This recipe comes from Zach King from King’s Fish Market in Naubinway, MI. On July 24, 2026, visit the Mi Fresh Fish Fry in Escanaba to try this tasty dish for yourself! Mi Fresh Fish uplifts all fish produced in Michigan—whether from farmed or wild harvests—and whether destined for food, bait, stocking, fee‑fishing, or ornamental markets. The goal is to educate and bring awareness to Michiganders the many values of our local fisheries: food, fun, finance, function, and fellowship. Learn more at Mi Fresh Fish.
This recipe uses a frymix from Drake’s Batter Mix Company, which has operated in Marshall, MI, since 1937. You can swap the Drake’s for a batter mix of your choice.
Michigan dunk-n-fry whitefish
Ingredients:
- Lake whitefish fillets
- 12 oz beer or soda water (room temperature)
- 1 cup Drake’s Crispy Frymix
- Canola cooking oil (for frying)
- Tartar Sauce (optional)
Instructions:
- Pour 1-2 inches of cooking oil into a skillet. Heat oil to 350-375F. Oil is ready when you drop a pinch of the dry mix in and it sizzles.
- Pat your fish fillets completely dry with paper towels. Cut them into evenly sized pieces.
- Mix the beer (or soda water) and the fry mix into a bowl. Whisk together until thoroughly blended.
- Dip the fish pieces into the batter until evenly coated.
- Carefully drop the coated fillets into the hot oil. Fry in small batches, 3-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and flaky.
- Remove the fish to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve with tartar sauce and enjoy!
Freshwater Feasts 