Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, cooking walleye can be a daunting task. With its delicate flavor and flaky texture, it is important to cook walleye just right in order to bring out its best qualities. In this blog post, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook walleye so that you can enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends.
How to Cook Walleye? 5 Best Ways!
Baking Walleye
Baking is one of the simplest and most popular methods of cooking walleye. To begin, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place the walleye filets on the sheet, season them with salt and pepper (or your favorite spices), then drizzle them with olive oil or melted butter. Bake for 12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. For extra crispiness, finish off the dish by broiling it for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Frying Walleye
Frying is another excellent way to prepare walleye. Begin by heating ¼ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Pat dry your walleye filets with paper towels and season them liberally on both sides with salt and pepper (or any other favorite spices). Dip each piece into a shallow bowl containing flour or breadcrumbs until coated evenly on each side, then place them in hot oil carefully using tongs or a spatula. Fry on each side for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Drain excess oil using paper towels before serving warm!
Broiling Walleye
If you have access to an oven’s broiler setting, then you can easily make delicious broiled walleye as well! Preheat your oven’s broiler setting at 500 degrees Fahrenheit while preparing your ingredients. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper then rub the filets down with olive oil or melted butter before seasoning generously with salt and pepper (or any other favorite spices). Place the prepared fish under the preheated broiler for 6-7 minutes before turning it over to cook through completely on both sides for an additional 3-4 minutes (or until it flakes easily when tested with a fork). Allow it some time to rest before serving warm!
Poaching Walleye
Poaching is another great technique for cooking walleye without having to use any added fat whatsoever! To begin, fill a large pot halfway up its height with salted water and bring it up to a simmer over medium heat while preparing your ingredients. Rinse off the fish filets under cold running water then season them generously inside and out with salt and pepper (or any other preferred spice). When ready, lay them gently into the simmering water one at a time using tongs or a slotted spoon – ensuring there is enough room between each piece – then reduce heat so that liquid maintains gentle simmering motion throughout the cooking process (about 5 minutes per side). Once finished cooking, remove from liquid using a slotted spoon before serving warm!
Grilling Walleye
Finally, grilling is a great way to enjoy walleye outdoors. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat while preparing your ingredients. Rub the filets down with olive oil or melted butter then season them generously on both sides with salt and pepper (or any other favorite spices). Place the prepared fish onto the preheated grill, cover with lid and cook for 6-7 minutes or until it flakes easily when tested with a fork. Turn the filets over halfway through cooking to ensure even grilling on both sides. Allow it some time to rest before serving warm!
FAQS
1. What do you soak walleye in before cooking?
If you’d like to add extra flavor to your walleye, you can soak it in a marinade before cooking. This can include ingredients such as olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs and spices of your choice. Let the fish sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
2. How do you prepare walleye?
Preparing walleye for cooking is easy! Start by rinsing the filets under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Then use a sharp knife to remove any bones that may still be present in the filet. Once the fish has been cleaned off, season it with salt and pepper (or whatever spices you prefer).
3. Is walleye a good eating fish?
Yes, walleye is an excellent eating fish! Its delicate flavor and flaky texture make it a great choice for meals. When cooked properly, it makes for a delicious meal that will please even the pickiest eaters.
4. Should walleye be cooked with the skin on?
Yes, walleye should typically be cooked with the skin on. This helps to keep the fish moist and prevents it from becoming dry and tough. If you’re pan-frying your walleye, make sure to start by cooking the filets skin side down first before flipping them over.
Conclusion:
Walleye is one of those fish that can be intimidating to cook but once you get past that initial hurdle there are endless possibilities when it comes to preparing this delicious freshwater fish. We hope our step by step guide will give you confidence when cooking walleye so that you can enjoy flavorful meals time and time again! So go ahead and experiment with different flavors, techniques and recipes as you learn how to masterfully prepare tasty dishes featuring this delightful fish!