Walleye is a prized freshwater fish known for its mild flavor and flaky white flesh. If you’re wondering how to cook walleye in the oven, you’re in for a treat! Baking walleye is easy, healthy, and brings out the delicate taste of the fish perfectly. This guide will walk you through a foolproof method to bake walleye fillets that are tender, flavorful, and sure to impress.
What You’ll Need
– Walleye fillets (about 2 pounds)
– Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
– White onion (thinly sliced, about ½ cup)
– Seasoned salt (½ teaspoon)
– Additional seasoning blend or black pepper (¼ teaspoon)
You can keep it simple with these ingredients or customize with herbs and lemon for extra zest.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Oven-Baked Walleye
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature ensures the fish cooks evenly without drying out.
2. Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Take a standard baking sheet and cover it with a large piece of aluminum foil, about twice the size of the sheet. Place the shiny side down and the dull side up. This setup allows you to fold the foil over the fish later to create a sealed cooking pouch.
3. Oil and Season the Foil
Spread the olive oil evenly over the foil on the baking sheet. Sprinkle a bit of seasoned salt and pepper over the oiled surface to create a flavorful bed for the fish.
4. Arrange the Walleye Fillets
Lay the walleye fillets in a single layer on the foil, making sure they are spaced evenly. Lightly season the tops of the fillets with a bit more seasoned salt or your preferred seasoning blend.
5. Add Onion Rings
Place the thinly sliced onion rings on top of the fillets. The onions will steam and infuse the fish with a subtle sweetness as it bakes.
6. Seal the Foil Packet
Fold the other half of the foil over the fish to cover it completely. Roll the edges tightly together on all sides to create a sealed pouch. This traps the steam and keeps the fish moist.
7. Poke Vent Holes
Using a sharp knife, gently poke a few small holes in the top of the foil pouch. Be careful not to pierce the bottom. These vents allow excess steam to escape and prevent the packet from bursting.
8. Bake the Walleye
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes. After 30 minutes, check the fish by carefully opening the foil and using a fork to flake the thickest part of the fillet. The fish is done when it flakes easily and turns bright white. If it’s still translucent or resists flaking, reseal and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes.
Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Walleye
– Don’t overcook: Walleye is delicate and can dry out quickly. Keep an eye on the flaking test.
– Add aromatics: Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme can be tucked under the fillets for extra flavor.
– Use lemon or garlic butter: Brushing fillets with lemon garlic butter before baking adds richness and zest.
– Try parchment paper: For a lighter cooking method, wrap walleye in parchment paper with herbs and aromatics and bake at 350°F to 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes.
– Serve immediately: Oven-baked walleye is best enjoyed fresh from the oven with your favorite sides.
Why Bake Walleye?
Baking walleye is a healthy cooking method that preserves the fish’s natural moisture and flavor without added fat. It’s also simple and requires minimal cleanup thanks to the foil pouch method. Whether you’re cooking freshly caught walleye or store-bought fillets, baking is a reliable way to enjoy this delicious fish.
Walleye baked in the oven is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a tender, flaky fish dish that highlights the mild, sweet flavor of walleye. Give this method a try and enjoy a wholesome, tasty meal in under an hour!
Enjoy your perfectly baked walleye, flaky and full of flavor!