How to Cook Walleye on the Grill (Perfectly Every Time!)
How Long to Cook Walleye on the Grill
Walleye is a delicious and versatile fish that can be cooked in a variety of ways. However, if you want to achieve the perfect grilled walleye, it’s important to know how long to cook it.
In this article, we’ll discuss the factors that affect cooking time, such as the thickness of the fish and the temperature of the grill. We’ll also provide a step-by-step guide to grilling walleye so that you can cook it perfectly every time.
So whether you’re a seasoned griller or you’re just getting started, read on for all the information you need to know about grilling walleye.
| Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 350 degrees Fahrenheit | 6-8 minutes per side | For medium-rare |
| 400 degrees Fahrenheit | 4-6 minutes per side | For medium |
| 450 degrees Fahrenheit | 3-4 minutes per side | For well-done |
Choosing the Right Grill
The type of grill you use will affect the cooking time of your walleye. Gas grills heat up quickly and evenly, making them a good choice for grilling walleye. Charcoal grills impart a smoky flavor to food, which can be a nice addition to walleye. Electric grills are easy to use and clean, but they may not produce as much heat as gas or charcoal grills. Wood-fired grills are the most traditional type of grill, and they produce a distinctive smoky flavor.
Here is a more detailed look at the different types of grills and how they affect the cooking time of walleye:
- Gas grills heat up quickly and evenly, making them a good choice for grilling walleye. The cooking time for walleye on a gas grill will depend on the thickness of the fish and the desired doneness. For a 1-inch thick piece of walleye, you can expect to cook it for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Charcoal grills impart a smoky flavor to food, which can be a nice addition to walleye. The cooking time for walleye on a charcoal grill will depend on the temperature of the grill and the desired doneness. For a 1-inch thick piece of walleye, you can expect to cook it for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Electric grills are easy to use and clean, but they may not produce as much heat as gas or charcoal grills. The cooking time for walleye on an electric grill will depend on the temperature of the grill and the desired doneness. For a 1-inch thick piece of walleye, you can expect to cook it for 10-12 minutes per side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Wood-fired grills are the most traditional type of grill, and they produce a distinctive smoky flavor. The cooking time for walleye on a wood-fired grill will depend on the type of wood used, the temperature of the grill, and the desired doneness. For a 1-inch thick piece of walleye, you can expect to cook it for 12-14 minutes per side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Ultimately, the best way to determine the cooking time for walleye on your grill is to experiment until you find the results you like.
Preparing the Walleye
Before you can grill your walleye, you need to prepare it properly. This involves cleaning the fish, marinating it (optional), and drying it.
Cleaning the walleye
To clean the walleye, first rinse it under cold water. Then, using a sharp knife, cut off the head and tail. Make a cut along the belly of the fish and remove the internal organs. Rinse the fish again to remove any remaining blood or impurities.
Marinating the walleye (optional)
Marinating the walleye is an optional step, but it can help to add flavor and moisture to the fish. There are many different marinades you can use, but some popular options include:
- Lemon juice and olive oil
- Teriyaki sauce
- Soy sauce and garlic
- White wine and herbs
To marinate the walleye, simply place the fish in a shallow dish or bowl and pour the marinade over it. Cover the dish or bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
Drying the walleye
Before you grill the walleye, it is important to dry it thoroughly. This will help to prevent the fish from sticking to the grill and will also help to create a crispy skin. To dry the walleye, simply pat it dry with paper towels.
Grilling the Walleye
Now that your walleye is prepared, it is time to grill it. Here are a few tips for grilling walleye:
- Use a high heat grill. Walleye is a thin, delicate fish, so it is important to cook it over a high heat grill. This will help to sear the outside of the fish and prevent it from overcooking.
- Grill the walleye for a short time. Walleye cooks quickly, so it is important to grill it for a short time. If you overcook the fish, it will become dry and tough.
- Flip the walleye only once. When grilling walleye, it is important to flip the fish only once. This will help to keep the fish from falling apart.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Walleye is done when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
How Long To Cook Walleye On Grill?
Walleye is a delicious and versatile fish that can be grilled in a variety of ways. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fillets, but you can generally expect to cook walleye for 6-8 minutes per side on a hot grill.
Here are a few tips for grilling walleye:
- Use a high-quality grill. A good grill will help you achieve the perfect sear on the fish and prevent it from sticking.
- Oil the grill grates. This will help to prevent the fish from sticking.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. This will create a hot sear on the fish without overcooking it.
- Cook the fish for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- 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 some additional tips for grilling walleye:
- If you are grilling thick fillets, you may want to start them off in a hot skillet or on a baking sheet before finishing them on the grill. This will help to ensure that the fish is cooked evenly throughout.
- You can also grill walleye over indirect heat. This will help to prevent the fish from overcooking.
- Marinating the fish before grilling is a great way to add flavor. Just be sure to pat the fish dry before grilling so that it doesn’t burn.
- Serve walleye with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, rice, or potatoes.
Cooking the Walleye
Grilling time
The grilling time for walleye will vary depending on the thickness of the fillets. For thin fillets (1/2-inch thick), you can cook them for 4-5 minutes per side. For thicker fillets (1-inch thick), you can cook them for 6-8 minutes per side.
Grilling temperature
The ideal grilling temperature for walleye is medium-high heat. This will create a hot sear on the fish without overcooking it.
Grilling method
You can grill walleye using either direct or indirect heat. Direct heat is ideal for thin fillets, as it will help to sear the fish quickly. Indirect heat is ideal for thicker fillets, as it will help to cook the fish evenly.
Here are the steps for grilling walleye on direct heat:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Oil the grill grates.
3. Place the walleye fillets on the grill.
4. Cook the fillets for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Transfer the fillets to a serving platter and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Here are the steps for grilling walleye on indirect heat:
1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Oil the grill grates.
3. Place a baking sheet or aluminum foil pan on the grill grates.
4. Place the walleye fillets on the baking sheet or aluminum foil pan.
5. Close the grill lid and cook the fillets for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Transfer the fillets to a serving platter and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Checking for Doneness
There are a few ways to check for doneness when grilling walleye.
Visual cues
The easiest way to check for doneness is to look at the color of the fish. When walleye is cooked, the flesh will turn opaque and white. You can also check to see if the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Thermometer
Another way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of walleye should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit when it is cooked.
Grilling walleye is a delicious and easy way to cook this versatile fish. By following these tips, you can cook walleye perfectly every time.
How long do you cook walleye on the grill?
The cooking time for walleye on the grill will depend on the thickness of the fillets. For thin fillets, cook for 4-5 minutes per side. For thicker fillets, cook for 6-7 minutes per side.
What temperature should I grill walleye?
The ideal temperature for grilling walleye is 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the best way to grill walleye?
The best way to grill walleye is to start with fresh, high-quality fish. Season the fillets with salt and pepper, then brush them with oil. Grill the fillets over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and opaque.
What are some tips for grilling walleye?
Here are a few tips for grilling walleye:
- Use a high-quality grill that is well-seasoned.
- Oil the grill grates before cooking to prevent the fish from sticking.
- Grill the fish over medium heat to prevent it from overcooking.
- Flip the fish only once to avoid overcooking.
- Baste the fish with butter or olive oil while grilling to keep it moist.
- Serve the fish immediately after grilling.
What are some common mistakes people make when grilling walleye?
Here are a few common mistakes people make when grilling walleye:
- Using a grill that is not hot enough.
- Overcooking the fish.
- Not flipping the fish enough.
- Not basting the fish with butter or olive oil.
- Serving the fish after it has cooled down.
What are some side dishes that go well with grilled walleye?
Here are a few side dishes that go well with grilled walleye:
- Grilled vegetables
- Potato salad
- Fresh fruit salad
- Coleslaw
- Baked beans
- Mac and cheese
the optimal cooking time for walleye on the grill is between 6 and 8 minutes per side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Be sure to preheat your grill to medium heat and oil the grates before cooking to prevent the fish from sticking. You can also brush the fish with a little olive oil or melted butter to help it brown evenly. If you prefer your fish more well-done, cook it for a few minutes longer. And don’t forget to season the fish with salt and pepper before cooking! With these tips, you’ll be grilling perfectly cooked walleye in no time.
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