How to Cook Perfectly Grilled Walleye in 10 Easy Steps
How to Cook Walleye on the Grill
Walleye is a delicious and versatile fish that can be cooked in a variety of ways. But if you’re looking for a truly foolproof method, grilling is the way to go. Grilled walleye is moist, flaky, and flavorful, and it’s perfect for a summertime cookout.
In this article, we’ll show you how to cook walleye on the grill so that it comes out perfectly every time. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right fish to preparing the grill and cooking the fish to perfection. So whether you’re a seasoned griller or a novice, read on for all the tips and tricks you need to know.
| Step | Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Walleye fillets |
Preheat grill to medium heat. Rinse and pat dry the walleye fillets. Season with salt and pepper to taste. |
| 2 | Butter | Brush the fillets with melted butter. |
| 3 | Lemon slices |
Place the fillets on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Serve immediately with lemon slices. |
Choosing the Right Walleye
When choosing walleye to grill, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, look for walleye that are about 1 to 2 pounds each. This size is ideal for grilling, as it will cook evenly and be moist and flavorful.
Second, choose walleye that have bright, clear eyes and firm flesh. Avoid walleye that have dull eyes or soft flesh, as this is a sign that they are not fresh.
Finally, choose walleye that are caught in cold, clear water. Walleye that are caught in warm, murky water tend to have a muddy flavor.
Preparing the Walleye for Grilling
Once you have chosen your walleye, it is time to prepare it for grilling. First, rinse the walleye fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Next, season the walleye fillets with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. You can also marinate the walleye fillets in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for several hours or overnight.
Finally, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you are using a charcoal grill, build a hot fire and let it burn for about 15 minutes before grilling the walleye. If you are using a gas grill, set the heat to medium-high.
Grilling the Walleye
To grill the walleye fillets, brush them with olive oil and place them on the grill. Cook the walleye fillets for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until they are opaque and cooked through.
Once the walleye fillets are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serving the Walleye
Walleye is delicious served with a variety of sides, such as grilled vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes. You can also serve walleye with a sauce, such as tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or lemon butter sauce.
Here are a few tips for grilling walleye:
- Use a high-quality grill that is clean and well-seasoned.
- Cook the walleye fillets over medium-high heat to prevent them from drying out.
- Baste the walleye fillets with olive oil or butter to keep them moist.
- Flip the walleye fillets only once to avoid overcooking them.
- Let the walleye fillets rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
With a little care and attention, you can grill walleye that is moist, flavorful, and delicious.
3. Grilling the Walleye
Once your walleye fillets are prepped, it’s time to grill them. Here are a few tips for grilling walleye:
- Use a hot grill. Walleye is a delicate fish, so it’s important to cook it over a hot grill to prevent it from drying out. Aim for a grill temperature of 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Oil the grill grates. This will help to prevent the fish from sticking to the grates.
- Grill the fish skin-side down first. This will help to keep the fish moist.
- Flip the fish halfway through cooking. This will ensure that both sides are cooked evenly.
- Cook the fish until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the USDA recommended safe cooking temperature for fish.
- Let the fish rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the fish to firm up slightly.
Here are a few additional tips for grilling walleye:
- If you’re grilling whole walleye, you can butterfly the fish before grilling it. This will help to cook it evenly.
- You can also grill walleye fillets on a cedar plank. This will add a smoky flavor to the fish.
- Serve grilled walleye with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, rice, or potatoes.
4. Serving the Walleye
Grilled walleye is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of sauces and sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Sauces:
- Tartar sauce
- Lemon-herb sauce
- Buttermilk-herb sauce
- Remoulade sauce
- Cajun sauce
- Sides:
- Grilled vegetables
- Rice
- Potatoes
- Salad
- Bread
Grilled walleye is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on any occasion. It’s perfect for a summer cookout, a casual dinner party, or a special occasion.
Grilled walleye is a delicious and easy-to-cook dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple tips, you can grill walleye fillets to perfection. Serve them with your favorite sides and sauces for a meal that everyone will enjoy.
How do I cook walleye on the grill?
There are a few different ways to cook walleye on the grill, but the most common method is to grill it over indirect heat. This will help to prevent the fish from drying out.
What is the best way to season walleye before grilling?
There are a few different ways to season walleye before grilling, but the most common method is to use a simple rub made with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add other herbs or spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or dill.
How long do I cook walleye on the grill?
The cooking time for walleye will vary depending on the thickness of the fillets. For thinner fillets, cook them for 4-5 minutes per side. For thicker fillets, cook them for 6-7 minutes per side.
How do I know when walleye is done cooking?
Walleye is done cooking when it flakes easily with a fork. You can also check the internal temperature of the fish with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
What are some tips for grilling walleye?
Here are a few tips for grilling walleye:
- Use a high-quality grill that is preheated to medium heat.
- Oil the grill grates before cooking the fish to prevent sticking.
- Grill the fish over indirect heat to prevent it from drying out.
- Cook the fish until it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve the fish immediately with your favorite sides.
What are some common mistakes people make when grilling walleye?
Here are a few common mistakes people make when grilling walleye:
- Cooking the fish over direct heat. This will cause the fish to dry out.
- Not seasoning the fish before cooking. This will result in a bland-tasting fish.
- Overcooking the fish. This will make the fish tough and chewy.
- Not serving the fish immediately. This will cause the fish to lose its flavor.
Grilling walleye is a great way to enjoy this delicious fish. By following these simple steps, you can cook walleye on the grill that is perfectly cooked and flavorful.
- Start with fresh, high-quality walleye fillets.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Oil the grill grates to prevent the fish from sticking.
- Season the fish with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices.
- Grill the fish for 4-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Serve the fish immediately with your favorite sides.
With a little practice, you’ll be able to grill walleye like a pro. So fire up the grill and enjoy this delicious and healthy fish!
Here are some key takeaways to remember when grilling walleye:
- Walleye is a delicate fish, so it’s important to cook it over medium heat to prevent it from drying out.
- Oiling the grill grates will help to prevent the fish from sticking.
- Seasoning the fish with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices will add flavor.
- Grilling the fish for 4-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Serving the fish immediately will help to keep it moist and flavorful.
Author Profile
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With over 30 years experience, Lucks Caterers is a second generation family owned and operated business. We are committed to maintaining our family tradition of outstanding quality, excellence and reliability.
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