Contrary to popular opinion, bass are pretty tasty. Try this blackened bass recipe, a perfect meal for summer, the next time you keep a few.
One of the great things about the Traeger Timberline grill is the fact that it gets hot enough for a really good sear. I like to put that heat to work for fish. The wood smoke gives blackened fish a flavor you just can’t get on the range top.
Contrary to what some of my tournament fishing buddies seem to think, one of the best freshwater fish for this cooking method is bass. Largemouth, smallmouth, spotted—they all eat pretty well. Next time you catch a few, fillet ’em and mix up a bowl of my blackened seasoning (see recipe below). I promise it will make you keep a few more in the future.
Contrary to popular opinion, bass are pretty tasty. Try this blackened recipe the next time you keep a few.
I like to use a Lodge cast-iron griddle directly on my grill rack, but if you don’t have a griddle, a cast-iron skillet will work just fine. A bit of butter melted on the cast iron prevents sticking and adds even more flavor to the finished dish.
Pat the fillets dry and mix up a bowl of blackened seasoning.
Ingredients
- 2 largemouth bass, 2-4 pound range, filleted
- 1/2 stick of butter
Blackened Bass Seasoning Mix
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
How to Prepare Blackened Bass
Light the Traeger and turn it all the way up. The secret to this dish is red-hot cast iron. The actual cooking time will be short, just five to ten minutes, and there will be some smoke.
Go ahead and place a cast-iron griddle or skillet on the grill as it preheats. While the grill and pan heat, mix the blackening seasoning and sprinkle it liberally over both sides of the skinless bass fillets.
A cast-iron griddle is perfect for this recipe.
Once the grill is to temp, drop the butter onto your cooking surface. It should immediately melt, then bubble, then start turning golden brown. Make sure the entire cooking surface is coated in butter, then carefully drop on the bass.
Let the bass sear, undisturbed, for three to four minutes. Using a long spatula, gently flip the fillets to sear the opposite side.
Serve with a wild rice blend and cole slaw for the perfect summer meal.
Prep time: 20 minutes. Cooking time: 20 minutes. Serves three to five.
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