This Fried Walleye is a classic fish recipe for a reason with its tender, flaky fish, and a satisfying crispy coating. It’s a delectable dish that is simple to make and boasts unbeatable flavors.
And it’s made with as little as 3 simple ingredients. Let Chef Sherry guide you through the art of making fried walleye, share tips on storing it, suggest delightful pairings, and answer some frequent questions about this mouthwatering recipe.
Fried walleye is your ticket to seafood heaven. With a thin and crispy outer shell, this deep-fried fish recipe is restaurant quality that will have you coming back for more.
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Michigan Walleye Season
Michigan walleye season is an eagerly anticipated time of year for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts across the state. Known for its excellent walleye fishing opportunities, Michigan offers a diverse range of waters.
From the Great Lakes to countless numbers of inland lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, making Michigan a prime destination for those seeking to hook these elusive and prized fish.
Whether you are a seasoned angler or a novice looking to try your hand at walleye fishing, Michigan walleye season offers a chance to connect with nature, enjoy the scenic beauty of the state’s waterways.
And also savoring the thrill of catching one of the Midwest’s most coveted game fish. Just remember to obtain the necessary fishing licenses, follow conservation guidelines, and respect the environment to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy this cherished tradition.
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Michigan Fishing Guide
Check out this MICHIGAN FISHING GUIDE for all the specific fishing details. Here are some key aspects of the Michigan’s walleye season:
- Season Dates: The exact dates for Michigan’s walleye season can vary depending on the location and the body of water. It’s essential to check the specific regulations and dates for the body of water you plan to fish, as they can differ from one location to another.
- Regulations and Limits: Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) establishes specific regulations and catch limits for walleye fishing, and these can vary by location and season. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the regulations for the body of water you plan to fish to ensure you’re in compliance.
- Techniques and Tackle: Walleye fishing in Michigan offers various techniques, including trolling, casting, and jigging. Popular baits include live minnows, night-crawlers, and artificial lures designed to mimic baitfish. Many anglers use specialized walleye rigs, such as bottom bouncers and spinner rigs, to target these fish effectively. Check out BLOOD RUN FISHING for all your Michigan fishing needs.
- Ice Fishing: During the winter months, when many Michigan lakes freeze over, ice fishing for walleye is a popular pursuit. Ice anglers often use tip-ups or jigging techniques to entice walleye through the ice.
- Fishing Events: Michigan hosts various walleye fishing tournaments and events throughout the season, attracting anglers from across the state and beyond. These events provide opportunities for competition and camaraderie among fellow walleye enthusiasts. Check out MICHIGAN WALLEYE TOUR for more information.
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Ingredients for Fried Walleye
Fresh Walleye Fillets
Fryin’ Magic Coating Mix, Drakes Mix, or Shore Lunch Mix.
Salt
Black Pepper, Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Frying Oil – Peanut Oil, Vegetable Oil
Fried Walleye Batter
There are many different batters that you can use when making fried walleye. You can use a “wet” batter by combining Drakes Mix and water.
But my preferred method of cooking fresh walleye is a “dry” batter. Just place the dry mix into a plastic baggy, add the seasoned fish fillets, twist the bag making sure to leave some air in it, and shake to coat the fish. Shake off excess mix and deep fry.
Best Oil for Deep-Frying Walleye
When deep frying fish, you’ll want an oil with a high smoke point to ensure the oil doesn’t break down and start to smoke at the high frying temperatures. Additionally, you’ll want an oil that doesn’t impart strong flavors to the fish.
Remember to use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the oil’s temperature and maintain it within the recommended range for deep frying fish.
Also, be cautious when handling hot oil, and always follow safe deep-frying practices. Here are some of the best oils for deep frying fish:
1. Peanut Oil: Peanut oil is my preferred choice for frying fish. It has a high smoke point and a mild flavor. It’s often used in Southern cooking for frying seafood with a light and crispy texture.
2. Canola Oil: Canola oil is a popular choice for deep-frying due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point. It’s a reliable option for frying fish as it won’t overpower the natural flavors of the fish.
3. Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is a generic term that can refer to various oils and is often a blend of different oils. Common vegetable oils are made with soybean oils and is suitable for frying fish.
4. Frying Oil Blend: This is a perfect blend of oils created for deep-frying. A great option if you are able to find it.
How to Make Fried Walleye on a Blackstone Griddle
1. Heat the Oil: On the Blackstone Griddle place a cast iron skillet or foil pan. Add no more than 2/3 of the pan with your desired frying oil. Turn the burners to high. Using a digital heat probe to keep track of the oil temperature, heat the oil to 350°F to 375°F. Deep Fryer: Use a deep fryer that has a temperature control gauge for easy cooking. Fill the fryer, set the desired temperature, and let it heat up until you get a green light.
2. Prep the Fish: If needed, rinse the fillets in cold water, and pat them dry with paper towels. Decide how big of pieces that you want. Bigger fish fillets will take longer to fry. If you are making fish tacos, you will want smaller pieces.
3. Season the Fish: This is an important step that many people forget. Season the fish pieces with salt and pepper.
4. Dredge in Fryin’ Mix: In a shallow dish or a storage bag, place the appropriate amount of dry mix. Dredge each walleye fillets into the Fryin’ mix to coat thoroughly and evenly. Tap each piece to remove any extra fry mix.
How to Fry Walleye
5. Fry the Walleye: Carefully place the coated walleye fillets into the hot oil. Be mindful not to overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if needed. Fry them for about 3 – 5 minutes, flipping the fish pieces halfway through cooking if needed until they turn golden brown and float in the hot oil. Make sure to cook the fish until it flakes easily with a fork and the fish is white in color and not translucent in the center.
6. Drain and Serve: Once cooked to a golden-brown crispiness, transfer the fried walleye fillets to a plate lined with paper towels to remove any excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy your crispy, tender walleye with a good homemade tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or a drizzle of lemon juice.
How to Make Pan Fried Walleye Recipe
When you cook walleye in a large skillet or cast-iron pan on the stove, you will go through the same steps as when it’s made on the Blackstone Griddle. Fill the large pan no more than 2/3rd full of oil for frying and heat oil to 350 degrees F using a digital thermometer.
Season the freshwater fish fillets with Black pepper and salt and then dredge in your favorite fry mixture. Remove excess flour mixture and dip fillets in the hot oil.
Let them cook until the fish fillets are golden brown and floating on top of the oil. Remove pan fried fish fillets from the oil and place on a paper towel lined plate. Serve hot with tartar sauce or make into a fish sandwich or fish tacos.
How to Store Fried Walleye
Fried walleye is best served hot, right after it comes out of the deep fryer. But, if you have leftover fried walleye, follow these steps to store it properly.
Allow the fried walleye to cool to room temperature. Place the walleye into a Ziplock baggy or an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat the fish pieces in an air fryer, microwave, or toaster oven until just warm.
What to Serve with Fried Walleye
Walleye pairs wonderfully with various sides and sauces. Here are a few versatile and delectable ideas.
My tartar sauce recipe is a classic fish dipping sauce that is a must when serving fried fish. Since you have the hot oil you can make deep fried French fries, sweet potato fries and these super tasty fried goat cheese with a marinara dipping sauce.
For dessert try my pineapple up-side down cake and black cocoa no-bake cookies.
More Fish Recipes
Fried Walleye – FAQ
Yes, you can use frozen fillets, but make sure to thaw the fish before cooking. Season the fish, toss in the dry mix, shake off excess, and deep fry.
Absolutely! While walleye is fantastic, you can use other whitefish like perch, cod, tilapia, or pike.
If your deep-fried fish is greasy, then make sure your oil is between 350°F and 375°F the whole time you are cooking the fish. Don’t let the oil drop below 350°F when you are putting the fish into the fryer. Adding the fish slowly and in stages will help to eliminate the greasy outer crust. Use clean unused paper towel that is lined on a plate to place the deep-fried fish onto after it comes out of the fryer. This will help soak up any excess grease.
Fried Walleye Recipe
For the full recipe and nutrition calories, see below for the recipe card.
Fried Walleye Recipe
This Fried Walleye is a classic fish recipe for a reason with its tender, flaky fish, and a satisfying crispy coating. It’s a delectable dish that is simple to make and boasts unbeatable flavors.
Ingredients
- Fresh Walleye Fillets 1 pound
- Fryin’ Magic Coating Mix 1/2 cup
- Salt 1/2 teaspoon
- Black Pepper 1/4 teaspoon
- Frying Oil
Instructions
- Heat the Frying Oil: On the Blackstone Flat Top Griddle place a cast iron skillet or foil pan. Add no more than 2/3 of the fry pan with your desired frying oil. Turn the griddle burners to high. Using a digital thermometer to keep track of the oil temperature, heat the oil to 350°F to 375°F.
- Prep the Walleye: Rinse the fish fillets in cold water, and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut fish into pieces if desired.
- Season the Fish Pieces: Season the fish pieces with salt and black pepper.
- Dredge in Dry Fish Mixture: In a shallow container or a storage bag, place the appropriate amount of dry mix. Coat each walleye piece into the Fryin’ mix to coat thoroughly and evenly. Tap each fish piece to remove any extra fry mix.
- Deep Fry the Walleye: Carefully place the prepared walleye fillets into the hot oil. Don't overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if needed. Fry the fish for about 3 – 5 minutes, using a slotted spoon to flip the fish pieces halfway through cooking if needed until they turn golden brown and float in the hot oil. Make sure to cook the walleye fish until it flakes easily with a fork and the fish pieces are white in color and not translucent in the center.
- Drain and Serve: Once the fish is cooked to a golden-brown crispiness, transfer the fried walleye fillets to a plate lined with paper towels to remove any excess frying oil. Serve the fish hot and enjoy your crispy, tender walleye with a good homemade tartar sauce, and lemon wedges.
Notes
Using a Deep Fryer: Use a deep fryer that has a temperature control gauge for cooking. Fill the deep fryer, set the desired temperature, and let it heat up until you get a green light.
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Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 68Total Fat 4gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 34mgSodium 285mgCarbohydrates 0gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 8g
Note: For exact nutritional information, consult your dietitian. All nutritional information is simply a guideline.
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I don’t believe I’ve ever had walleye but I’m going to try it now. Looks delicious.
This is a store-bought guilty pleasure for me. Super cool. I now have a recipe I can make it myself and know what goes into it. Thank you!
Two out of my kids won’t eat fish unless it is fried!! They did as babies but they sort of grew out of it! The other 3 still love fish, so who knows how to do this parenting thing….They all ate it and then two just didn’t.
Anyway, this means I am always looking for different crispy fish ideas. And this just looks perfect, the crust of that fish looks amazing. I just want to reach in and take a bite!
THANK YOU
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