Cooking Walleye on a Griddle: A Delicious and Easy Guide

Walleye is a popular game fish in North America, prized for its delicate flavor and firm texture. While it can be prepared in a variety of ways, cooking walleye on a griddle is a simple and delicious method that brings out the best in this fish. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to cook walleye on a griddle, including the benefits of this cooking method, the equipment you’ll need, and some tips for achieving perfect results.

The Benefits of Cooking Walleye on a Griddle

Cooking walleye on a griddle offers several benefits over other cooking methods. Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider giving it a try:

• Even cooking: A griddle provides a large, flat surface that allows you to cook your walleye evenly. This is especially important when cooking delicate fish like walleye, which can easily become overcooked or undercooked.
• Crispy crust: A griddle can get very hot, which makes it ideal for searing your walleye and creating a crispy crust on the outside. This adds texture and flavor to your dish.
• Easy cleanup: Griddles are generally easy to clean, especially if you’re using a non-stick model. This makes cooking walleye on a griddle a convenient option for busy home cooks.

Equipment Needed

To cook walleye on a griddle, you’ll need a few pieces of equipment. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to get started:

• A griddle: You can use either a gas or electric griddle, depending on your preference. If you’re looking for a more portable option, consider a cast-iron griddle.
• A fish spatula: A fish spatula is a long, thin spatula that’s designed specifically for cooking fish. It’s perfect for flipping and serving your walleye.
• A plate or tray: You’ll need a plate or tray to serve your walleye on. Consider using a plate with a lip to prevent juices from spilling over.
• Cooking oil or butter: You’ll need some kind of fat to cook your walleye in. Consider using a neutral-tasting oil like canola or grapeseed.
• Seasonings: You can season your walleye with a variety of herbs and spices. Consider using a simple seasoning blend like salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

Preparing Your Walleye

Before you start cooking your walleye, you’ll need to prepare it. Here are a few steps to follow:

• Rinse your walleye under cold water: This helps remove any loose scales or debris from the fish.
• Pat your walleye dry with a paper towel: This helps remove excess moisture from the fish, which can prevent it from cooking evenly.
• Season your walleye: Sprinkle your walleye with your desired seasonings. Consider using a simple seasoning blend like salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

Cooking Your Walleye

Now that you’ve prepared your walleye, it’s time to start cooking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cooking walleye on a griddle:

• Preheat your griddle: Preheat your griddle over medium-high heat. You can test the heat by flicking a few drops of water onto the griddle. If they sizzle and evaporate quickly, the griddle is ready.
• Add oil or butter to the griddle: Add a small amount of oil or butter to the griddle. This will help prevent your walleye from sticking.
• Add your walleye to the griddle: Place your walleye on the griddle, skin side up (if it has skin). You may need to cook your walleye in batches depending on the size of your griddle.
• Cook for 3-4 minutes: Cook your walleye for 3-4 minutes on the first side, or until it develops a crispy crust. You can check for doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the fish. Walleye is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
• Flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes: Flip your walleye over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until it’s cooked through.

Tips for Achieving Perfect Results

Here are a few tips for achieving perfect results when cooking walleye on a griddle:

• Don’t overcrowd the griddle: Make sure to leave enough space between each piece of walleye to allow for even cooking. Overcrowding the griddle can lead to steaming instead of searing.
• Don’t press down on the fish: Resist the temptation to press down on the fish with your spatula. This can cause the fish to break apart and lose its delicate texture.
• Use a thermometer: A thermometer is the best way to ensure that your walleye is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Serving Your Walleye

Now that you’ve cooked your walleye, it’s time to serve it. Here are a few ideas for serving walleye:

• With a squeeze of lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add brightness and flavor to your walleye.
• With a side of tartar sauce: Tartar sauce is a classic condiment for fish. Consider making your own using mayonnaise, chopped pickles, and lemon juice.
• With a side of roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts can provide a delicious contrast to the rich flavor of the walleye.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when cooking walleye on a griddle:

• Overcooking the fish: Walleye can become dry and tough if it’s overcooked. Make sure to cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
• Not patting the fish dry: Excess moisture on the surface of the fish can prevent it from cooking evenly. Make sure to pat your walleye dry with a paper towel before cooking.

Conclusion

Cooking walleye on a griddle is a simple and delicious way to prepare this popular game fish. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can achieve perfect results and enjoy a delicious meal. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just looking for a new way to cook fish, cooking walleye on a griddle is definitely worth trying.

Additional Tips for Griddle Maintenance

To keep your griddle in good condition, make sure to clean it regularly and apply a small amount of oil to the surface after each use. This will help prevent rust and keep your griddle cooking evenly.

By following these tips and techniques, you can keep your griddle in good condition and enjoy delicious meals for years to come.

What is the best way to prepare walleye for griddling?

To prepare walleye for griddling, start by rinsing the fillets under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps remove any impurities and excess moisture, ensuring the fish cooks evenly. Next, season the walleye with your desired herbs and spices. You can use a simple mixture of salt, pepper, and lemon juice, or get creative with other flavors like garlic, paprika, or dill.

It’s also essential to make sure the walleye fillets are of even thickness, so they cook consistently. If the fillets are too thick, you can cut them in half or pound them gently with a meat mallet to achieve the desired thickness. By preparing the walleye properly, you’ll be able to achieve a crispy exterior and a tender, flaky interior when griddling.

What type of griddle is best for cooking walleye?

When it comes to cooking walleye on a griddle, you’ll want to use a griddle that can achieve high heat and maintain it evenly. A cast-iron or stainless steel griddle is ideal, as they retain heat well and can be heated to high temperatures. Avoid using non-stick griddles, as they can’t handle high heat and may damage the seasoning.

In addition to the material, consider the size of the griddle. A larger griddle will allow you to cook multiple walleye fillets at once, making it perfect for feeding a crowd. However, if you’re cooking for one or two people, a smaller griddle will suffice. Make sure the griddle is clean and well-seasoned before cooking to prevent the walleye from sticking.

How hot should the griddle be for cooking walleye?

To cook walleye on a griddle, you’ll want to heat the griddle to medium-high heat. The ideal temperature is between 400°F (200°C) and 425°F (220°C). This high heat will help create a crispy crust on the outside of the walleye, while cooking the inside to perfection.

To ensure the griddle has reached the correct temperature, you can use a thermometer or perform the water droplet test. To do the water droplet test, flick a few drops of water onto the griddle. If they sizzle and evaporate quickly, the griddle is ready to cook the walleye.

How long does it take to cook walleye on a griddle?

The cooking time for walleye on a griddle will depend on the thickness of the fillets and the heat of the griddle. As a general rule, cook the walleye for 3-4 minutes per side for fillets that are about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. This will give you a crispy exterior and a cooked interior.

However, it’s essential to check the walleye frequently to avoid overcooking. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the thickest part of the fillet. If it flakes easily, it’s cooked. If not, give it a bit more time and check again. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of undercooking, as you can always cook the walleye a bit longer if needed.

Can I add oil to the griddle before cooking walleye?

Yes, you can add oil to the griddle before cooking walleye. In fact, adding a small amount of oil can help prevent the walleye from sticking to the griddle. Use a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or avocado oil. Apply a thin, even layer of oil to the griddle using a paper towel or a brush.

However, be careful not to add too much oil, as this can create a greasy mess and overpower the flavor of the walleye. A small amount of oil is all you need to achieve a crispy crust and prevent sticking. You can also add aromatics like garlic or lemon slices to the oil for extra flavor.

How do I prevent walleye from sticking to the griddle?

To prevent walleye from sticking to the griddle, make sure the griddle is hot and well-seasoned. You can also add a small amount of oil to the griddle, as mentioned earlier. Additionally, pat the walleye fillets dry with a paper towel before cooking to remove excess moisture.

Another trick is to not overcrowd the griddle. Cook the walleye fillets one or two at a time, depending on the size of the griddle. This will ensure they have enough room to cook evenly and prevent them from sticking together. If you do encounter sticking, don’t panic. Simply use a spatula to gently loosen the walleye from the griddle.

Can I cook walleye on a griddle with the skin on?

Yes, you can cook walleye on a griddle with the skin on. In fact, cooking the walleye with the skin on can help retain moisture and flavor. To cook walleye with the skin on, place the fillets skin-side down on the griddle and cook for 3-4 minutes. Then, flip the walleye over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.

However, keep in mind that cooking walleye with the skin on can make it more challenging to achieve a crispy crust on the flesh side. To combat this, you can score the skin in a crisscross pattern before cooking to help it crisp up. Alternatively, you can remove the skin before cooking for a crisper exterior.