Beer-battered pike with homemade mayonnaise

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Pike is one of the fish anglers encounter in the lakes around Ranua, including Simojärvi and Koirajärvi. One way to prepare the catch is to fry boneless pieces in beer batter and serve them with homemade mayonnaise. A beer such as Lapin Kulta works in the batter.

Ingredients for two to three people

Fish and batter

• 500 g boneless pike fillet, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper
• 150 g wheat flour, plus a little for coating
• 1 tsp baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• 200 ml ice-cold beer
• Neutral oil for frying, such as rapeseed oil

Mayonnaise

• 1 fresh egg yolk at room temperature
• 1 tsp mild mustard
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar or lemon juice
• 150 ml neutral oil, such as sunflower oil
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: a pinch of sugar or a little honey

Method

1. Pat the fish dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Combine flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt. Gradually stir in the beer to make a smooth, thick batter.
3. Heat the frying oil to about 175 °C, using a thermometer.
4. Lightly coat each piece of fish in flour, then dip it in the batter.
5. Fry in batches until golden and cooked through, approximately 3–4 minutes depending on the size of the pieces. Drain on kitchen paper.
6. For the mayonnaise, mix the egg yolk, mustard and vinegar. Whisk in the oil drop by drop at first, then gradually as the mixture thickens.
7. Season with salt, pepper and a little sweetness if desired. Keep refrigerated until serving.

Serving ideas

Serve with potato wedges or fried potatoes, a green salad with dill dressing and lemon wedges. Beer or homemade juice goes well alongside.

At Mökki Tikka, the private jetty and equipped kitchen let you combine fishing with preparing a meal at the house.