Easy Pan Fried Walleye Recipe

Fried walleye is a must-try Minnesota classic food! Friday fish fries are held throughout the state all summer long and walleye is the headliner. Whether you enjoy it on a sandwich slathered in tartar sauce or eaten solo, this is one delicious meal. No deep fryer needed! Extra delicious when served with lemon wedges and a little butter.

Original post: April 2012 | Updated: May 2023 and August 2024

Why This Recipe Works

Fishing season is a big deal here in the land of 10,000 lakes. One of the tastiest and most common types of fish to eat in Minnesota is walleye, our state fish. Here are a few reasons why I adore this recipe:

This is the perfect recipe for your next fish fry.

Like any fish, it can be made in a number of ways, but a good pan fried walleye dinner is a must-eat for anybody visiting the state or wanting a little taste of Minnesota.

This fish recipe was passed down from family, so it is tried and true times a thousand!

It is so fun to make this delicious fish recipe for out of state guests. It makes them swoon every time!

Fried walleye is a must-try Minnesota classic food! Friday fish fries are held throughout the state all summer long and walleye is the headliner. Whether you enjoy it on a sandwich slathered in tartar sauce or eaten solo, it’s a delicious meal. Served with butter and lemon, it is so delicious.

Recipe Ingredients

Walleye fillets – Cut the fillets into 2-inch squares before cooking.

Ritz crackers – Ritz crackers can be replaced with any variety of crackers or crumbs, but the more buttery the better. Other options include panko bread crumbs or crushed saltine crackers.

A flour mixture can be used, as well. Combine flour (1 cup all purpose flour) along with 1 teaspoon salt and ground black pepper (each).

Canola oil – Replace canola with olive oil or vegetable oil, if desired.

How To Make Fried Walleye

Step 1

In one small bowl or shallow baking sheet, place 1 sleeve of finely crushed Ritz crackers.

In another small shallow dish, create an egg wash by beating 2 eggs using a fork.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat 2 cups (give or take) of canola oil over medium-high heat. You will want at least a half inch of oil in the bottom of the skillet.

Step 3

Cut four fresh or defrosted 8-ounce walleye fillets into 2×2-inch squares. Roll the pieces of fish in the beaten egg mixture and then the cracker crumbs, completely coating them including all the edge patches.

In batches, quickly place the coated fish pieces into the skillet with the hot oil. This happens very quickly and you will want to make sure not to burn the fish.

Allow the fish to cook in the oil for approximately 15-20 seconds, or until the under side is golden brown and crispy but not black. Using a slotted metal spoon, flip the fish pieces over and cook for another 15 seconds.

Step 4

Remove the fried fish from the oil and place them onto paper towels. Pat well with more paper towels to remove excess oil.

Slice a few lemon wedges and squirt bit of fresh lemon juice over the fish and serve! Your fish fillets should flake easily and be tender and delicious!

Recipe Notes

• Make sure the oil is very hot. Hot and quick is the key to getting a good result with this fish.
• A cast iron skillet works great for this recipe. 
• Bread crumbs work in place of crushed crackers. 
• Consider adding a pinch of garlic powder to the cracker mixture for a flavor boost.
• Spice up the fish by adding up to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the breading.
• Top with chopped fresh parsley other fresh herbs of your choice and a little lemon juice, lime juice or lemon zest for a delicious finishing touch.
• Add 1 cup of beer to the egg mixture to create a smooth beer batter fried fish.

Quick Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe

Create your very own batch of quick and easy tartar sauce at home by mixing together:

• 1/2 cup mayo or miracle whip
• 1/8 cup dill pickle relish or chopped dill pickles
• If you want to get fancy, sprinkle in 1/2 tsp dill weed – it really makes a perfect finishing touch!

What To Serve With Walleye

This juicy flaky fish is delicious when cooked in a variety of ways but once it’s ready to eat, what pairs well with it? Read on for 13 delicious ideas about what to serve with walleye, whether you’re making walleye tacos or enjoying it as a solo dish. 

Recipes included in the roundup, but not limited to:

• Caesar salad
• Potato salad
• Fish sandwich
• Simple mac and cheese or lobster mac
• Crackers, chips or bread

Best Oil for Frying Fish Filets

Any of the following oils can be used when frying walleye: canola oil, vegetable oil, sunflower oil or avocado oil. These oils have a high smoke point and can be heated to 400-450 degrees F without burning, making them great options.

Walleye vs Salmon

Walleye are a type of freshwater fish commonly found in North America. This fish has a light, flaky texture with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. This fish is often pan-fried or baked and lightly seasoned with simple herbs and spices.

Salmon is a saltwater fish known for its rich, oily flavor and orange, meaty texture. This type of fish is commonly grilled, baked or smoked and is often seasoned with salt and pepper, meat rubs, marinades, glazes or sauces such as dill sauce with lemon.

Both of these types of fish can be described as being juicy flaky fish and both are good sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon is generally considered to be the healthier choice, as it contains more omega-3 fatty acids per serving than walleye.

What To Do With Leftover Fried Walleye

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Here are a few ideas about how to use up leftovers:

• Break big filets into small pieces and add to tortillas to create fish tacos. Add toppings of your choice! Top with red pepper flakes.
• Reheat and serve with a little melted butter.
• Sandwich between two slices of bread or a bun to create a delicious fish sandwich. Don’t forget the tartar sauce!

What To Serve With Fish

Other varieties of fish pair well with so many other types of food, which is one of the reasons I love it so much. Here are a few ideas about what to serve with fish!

• Tortillas – Flour or corn tortillas are the perfect food to serve with fish. Stuff the tortillas and add cheese and other toppings as desired!
• Rice – Rice is a perfect side dish to go alongside any type of fish. White, brown and wild are all perfect options.
• Potatoes – Potatoes are extremely versatile, making them a delicious side dish option, as well. French fries, hashbrown casserole, mashed potatoes, potato chips and roasted potatoes would all pair perfectly!
• Coleslaw – A heaping spoonful of fresh coleslaw alongside your next fish dinner will taste great!
• Vegetables – Just about any veggie on the planet accompanies fish perfectly. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, carrots, and peas are delicious choices.
• Salad – A fresh, leafy green salad tastes great after a bite of salmon or cod. Or think outside the salad box and make an edamame corn salad instead!

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