Nothing screams cooking during the Minnesotan summertime more than fish, especially walleye caught from our very own lakes! Incorporating walleye within cooking creates both light and hearty meals that encompass everything we love about summer; fresh flavors, bold tastes, and easy meals. We have compiled a delicious and beautiful list of fresh walleye recipes for you, your friends, and family to try out and enjoy. Here are walleye fish recipe inspirations for your creative backyard cooking this summer, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking.

Grilled Montana Walleye with Fresh Herbs

This first recipe is a Grilled Montana Walleye recipe that includes fresh herbs, including; parsley, basil, and oregano paired with lemons or limes (your preference) for an additional summertime flavor. This recipe was found from (Health, Home, and Happiness), takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook, and serves anywhere from 4-6 guests. Here is an amazing recipe for Grilled Montana Walleye with Fresh Herbs:

Ingredients

• 2-3 Walleye fillets (about 8oz total)
• 1 lemon or 2-3 limes (juiced)
• ¼ C fresh herbs (parsley, basil, oregano- minced)
• 2 T olive oil
• ½ t sea salt
• ½ t smoked paprika
• sprinkle freshly ground black pepper

Directions

• Make sure that all of the bones are thoroughly removed from your walleye fillet.
• Rinse the fillets, pat dry, and place on plate/cutting board.
• Sprinkle both sides with the sea salt and black pepper for seasoning.
• In a bowl (or small plate), combine the smoked paprika, minced herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil.
• Rub the herb mixture you created evenly over both sides of the fish and allow the mixture to set into the fillet while your grill is warming up.
• Preheat your grill to medium-high for 10 minutes and once it is hot, gently place the fillets over the heat and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side.
• Note: If the sides of the fish start to brown without the meat cooking through, move fillet to indirect heat and not directly over the burners.
• Once thoroughly cooked, remove from grill, plate, and dish, and enjoy.

Crispy Walleye with Pickled Fennel & Dill Tartar Sauce

This is a Crispy Walleye with Pickled Fennel & Dill Tartar Sauce recipe that is so delicious and will leave you wanting even more homemade tartar sauce. It encompasses a few different flavorful elements that beautifully combine to create a lovely walleye meal. This recipe is from (Eating Well), serves 4 people, and takes about an hour and five minutes to prepare and cook. Here is a recipe for Crispy Walleye with Pickled Fennel & Dill Tartar Sauce:

Ingredients

Tartar Sauce

• 1 small garlic clove (minced)
• ½ C mayonnaise
• ⅓ C fresh dill (chopped)
• 1 T dill pickle (diced)
• 1 T lemon juice
• 1 t lemon zest
• ⅛ t ground pepper

Pickled Fennel

• 1 medium bulb fennel (fronds removed, thinly sliced)
• 1 C rice vinegar
• ½ C sugar
• ½ C fresh dill (chopped)
• ⅓ C lemon juice
• 1 T lemon zest

Fish

• 4 (4-ounce) walleye (patted dry)
• 1 large egg
• 1 C panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ C all-purpose flour
• ¼ C low-fat milk
• ½ C plain kettle-style potato chips (crushed)
• 4 T canola oil
• 1 T granulated garlic
• 1 t Old Bay seasoning
• 1 pinch of salt
• lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions

• To prepare the tartar sauce: Combine the mayonnaise, dill, minced garlic, dill pickle, lemon zest, lemon juice, and pepper in a medium bowl and mix well.
• To prepare the pickled fennel for your dish: The first step you will complete is to combine the vinegar and sugar in a small saucepan (heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves- about 5 minutes). Next, add dill and remove the small saucepan from the heat. Then, you will place the fennel in a medium bowl and pour the vinegar mixture over it. Now you will stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice and set aside.
• To prepare fish: first, you will combine the flour and Old Bay in a shallow dish. For this next step, you will whisk in the egg and milk into a separate dish. After, you will combine the panko, potato chips, and granulated garlic mixture in a third shallow dish. Then, you will dredge fish in the flour, dip the fish in the egg mixture, and finally coat it in the panko blend.
  • Heat two tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until simmering.
  • Add the fish and reduce the heat to medium. You will cook the fish until it is browned. (2-3 minutes)
  • Flip the fish and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the pan, and cook until browned and just cooked through (adjusting heat as necessary, 2-3 minutes).
  • Sprinkle the fish with salt and serve with your tartar sauce, pickled fennel, and lemon wedges.

Grilled Walleye (Tin Foil Dinner)

This recipe is inspired by “hobo meals” and is super simple to complete, leaving you with exquisite flavors. This particular recipe calls for orange juice concentrate and fresh dill that combine effortlessly for this dish. This recipe is from (The Taylor House) and will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. Here is a recipe for Grilled Walleye (Tin Foil Dinner):

Ingredients

• 4 walleye fillets
• 2 orange slices (halved)
• ¼ C orange juice concentrate (thawed)
• 1 T canola oil
• 1 t fresh dill

Directions

• Use a resealable plastic bag (large), combine the orange juice concentrate, oil, and dill. Then, add the fish and seal to coat, refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (the longer the fish marinates, the bolder the flavors will become).
• After the fish has marinated to your preference, drain and discard the bag with remaining marinade liquid.
• Place the walleye fillets in non-stick tin foil (or tin foil has been sprayed with nonstick spray).
• Grill each side of the fillets for 10 minutes, cooking and browning thoroughly.

*Dip the cut edges of the orange slices in the paprika to serve with the fish, pairing nicely and enjoy.

Walleye with Lemon Cream Sauce

This walleye recipe creates a delicious creamy lemon sauce to pair perfectly with your walleye fish meal. This recipe is from (Or Whatever You Do) and takes about 25 minutes to cook. Here is a recipe for Walleye with Lemon Cream Sauce:

Ingredients

• 4 (4oz) Walleye fillets (skinless)
• 1 lemon
• 1-2 garlic cloves (minced)
• ½ C cream
• ¼ C salted butter
• 1 T leeks (thinly sliced)
• 2 t lemon juice
• 1 t salt (divided)
• 1 t scallions/chives (whites only)
• 1 t parsley (chopped)
• ¼ t black pepper

Directions

• Light your grill on smoke (with the lid open for 5 minutes), and then set the temperature to 400 degrees. You will use the time while your grill is preheating to prep the walleye for your meal (10 to 15 minutes).
• To prep for your dish, you will want to ensure that the fillets being completely dry (use paper towels to soak up any excess water and to dry the fish).
• Add half of your salt and all of the pepper directly onto the fish fillets, and lay them flat in a 9×9 ovenproof baking dish (that has been coated with non-stick spray).
• Then include the other half of salt, cream, butter, lemon juice, garlic, scallions, and leeks to a small microwave-safe bowl.
• Microwave on high for 1 minute (just long enough to melt butter). After, remove the bowl from the microwave and lightly stir the ingredients until everything is mixed well.
• Pour all of the sauce over the top of the fish, along with 4-5 sliced lemons.
• Place your baking dish on the heated grill and let the fish cook for 20 minutes.
• Finally, remove your fish from the grill and sprinkle the parsley onto the top of the fish. Plate immediately and use a large spoon to ladle some of the sauce directly onto your fish. Enjoy, folks.

Grilled Walleye Sandwiches

This next recipe is a unique and casual take on Grilled Walleye by making it into a sandwich, yum! This would be perfect for a Sunday lunch or a lakeside dinner meal. You can personalize this one by adding any of your favorites into the sandwich and is a delicious, light summertime meal! This recipe is from (Kings Ford) and will take up to 40 minutes to prepare and create. Here is a recipe for Grilled Walleye Sandwiches:

Ingredients

• 4 walleye fillets (boneless, skinless, about 1 ½ lb)
• 4 soft sub or hot dog rolls
• 2 C shredded Iceberg/Romaine lettuce
• 2 tomatoes (sliced, 1/4 –inch thick)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced & divided)
• 3-4 lemons (thinly sliced)
• 1 C dill pickle slices
• ½ C mayonnaise
• 3 T olive oil (divided)
• 3 T lemon juice (divided)
• 2 T dill pickle (finely chopped)
• 2 T fresh dill (snipped) or 2 t dried dill (divided)
• 2 t lemon zest (grated & divided)
• 1 t Dijon mustard
• ½ t Kosher salt
• ¼ t ground black pepper
• Hot sauce of choice (to taste)

Directions

• Make the tartar sauce: whisk mayonnaise, chopped dill pickle, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon fresh or 1 teaspoon dried dill, half of the garlic, and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small bowl until smooth.
• Season with ½ t salt and ¼ t pepper. Next, cover and refrigerate until you are ready to implement within your meal.
• Prepare your grill for direct cooking and pre-heat to 350 degrees.
• In a small bowl, combine the remaining lemon zest and juice, dill, garlic, and olive oil, adding hot sauce to taste (set aside).
• Season the fillets on both sides with salt and pepper.
• Grease the grill grates and place directly over the prepared medium coals, slightly overlapping the lemon slices on the grill grates, in a pattern that is accommodating to the fillets.
• Set the fillets directly on the lemon slices and brush with the lemon-dill mixture. Cover the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes (or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork- do not turn the fish).
• Lightly butter and toast your sandwich rolls and assemble with condiments, tartar, and toppings. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Crispy Baked Walleye

This Crispy Baked Walleye recipe is simple, yet excellent with flavors made with parmesan. This recipe is from (Yummly) and will take approximately 25 minutes to create. Enjoy this recipe for Crispy Baked Walleye:

Ingredients

• 16 oz walleye
• 2 eggs
• ⅓ C dry bread crumbs
• ⅓ C mashed potato flakes (instant)
• ⅓ C grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 T water
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt

Directions

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees and grease your baking sheet.
• Whisk eggs and water together in a bowl until smooth and set aside.
• Combine bread crumbs, potato flakes, and parmesan cheese in a separate bowl with the seasoned salt until it is evenly mixed.
• Dip the walleye fillets into the egg wash and press the fillets into the bread crumb mixture, placing the fillets onto a prepared baking sheet.
• Bake the fish until the meat is opaque in the center and flakes easily (about 15 to 20 minutes). Serve immediately and enjoy!

Honey Fried Walleye

This sweet take on walleye will leave you satisfied, wanting more! It incorporates honey, breadcrumbs, and seasoning to create this scrumptious meal. This recipe is from (Recipe Tips) and only takes 15 minutes to make! Here is a recipe for Honey Fried Walleye:

Ingredients

• 4 Walleye fillets
• 1 egg
• 1 C panko breadcrumbs
• 1 C oil
• ⅓ C flour
• 1 t honey
• ½ t salt
• 1/4 t pepper

Directions

• In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and honey.
• In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, flour, salt, and pepper.
• Dip the fish fillets into the egg mixture and coat with the crumb mixture.
• In a large skillet, heat oil and fry fish over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side (or until the fish flakes easily). Serve and enjoy!

Air Fryer Walleye Fish

Air Fryers have all of the new rages, try this walleye recipe in your air fryer for a simple, quick, and delicious meal. This recipe is from (Little Sunny Kitchen) and only takes about 20 minutes to cook. Here is a recipe for Air Fryer Walleye Fish:

Ingredients

• 8 Walleye fillets
• 1 C bread crumbs (dried)
• 1 T olive oil
• ½ t paprika
• ½ t salt
• ¼ t chili powder
• ¼ t ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

Directions

• Drizzle the fish fillets in a well-coated layer of olive oil.
• In a shallow dish, mix the bread crumbs, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
• Coat each fillet in the bread crumb mixture and transfer the fish into the air fryer basket.
• Cook in the air fryer at 390 degrees for 12-15 minutes, after the first 8-10 minutes, open the air fryer and flip the fish fillets on the other side and continue cooking.
• Use lemon wedges and tartar sauce to garnish your fish with and enjoy this delicious and light meal.

Smoked Walleye

This smoked walleye recipe encompasses the bold and smoky flavors you are looking for, using cajun seasoning for an extra amount of flavor. This recipe is from (Smoke, Grill, BBQ) and will take about 1 hour and 35 minutes to prepare and smoke. Here is a simple recipe for Smoked Walleye:

Ingredients

• Walleye fillets (cleaned and deboned)
• Cajun seasoning
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Salt & pepper
• Rice & lemon wedges for garnish

Directions

• Heat your smoker to medium-high heat with a light fruitwood chips/chunks.
• Season your Walleye fillets with cajun, lemon, salt, and pepper.
• Put your fillets on the smoker for about an hour and a half (depending on the smoker’s temperature). Check on the fish every 45 minutes by putting fork to the middle of fillets (once white and flaky, pull them out and cool).
• Serve fillets with rice, fries, lemons, or any other sides that will pair nicely with this delicious and light meal and enjoy!

Blackened Walleye and Mango Salsa

This Blackened Walleye and Mango Salsa recipe is a perfect combination of smoky and sweet flavors that pair very nicely together. This recipe was found from (Rotin Rice) and only takes about 20 minutes to cook! Here is a recipe on Blackened Walleye and Mango Salsa.

Ingredients

Fish

• 1 ½ lbs walleye fillet
• 1 lime (juiced)
• 2 T vegetable oil

Seasoning

• 2 t cayenne pepper
• 2 t garam masala
• 1 t garlic salt
• ¼ t pepper

Mango Salsa

• 2 mangoes (peeled and cubed)
• 1 C grape tomatoes (halved- about 20)
• 1 small onion
• 1 jalapeno pepper (seeded and finely sliced)
• ¼ C mint (finely sliced)
• 1 medium lime (juiced)
• ¼ t salt
• *Mix all of the ingredients well in a medium-sized bowl and set aside for meal

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Combine all of the seasonings in a small bowl and mix well.
• Dry the fish fillets and sprinkle with lime juice. Then, sprinkle seasoning onto one side of the fish (pressing firmly into the fish fillets).
• Heat the oil in a cast-iron pan over medium heat and add fish fillets with seasoning side down. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes until the fish browns (cautious not to burn the fish).
• Flip and sear for another 2 minutes.
• Place the pan in an oven to finish cooking (bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until a fork can be inserted and the fish is flaky).
• Serve with mango salsa above and enjoy!

Beer Batter Fish Fry

Nothing better in the summer than a beer batter fish fry. Simple, divine, and satisfying, this recipe is from (Smith Country) and takes about 35 minutes to complete. Enjoy this recipe for a Beer Batter Fish Fry:

Ingredients

• 1 lb Walleye
• 8-10oz light-colored Ale beer
• 1 ½ C flour
• 1 t salt
• 1 t baking powder
• ½ t black pepper
• ½ t garlic powder
• ½ t onion powder
• Pinch of cayenne pepper

Directions

• Heat your fryer to 400 degrees.
• Rinse and pat dry your fish.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the dry ingredients, including; flour, black pepper, salt, garlic, onion powder, baking powder, and cayenne pepper.
• Poor the beer of your choice, slowly while stirring it in as you pour (start with ¼ of the bottle/can). Add more if that batter looks too thick, you should be replicating a pancake batter consistency.
• Submerse the entirety of your fish fillets into the batter, and let the excess drip off and drop the fish into the oil (can fry as many fillets at a time as you want, back make sure to keep one layer of fish floating at a time). Rotate fish fillets until they are golden brown.
• Once the fillets are golden, take them out and place them on a paper towel and remove any excess oil.
• Continue this process until all of your fish are fried and enjoy this delicious summertime meal!

Baked Margarita Walleye

This is a twist on walleye fish, Baked Margarita is so delicious and is perfect for the summer evenings. This recipe is from (Game and Fish Mag) and only takes approximately 20 minutes to cook. Here is a Baked Margarita recipe for you to enjoy:

Ingredients

• 2 Walleye fillets (boneless)
• 4 pats of butter
• 1 T tequila
• 2-3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 T fresh cilantro (chopped)
• Chili powder (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• Ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1 lime (wedges)
• Olive oil (for drizzle)

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Rinse and pat dry fish with paper towels. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the fish and lay flat in a small baking dish. Then, sprinkle chili powder, cilantro, and garlic cloves over the fish.
• Squeeze lime juice over the fish (to taste) and top up fish with the pats of butter and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Pour tequila into the baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
• Bake for 15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through properly.
• Serve with extra lime for garnish and enjoy!

We hope these Walleye fish recipes gave you some inspiration for your next evening’s summertime meal! If you have any questions, suggestions, or would like to share your very own Walleye recipes with us, give us a shout at [email protected]!

Happy Fishing & Cookin!