Bowfin Nuggets with Onions and Thyme

Illinois cooking is strongest when the pan stays honest and the finish stays clean. This version uses Onions and Thyme and a brothy simmer finish so the Bowfin Nuggets stays central instead of getting buried under the rest of the plate.

1 1/2 to 2 pounds Bowfin Nuggets
Kosher salt
Black pepper
Neutral oil or rendered fat
1 to 2 cups Onions
2 sprigs fresh Thyme
Optional: 1 small Garlic
2 cups stock

Trim and season the Bowfin Nuggets while you prep the Onions and Thyme.
Set up the pan, pot, or oven before you start cooking so the timing stays calm once the protein goes down.
Keep the broth gentle so the fish stays intact and the vegetables soften without collapsing.
Fold in the Onions and Thyme at the right point so they support the cut instead of dissolving into the background.
Rest or hold the protein briefly, then serve while the pan juices or broth still feel connected to the plate.

Do not let a hard boil shake the fish apart. Leftovers keep best when cooled quickly and packed shallow; Illinois meals built around Bowfin Nuggets are usually stronger on day one than after repeated reheats.