ’50s, Louis and Ruth Hirschinger, managers of the South Shore Yacht Club and later Tanner-Paull Bar and Restaurant, introduced the concept of the all-you-can-eat family-style fish fry to the Milwaukee area. And that tradition continues to this day.
Prohibition and Milwaukee Tavern Culture:
During Prohibition, the fish fry played a crucial role in keeping Wisconsin’s breweries and taverns alive. Not only because of religious reasons, but it was a great way to eat food and hang with friends.
Typical Components of Milwaukee Fish Fry:
A classic Milwaukee fish fry typically includes:
- Fish (often cod or perch) encased in golden-light, not-too-greasy batter.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy and not drowned in mayo vinaigrette.
- Rye bread: Fresh-baked and enhanced with caraway seeds.
- Applesauce: Homemade, with fruit and cinnamon flavors.
- Tartar sauce: The right balance of pickle and tart flavors.
So, next time you enjoy a Milwaukee fish fry, remember its rich history and the cultural significance it holds!
French Fries with Milwaukee Fish Fry
French fries are a classic pairing with fried fish! The crispy texture of the fries complements the tender fish, which adds to its placement on the plate. If you’re not a fan of fries, you might want to consider other sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, hush puppies, or onion rings.
The perfect French fry is a delightful balance of crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
And don’t forget the Pie
Milwaukee Fish Fry
Equipment
- 2 Heavy bottom pans, one for the fish, one for the french fries
Materials
- 2 Lb. Catfish
- 1 10 oz package of Andy’s Fish Breading
- 1 tbsp Lawry’s Seasoning Salt
- 1 tsp Adobe Seasoning
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 1 tsp Slap You Mama Seasoning
- 1 tsp French Fry seasoning salt
- 40 oz vegetable oil
- 8 white potatoes cut into French fry size
Instructions
- Using a cast iron skillet, bring the oil to 350 degrees.
- Add the seasonings to the Andy’s Fish breading package:
- While oil is warming, add fish to the breading and shake until completely covered.
- Once the oil has reached the required temperature (350-375) add the battered fish slowly to the skillet.
- Allow fish to cook for 12-15 minutes, the outside should be a golden-brown color.
- Remove fish and place on a paper towel to allow for the oil to drain.
- For homemade French fries use the same process minus dipping them in batter.
- Allow for them to brown (8-12 minutes) and remove and place on a paper towel.
- Season the fries with French Fry Seasoning once the oil has drained onto the paper towel.
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Quintessential Milwaukee Fish Fry with Maudwella Kirendoll
Love the step-by-step instructions. Looks delicious!
We love a good fish fry, Charlie! This all looks great! I’m sorry I have not been able to listen to the whole show yet, but I sure hope he shared that lemon pie recipe with you!! 🙂
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