Grilled Walleye Recipe

Walleye: A mild and flaky freshwater fish that is perfect for grilling.

Olive oil: Used to brush the fillets, adding moisture and preventing sticking.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the walleye.

Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.

Lemon: Cut into wedges, it provides a fresh, citrusy finish to the grilled walleye.

When grilling walleye, make sure to preheat the grill to medium-high heat to ensure even cooking. To prevent the fish from sticking, brush the fillets with olive oil and use a clean, well-oiled grill grate. For added flavor, consider marinating the walleye in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for about 30 minutes before grilling. This will not only enhance the taste but also help keep the fish moist.

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

• walleye - Substitute with cod: Cod is another mild-flavored fish that holds up well on the grill and can be used in place of walleye.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in grilling.

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil is another option with a high smoke point and neutral taste, perfect for grilling fish.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity as regular salt and adds a slightly different mineral flavor.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has larger crystals and a purer flavor, making it a good alternative for seasoning grilled fish.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used in the same quantity as black pepper.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with lemon pepper: Lemon pepper adds a citrusy note along with the peppery flavor, enhancing the taste of grilled fish.

• lemon - Substitute with lime: Lime wedges provide a similar acidic and fresh flavor, making them a good alternative to lemon.

• lemon - Substitute with orange: Orange wedges offer a sweeter citrus flavor, which can add a unique twist to the grilled fish.

• Allow the grilled walleye to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the fish soggy.
• Wrap each fillet individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This ensures that the fish retains its moisture and flavor.
• Place the wrapped fillets in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If using a plastic bag, try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date of storage. Grilled walleye can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, place the wrapped fillets in the freezer. Grilled walleye can be frozen for up to 2 months without significant loss of quality.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen fillets in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat the walleye gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a microwave on a low setting to avoid drying out the fish.
• Serve with fresh lemon wedges and a drizzle of olive oil to revive the flavors.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the grilled walleye fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  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. Heat in the oven 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 grilled walleye fillets in the skillet.
  4. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is heated through.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the grilled walleye fillets on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the fillets with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Steam Method:

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

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Lightly brush the grilled walleye fillets with olive oil.
  3. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is warmed through and slightly crispy.

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

• Grill brush: Useful for cleaning the grill grates before cooking to ensure a clean cooking surface.

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

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

• Meat thermometer: Helps in checking the internal temperature of the fish to ensure it is cooked through.

• Fish spatula: Designed to handle delicate fish fillets, making it easier to flip and remove them from the grill.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for preparing the fish and cutting the lemon wedges.

• Chef's knife: Essential for cutting the lemon into wedges and any other prep work.

• Serving platter: Ideal for presenting the grilled walleye fillets with lemon wedges on the side.

• Small bowl: Useful for holding the olive oil, salt, and pepper mixture before brushing it onto the fillets.

Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill while you prepare the walleye fillets to save time.

Prep ingredients ahead: Measure out the olive oil, salt, and black pepper before you start cooking.

Use a timer: Set a timer for each side of the fillets to ensure even cooking without constant checking.

Lemon wedges ready: Cut the lemon wedges in advance so they are ready to serve immediately.

Clean as you go: Clean utensils and prep areas while the fish is grilling to save cleanup time later.