Pan Fried Walleye

Pan Fried Walleye – light, crispy golden breading with tender, flaky white fish inside. Delicious super quick and easy meal from a few simple ingredients!

Walleye is of of the most popular catches here in Michigan and throughout the Midwest for good reason — it’s delicious and is simple to make.

There are a bazillion ways to cook it, but this easy recipe with a light seasoning and crispy light breading is my favorite. Squeeze on some fresh lemon juice before serving and some tartar sauce on the side for dipping.

It doesn’t get much better.

Why this recipe works:

• Cut walleye fillets into any size you like, including nuggets – perfect for kids.
• Walleye is a mild tasting fish that almost anyone will enjoy.
• Add to a toasted bun and slather with tartar sauce for one of the best fish sandwiches ever.
• It’s even delicious for fish tacos!

WALLEYE INGREDIENTS:

• fresh walleye fillets
• salt
• eggs
• milk
• Old Bay Seasoning
• all purpose flour
• panko bread crumbs
• vegetable oil

What is walleye?

Walleye is a mild freshwater fish in the perch family.

It has a light, flaky texture, is incredibly good without any fishy taste and one of the most popular freshwater fish in the Midwest.

Here in southeast Michigan, some of the best walleye fishing is in the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair River.

Tips for the best Fried Walleye:

• Use fresh or frozen walleye. Thaw frozen fish completely and blot with paper towels so they’re dry before breading.
• Use any large nonstick skillet, cast iron skillet or any with higher sides.
• Brown only to a light golden color then remove from the skillet.
• If you’re cooking in batches, keep fried fish warm on a baking sheet in a 250° oven.
• Leave a little space between the fish when frying so they’ll crisp evenly.
• If you can’t find walleye, you can substitute perch, grouper, cod or tilapia.
• Fresh herbs, such as fresh parsley can be added to the breading.

What kind of oil is best for frying fish?

The best oil for frying fish is a neutral oil that can withstand higher heat without burning such as vegetable oil, canola oil, sunflower oil or avocado oil.

How to make Pan Fried Walleye:

Cut the fish into a few pieces so they fit easily in the skillet. Season evenly with about 1/2 teaspoon of salt then set aside.

Whisk the egg and milk together in a shallow bowl.

In a second bowl, combine bread crumbs, flour and Old Bay seasoning..

Working one at a time, dip the walleye fillets into the egg mixture then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing it gently into the fish.

Once the fish is breaded add oil to a large skillet with deeper sides. You want enough oil so that it’ll come about halfway up the side of the fish fillet.

Heat oil over medium heat to 350-375° then carefully add the fish to the hot oil flesh side down.

Cook walleye 3-4 minutes (cooking time will vary with size of fish and oil temp) then turn and cook the second side 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Remove from the skillet to a paper towel lined plate and eat right away.

Best side dishes with fried fish:

Walleye fish IMHO is best served with tartar sauce and lemon wedges for a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Below are more ideas;

French fries

Baked potatoes

Easy Clam Chowder

Creamiest Mac and Cheese

4-Ingredient Cole Slaw

How to make homemade tartar sauce:

If you don’t have tartar sauce on hand, try my easy homemade recipe. Just blend the following together.

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2-3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh dill
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (or more to taste)
• pinch of black pepper

How to store leftover fish:

Any leftover fish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat.

More delicious fish recipes:

Fried Perch

Mediterranean Baked Fish

Crispy Baked Cod

Air Fryer Salmon

Enjoy!

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