When most of us think of walleye, we often think of fried filets accompanied by chips, with a wedge of lemon that, when dripped over the fish, accentuates the flavor perfectly. I agree that fried walleye is one of the most delicious ways to enjoy the species, but sometimes a little variety is needed. Today I’ve got a few walleye dishes that take a step away from the conventional, but are nonetheless just as amazing.
Walleye Chowder
2 walleye fillets, diced large
1 onion, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
2 potatoes, peeled and diced large
½ green pepper, chopped
½ red pepper, chopped
1 cup frozen corn
¼ cup flour
½ cup white wine
2 cups fish/chicken stock
2 cups milk
Salt and pepper to taste
1. In a large pan, sauté celery and onion until tender.
2. Sprinkle the celery and onion with flour, stirring constantly, and cook for a few more minutes.
3. Add potatoes, stock, and wine, and simmer until potatoes are soft.
4. Add all remaining ingredients and cook until the walleye is tender. Be careful not to overcook the walleye.
Walleye Cakes
1 cup cornflake crumbs
1 cup dry bread crumbs
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 small walleye fillets, finely chopped
6 baby carrots, finely chopped
1 small zucchini, finely chopped
2 small onions, finely chopped
1 tbsp minced garlic
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp dry mustard
3 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
3 tbsp butter
1. Combine bread crumbs, cornflake crumbs, and flour in a shallow bowl and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine walleye, carrots, zucchini, onions, garlic, and eggs.
3. Add the mustard, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste, and mix well.
4. Form into small cakes, roughly ¾ in thick, and coat with flake/crumb mixture.
5. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook the walleye cakes until firm and golden brown (around 6-8 minutes for each side).
These dishes may not be as traditional, in terms of walleye, as fried fillets, but they’re something a little different and taste amazing. Any fan of crab cakes will definitely enjoy the walleye cakes, and the chowder is the perfect comfort food for any seafood fan. Feel free to add or remove ingredients to your liking and enjoy!