So, I’ve been getting into grilling lately, and I wanted to share my latest adventure: grilling walleye. I’ve always loved a good fish fry, but grilling, man, it’s a whole different ball game. Here’s how it went down.
First off, I had to get my hands on some fresh walleye. Luckily, there’s a great fish market near my place. I picked up a couple of nice fillets, about an inch thick. You want them thick enough so they don’t fall apart on the grill, you know?
Next up, prep time. I rinsed the fillets under cold water and patted them dry with paper towels. Then came the fun part – seasoning! I kept it pretty simple: a good drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and some garlic powder. I also squeezed some fresh lemon juice over them. Can’t go wrong with lemon and fish, right?
Getting the Grill Ready
While the fish was soaking up all that lemony goodness, I got the grill going. I used a gas grill. You want to get it nice and hot, around medium-high heat. I let it preheat for a good 10-15 minutes. Gotta make sure those grates are scorching!
Grilling the Walleye
Once the grill was ready, I placed the fillets directly on the grates, skin-side down if you’re using skin-on fillets. I let them cook for about 4-5 minutes, undisturbed. You want to get those nice grill marks. Then, using a spatula, I carefully flipped them over. They were looking golden and delicious! The other side cooked for another 3-4 minutes, until the fish was opaque and flaked easily with a fork.
The Results
Man, oh man, the smell was amazing. The walleye came off the grill looking perfect, with those beautiful grill marks and a slight char. I served them up with some grilled veggies – I did some asparagus and bell peppers alongside – and a side of wild rice. It was a feast!
Side Dishes to Consider
- Roasted potatoes – Can’t go wrong with classic.
- French fries – Always a crowd-pleaser.
- Coleslaw – For a refreshing contrast.
- Chips – Quick and easy, and adds crunch.
Other Cooking Methods for Walleye
While grilling is fantastic, I also love:
- Pan-frying: A simple, quick method that’s always reliable. Just use a good oil like canola or grapeseed.
- Baking: Great for a hands-off approach. Season it up, pop it in the oven, and you’re good to go.
Honestly, it was one of the best fish dinners I’ve had in a while. The walleye was tender, flaky, and had that awesome smoky flavor from the grill. If you haven’t tried grilling walleye, you gotta give it a shot. It’s a game-changer! I’m already thinking about trying it with some different seasonings next time. Maybe a little Cajun spice? Or some fresh herbs from the garden? The possibilities are endless!
