Grilled Walleye Recipe

Walleye: A freshwater fish known for its mild flavor and firm texture, perfect for grilling.

Olive oil: Used to brush the fillets, it helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle richness.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the fish.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed, it brightens the dish with a zesty tang.

Fresh parsley: Chopped and used as a garnish, it adds a pop of color and freshness.

When grilling walleye, ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent the delicate fish from sticking. Use a fish spatula for easy flipping, and avoid moving the fillets too much to maintain their integrity. For added flavor, consider marinating the walleye in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and parsley for 30 minutes before grilling.

• walleye - Substitute with tilapia: Tilapia has a mild flavor and flaky texture similar to walleye, making it a good alternative for grilling.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, which works well for grilling fish.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different texture and flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can add a subtle heat without overpowering the fish.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor, adding a fresh and tangy taste to the fish.

• parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro provides a fresh and slightly citrusy flavor, which can complement the grilled fish nicely.

• Allow the walleye fillets to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the fish soggy.
• Wrap each fillet individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped fillets in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If using a plastic bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
• Label the container or bag with the date of storage to keep track of freshness.
• Store the grilled walleye in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 2-3 days. For longer storage, place it in the freezer.
• When freezing, ensure the temperature is set to 0°F (-18°C) or lower to maintain the best quality.
• To reheat, thaw the walleye in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, covered, for a few minutes.
• Avoid microwaving as it can make the fish rubbery and dry.
• For added flavor, you can brush the reheated walleye with a bit of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the walleye fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  3. Lightly brush the fillets with a bit of olive oil to keep them moist.
  4. Cover the fillets with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  5. Reheat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is warmed through.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the walleye fillets in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is heated through.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the walleye fillets on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the fillets with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

• Steam Method:

  1. Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer.
  2. Place the walleye fillets in a steamer basket over the simmering water.
  3. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is heated through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Lightly brush the walleye fillets with olive oil.
  3. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  4. Reheat for about 4-5 minutes, or until the fish is warmed through and slightly crispy.

• Grill: Essential for cooking the walleye fillets to perfection, providing that smoky, charred flavor.

• Grill brush: Used to clean the grill grates before cooking to ensure the fish doesn't stick.

• Tongs: Handy for flipping the fillets without breaking them apart.

• Basting brush: Ideal for brushing olive oil onto the fillets evenly.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring out the salt, black pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice accurately.

• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for prepping the fish and chopping parsley.

• Chef's knife: Used for chopping the fresh parsley finely.

• Fish spatula: Helps in carefully removing the fillets from the grill without them falling apart.

• Serving platter: Perfect for presenting the grilled walleye fillets attractively.

• Small bowl: Useful for mixing the lemon juice and chopped parsley before garnishing.

Preheat the grill in advance: Start preheating your grill while you prepare the walleye fillets to save time.

Use a marinade bag: Place the walleye fillets in a resealable bag with olive oil, salt, and black pepper for easy and even seasoning.

Prepare garnishes ahead: Chop the fresh parsley and squeeze the lemon juice before you start grilling to streamline the process.

Check for doneness early: Use a fork to test if the fish flakes easily a minute or two before the suggested cooking time to avoid overcooking.