WineLovers Discussion Group

anyone have any great ideas for cooking walleye, especially on the grill? i marinated some in sherry, garlic and fresh thyme and rosemary and grilled it, but it was awfully bland.

Walleye, aka yellow pike, is a member of the perch family. I've only had it breaded and deep fried, but I've done perch on the grill. Marinate for 10-15 minutes in a bit of lemon juice, put foil on the grill, EVOO on the foil then put the fillets on to cook. Close grill and slowly cook until done. Use hardwood charcoal, not a very hot flame and not too close to the grill. When done, remove to platter and serve with melted butter and dill weed.

Wow, Kirk, those ingredients don't sound like they should result in bland fish. I wonder if you just needed a little sugar and salt (think brine) to brighten/punch out the flavors, give them momentum?

walleye can be one of the great fish experiences - but understanding that if fresh, it should be very mild in taste. what i believe happened is that your marinade and cooking source overpowered it. best to just lightly flour it, and saute it in butter. make a beure blanc or just brown some butter and lemon and pour over it with some parsley and chive. simple is best. then serve with chablis or muscadet.

Walleye is such a delicate tasting fish that I wouldn't recommend anything but butter, salt, pepper and lemon or other citrus. The fish is best, I believe, when caught through the ice in the winter and then prepared when one arrives home.