How to Cook Walleye Fish? Complete Guide to Cooking

Walleye fish is a sought-after prize among anglers across North America, known for its delicate texture and mild yet sweet taste. An ideal fish to prepare in any kitchen setting or event. However, many home chefs may not know exactly how to prepare it to ensure optimal results each time they cook it – this guide offers methods and recipes designed to ensure delicious results every time.

What is Walleye Fish?

Before delving into how to cook walleye fish, let’s first explore its qualities. Walleye (Sander vitreus) is a freshwater species found across North America lakes and rivers. It gets its name from its large reflective eyes which help it see in low-light environments like early morning or evening hours. Walleye flesh is firm yet tender making it ideal for various cooking methods including frying, grilling, baking or steaming.

Walleye fish is often compared to popular freshwater species like pike and bass; however, its delicate flavor sets it apart as a favorite among those who appreciate lighter-flake fish varieties.

Walleye Fish: Cooking Methods

There are a variety of ways to prepare walleye, each emphasizing its delicate texture and subtle flavor. Here, we discuss some of the more popular cooking methods, along with tips to ensure maximum enjoyment from your walleye fish dish.

1. Frying Walleye Fish

Frying walleye fish is an easy and fast way to enjoy its delicate flavors and flaky texture, perfect for weeknight dinners or fish fry parties.

Ingredients:

• Walleye fillets
• Flour (or cornmeal for extra crunch)
• Salt and pepper
• Paprika or garlic powder (optional)
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Apply a paper towel to each walleye fillet and blot dry it for better adhesion of the coating to the fish. This step should help the coating adhere more closely.
2. Combine flour, salt, pepper, and any desired spices or seasonings in a shallow dish.
3. Carefully coat each fillet in the flour mixture until they are evenly covered.
4. Start by placing vegetable oil in a medium-heat frying pan, ensuring there is at least 1 inch of liquid to ensure proper filleting of fillets.
5. Fry the fillets until golden-brown and crisp on both sides, or until desired results have been achieved.
6. Remove the fillets from the oil and set them on a paper towel to drain any extra fat.

Serving Suggestions: Fried walleye can be served with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or a side of crispy fries or coleslaw for a classic fish fry experience.

2. Baking Walleye Fish

Baking is an ideal way to prepare walleye if you want to opt for a healthier preparation method, since baking preserves its natural flavors and moisture without adding too much additional fat.

Ingredients:

• Walleye fillets
• Olive oil or melted butter
• Lemon slices
• Fresh herbs (such as thyme or dill)
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375degF (190degC).
2. Grease a baking dish lightly with olive oil or butter before placing in the oven.
3. Place walleye fillets into a dish, skin-side down (if they feature skin).
4. Sprinkle olive oil or melted butter over the fish and season it with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs for an elegant and flavorful dish.
5. Place lemon slices over the fish.
6. Bake the walleye in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork.

Serving Suggestions: For optimal enjoyment, pair baked walleye with steamed vegetables, rice or roasted potatoes; alternatively try pairing it with a light salad dressed with an irresistibly tart vinaigrette for an irresistibly delectable side dish.

3. Grilling Walleye Fish

Grilled walleye is an ideal outdoor meal during warmer weather months, thanks to the rich smokey flavor imparted from the grill which adds depth to its mild taste.

Ingredients:

• Walleye fillets (or whole walleye)
• Olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and your choice of seasonings
• Lemon wedges

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill over a medium-high temperature.
2. Lightly coat walleye fillets in olive oil before seasoning them with salt, pepper and any additional desired spices.
3. If grilling whole walleye, ensure to clean and gut the fish first.
4. Place walleye fillets skin-side down on the grill and cook for approximately four to five minutes on both sides for optimal results.
5. Use a spatula to carefully turn over walleye fillets; as this fish is fragile. Your walleye should be done when it flakes easily with a fork.
6. Provide an extra dose of flavor by serving grilled walleye with fresh lemon wedges for an exciting combination.

Serving Suggestions: Grilled walleye can pair nicely with grilled vegetables, light couscous salad or corn on the cob, while adding an acidic barbecue sauce or yogurt-based dip can enhance its smoky flavors.

4. Broiling Walleye Fish

Broiling is another method that can produce an impressively crispy exterior while leaving the interior tender and moist – like grilling but with heat coming from above rather than below.

Ingredients:

• Walleye fillets
• Olive oil or melted butter
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and fresh herbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat the broiler on high.
2. Scrub the walleye fillets with olive oil or melted butter before coating them in olive oil or cheese cloth.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and your desired spices.
4. Put the fillets on a broiler pan and broil for about 4-6 minutes on each side, depending on their thickness. Be mindful to watch closely to prevent overcooking!
5. Once the fish flakes easily, remove it from the broiler and serve immediately.

Serving Recommendations: Broiled walleye pairs well with roasted vegetables, quinoa or fresh green salad as a side dish. You could also try topping it off with either light vinaigrette or lemon butter sauce for an elegant treat.

5. Pan-Seared Walleye Fish

An Easy Method Pan-searing walleye fish is an efficient and straightforward method that gives it a beautiful golden crust while still remaining moist inside, making this method suitable for thicker fillets.

Ingredients:

• Walleye fillets
• Olive oil or butter
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley or lemon zest for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil or butter.
2. Season the walleye fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Place the fillets in the hot pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon zest before serving.

Serving Suggestions: Pan-seared walleye is fantastic with a simple side of sautéed greens, roasted potatoes, or a creamy mashed cauliflower.

Tips for Cooking Walleye Fish

• Don’t Overcook: Walleye is a delicate fish, so overcooking it could result in tough, dry flesh. Make sure that when cooking your fillets they flake easily when poked with a fork.
• Freshness Matters: For optimal flavor and texture, always opt for fresh walleye. When cooking frozen walleye, ensure it has been properly defrosted before beginning.
• Skin on or Skinless Fillets: Cooking walleye with its skin still attached can help retain moisture, while for those preferring skinless fillets it might be worthwhile removing it once cooked is complete.
• Seasoning: Walleye fish has a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with many different seasonings; just be careful not to overpower it with too many spices – lemon, herbs and garlic go far in enhancing its taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Cooking walleye fish can be fun and satisfying, with various methods available depending on your desired method of preparation. From frying, baking, grilling and pan-searing – walleye’s mild flavor and flaky texture make it an excellent source for multiple forms of preparation – with our tips and recipes here at your service you will soon become a walleye maestro and enjoy perfectly-cooked walleye every time.