Planked pickerel with bacon crumble

‘Walleye’ be darned, this recipe from our friends at Foodland Ontario sounds tasty. Bacon, sage, onion, lightly sweetened with maple syrup make a tasty topping for any fish!

You can find wooden planks at most grocery stores.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 pickerel fillets
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 6 slices smoked bacon
• 3 tbsp fresh sage
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• Kosher salt
• 2 cedar planks

DIRECTIONS

1. Soak two cedar planks for one hour in water (can use oak or maple boards too). Sprinkle kosher salt evenly over the top side of the planks. Place fillets, skin side down on planks; brush with butter. Season with pepper. Refrigerate.
2. In large skillet, over medium heat, cook bacon until lightly crisp, about 6 minutes. Drain on paper towel; finely chop. Place in medium bowl. Add onion and sage; season with salt and pepper. Add 3 tbsp (45 mL) of the maple syrup; mix to combine. Spoon bacon mixture evenly over the top of each fillet.
3. Preheat grill to 450°F (230°C). Reduce heat to 350°F (180°C). Place planked fish on grill. Grill covered for 18 to 20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with fork.

Drizzle each fillet with remaining maple syrup. Serve immediately.

Nutritional info: 26 grams protein per serving, 12 grams fat, 20 grams carbs, 298 calories