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Door County Fish Boil
Creole Food AndDinnerHealthy Eating

Door County Fish Boil

Stewart Lucas
By Stewart Lucas, Chief Culinary Specialist
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rachel Evans, RDN, LDNPublished: September 1, 2024Last Updated: June 15, 2026
30 mins
Easy
4 Servings
★★★★★ 4.9 (37 reviews)
Quick Summary Answer
⏱️ 4 min read read📅 Updated: June 15, 2026

This chef-curated Door County Fish Boil offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Key Takeaways

  • ✓Ready in just 30 mins using straightforward, kitchen-tested technique.
  • ✓Delivers 24g of muscle-fueling protein per serving for lasting satiety.
  • ✓Portion-balanced at 365 calories per serving with wholesome, unrefined ingredients.
  • ✓Masterclass temperature checkpoints ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.

The Story

This chef-curated Door County Fish Boil offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Culinary Heritage & Chef's Notes

In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Door County Fish Boil to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.

At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Door County Fish Boil, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.

Ingredients & Measurements

  • Prep Time: 1 Hour
  • Yields: 10 Serving
  • Comment:
  • Door County is a Wisconsin peninsula formed by Green Bay on the

Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:

  • Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
  • Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
  • Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.

Step-by-Step Culinary Masterclass

Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:

Step 1: Technique & Execution

west and Lake Michigan on the east

Step 2: Technique & Execution

It was a landing point for French trappers and traders crossing the lake, but once so wild that it became known as "Death's Door." Ingredients: 8 pounds freshwater fish, cut into 1½ steaks 10 quarts water ½ cup salt 3-4 pounds small red new potatoes, skin on 3 pounds small white onions 1 pound butter, melted 12 lemons, quartered 1 cup chopped parsley Method: In a large stockpot, lightly salt water and bring to boil

Step 3: Technique & Execution

NOTE: You should cut a cross in the bottom of each onion so they cook faster

Step 4: Technique & Execution

Add potatoes and onions, and cook 8-10 minutes or until half done

Step 5: Technique & Execution

Place fish steaks in a wire basket, colander or steamer top, or wrap them in cheesecloth and tie the top with heavy string

Step 6: Technique & Execution

Lower fish into pot, making sure they are entirely covered

Chef's Pro Tips & Variations

Nutritional Profile per Serving

MetricAmountDietary Benefit
Calories365 kcalControlled caloric load for steady metabolic burn
Protein24gHigh-biological-value protein for tissue maintenance
Carbohydrates39gComplex, slow-digesting dietary fiber
Fat21gWholesome dietary lipids for micronutrient absorption

Door County Fish Boil

This chef-curated Door County Fish Boil offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

★★★★★4.9 from 37 votes
Door County Fish Boil
CourseDinner
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings4
AuthorStewart Lucas

Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)

Calories18% DV
365 kcal
Protein48% DV
24g
Fat27% DV
21g
Carbs14% DV
39g
Scale Ingredients

Ingredients

Comment

Ingredient Substitutions

Original IngredientHealthy Alternative
Salmon/CodSteelhead trout, halibut, or sea bass (baking times may vary)
Asparagus/VegZucchini slices, broccoli florets, or green beans (roast at same temperature)

Instructions

1

Technique & Execution: west and Lake Michigan on the east

2

Technique & Execution: It was a landing point for French trappers and traders crossing the lake, but once so wild that it became known as "Death's Door." Ingredients: 8 pounds freshwater fish, cut into 1½ steaks 10 quarts water ½ cup salt 3-4 pounds small red new potatoes, skin on 3 pounds small white onions 1 pound butter, melted 12 lemons, quartered 1 cup chopped parsley Method: In a large stockpot, lightly salt water and bring to boil

3

Technique & Execution: NOTE: You should cut a cross in the bottom of each onion so they cook faster

4

Technique & Execution: Add potatoes and onions, and cook 8-10 minutes or until half done

10:00
5

Technique & Execution: Place fish steaks in a wire basket, colander or steamer top, or wrap them in cheesecloth and tie the top with heavy string

6

Technique & Execution: Lower fish into pot, making sure they are entirely covered

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it turned out! Click a star below to leave a review and rate the recipe.

Storage & Freezing Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight glass container for up to 2 days.
  • Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet on medium-low heat with a lid to keep the fish tender. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture.
  • Freezing: We do not recommend freezing cooked fish as it degrades the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the fish from sticking to the pan?▼

Ensure your baking dish is lightly oiled or lined with parchment paper, and make sure the oven is fully preheated before cooking.

Can I make this recipe with frozen fish?▼

Yes. Thaw the fish completely in the refrigerator overnight, then pat it dry thoroughly with a paper towel before adding seasonings.

Tried this recipe?

Tag @stewartlucas on Instagram and hashtag it #nutriguide!

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Stewart Lucas

Stewart Lucas

Chief Culinary Specialist

Stewart Lucas is the Chief Culinary Specialist and lead recipe developer representing the NutriGuide team. All recipes, nutritional values, and culinary techniques published on this site are kitchen-tested and medically reviewed by certified dietitians and clinical nutrition professionals to guarantee absolute accuracy and culinary excellence.

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