Grilling walleye is a fantastic way to enjoy this mild, flaky freshwater fish with a hint of sweetness. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just love a good fish dinner, grilling walleye brings out its natural flavors and creates a delightful meal. If you’re wondering how to cook walleye on the grill, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know-from prepping the fish to serving it up perfectly.
Why Grill Walleye?
Walleye is prized for its delicate texture and subtle flavor, making it ideal for quick, high-heat cooking methods like grilling. Grilling adds a nice smoky char while keeping the fish moist and tender. Plus, it’s a healthy cooking option that pairs well with fresh herbs, lemon, and simple seasonings.
Choosing and Preparing Your Walleye
Start with fresh walleye fillets for the best results. Look for fillets that are firm, moist, and have a mild scent. If you can, buy from a trusted fishmonger or local supplier.
Before grilling, rinse the fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps the seasonings stick and prevents the fish from steaming instead of grilling.
Seasoning Your Walleye
Walleye’s mild flavor pairs wonderfully with simple seasonings. Here are some popular options:
– Lemon pepper or dill for a fresh, herbal note
– Garlic powder and paprika for a bit of warmth and color
– Montreal Steak seasoning for a savory kick
– A drizzle of olive oil or a pat of butter to keep the fish moist and add richness
Rub your chosen seasonings evenly over the fillets. You can also marinate the fish briefly in lemon juice and herbs for extra flavor.
Preheating the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F (190-204°C). This temperature is perfect for searing the fish quickly while locking in moisture. Allow the grill to warm up for at least 5-10 minutes before cooking.
Cooking Walleye on the Grill
There are two popular methods to grill walleye: directly on the grill grates or wrapped in foil.
Grilling Directly on the Grates
- Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the fillets skin-side down if they have skin. The skin helps hold the fish together and crisps nicely.
- Grill for about 4-5 minutes without moving the fish.
- Carefully flip the fillets using a wide spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from the grill and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before serving.
Grilling in Foil Packets
- Create foil “boats” large enough to hold 1-2 fillets.
- Place the fillets inside and add a tablespoon or two of butter on top.
- Sprinkle your favorite seasoning over the fish.
- Seal the foil packets tightly to trap steam and flavor.
- Place the packets on the grill and cook for 13-15 minutes until the fish flakes easily.
- Let the packets rest for a minute before carefully opening and serving.
Foil packets are great for beginners or when you want to infuse extra flavors like herbs, garlic, or citrus slices without worrying about the fish sticking or falling apart.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Walleye
– Use olive oil or vegetable oil to coat the fish and grill grates to prevent sticking.
– Don’t flip the fish too often; one flip is enough to keep it intact.
– Let the fish rest a couple of minutes after grilling to let juices redistribute.
– Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill and a squeeze of lemon just before serving to brighten the flavors.
– Serve with simple sides like grilled vegetables, baked potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Flavor Variations to Try
– Citrus Butter Sauce: Melt butter with lemon or orange juice and drizzle over grilled walleye for a zesty finish.
– Herb Mix: Blend fresh parsley, dill, and lemon juice with olive oil and brush on before and after grilling.
– Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to your seasoning mix for some heat.
– Fish Tacos: Grill walleye fillets with chili powder and lime, then serve in warm tortillas with avocado, salsa, and shredded lettuce.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled walleye is versatile and pairs well with many dishes. Try it alongside:
– Roasted or grilled vegetables (asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers)
– Steamed or grilled potatoes
– Rice pilaf or quinoa
– Fresh green salads with citrus vinaigrette
Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.
Grilling walleye is easy, quick, and delicious. With just a few simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality fish dinner that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknights to weekend cookouts. So fire up your grill, season your fillets, and enjoy the fresh taste of perfectly grilled walleye!
Grilled walleye is a simple, flavorful way to enjoy fresh fish that will impress your family and friends every time.