How to Cook Walleye on the Stove
What is the Best Oil to Pan Fry Walleye in?
What do You Soak Walleye in Before Cooking?
Do You Skin Walleye Before Frying?
Is it OK to Cook Walleye with Skin On?
Walleye is a popular freshwater fish known for its delicate flavor and flaky texture. It can be cooked in various ways, but one of the most common methods is pan frying it on the stove. This article will provide step-by-step instructions on how to cook walleye on the stove, as well as answer some common questions about cooking this delicious fish.
How to Cook Walleye on the Stove
1. Start by rinsing the walleye fillets under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This will help remove any excess moisture and ensure a crispy exterior when frying.
2. In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. This will be used to coat the walleye fillets before frying.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. The best oil for pan frying walleye is one with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil.
4. While the oil is heating, dip each walleye fillet into the flour mixture, coating both sides evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
5. Carefully place the coated fillets into the hot oil, skin side down if the fillets still have the skin attached. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. Flip the fillets gently to avoid breaking them.
6. Once cooked, remove the walleye fillets from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
7. Serve the pan-fried walleye immediately with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce. It pairs well with sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
What is the Best Oil to Pan Fry Walleye in?
The best oil to pan fry walleye is one with a high smoke point, as it can withstand the heat without burning or imparting a strong flavor to the fish. Vegetable oil and canola oil are both excellent choices for pan frying walleye. They have a neutral taste and a high smoke point, making them ideal for achieving a crispy and flavorful crust on the fish.
What do You Soak Walleye in Before Cooking?
Soaking walleye fillets in a brine solution before cooking can help enhance their flavor and texture. The brine solution is made by combining water, salt, and sugar. The salt helps to season the fish and draw out any excess moisture, while the sugar adds a hint of sweetness.
To make the brine solution, dissolve 1/4 cup of salt and 1/4 cup of sugar in 4 cups of water. Place the walleye fillets in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag, and pour the brine solution over them. Let the fish soak in the brine for 30 minutes to 1 hour in the refrigerator. After soaking, rinse the fillets under cold water and pat them dry before cooking.
Do You Skin Walleye Before Frying?
Whether you should skin walleye before frying it depends on personal preference. The skin of walleye is edible and can add a nice crispy texture when fried. However, some people prefer to remove the skin before cooking to achieve a more delicate and flaky texture.
If you choose to leave the skin on, make sure to score it with a sharp knife before frying. This will prevent the fish from curling up and ensure even cooking. If you prefer skinless fillets, you can easily remove the skin by making a small incision at the edge of the fillet and peeling it back with a knife or your fingers.
Is it OK to Cook Walleye with Skin On?
Yes, it is perfectly fine to cook walleye with the skin on. The skin of walleye is edible and can add a nice crispy texture when pan fried. However, some people prefer to remove the skin before cooking to achieve a more delicate and flaky texture.
If you choose to cook walleye with the skin on, make sure to score it with a sharp knife before frying. This will prevent the fish from curling up and ensure even cooking. Additionally, make sure to thoroughly clean the skin before cooking to remove any scales or impurities.
Is it best to fry fish in butter?
When it comes to frying fish, butter is not the best choice of cooking fat. While butter adds a rich and delicious flavor to dishes, it has a low smoke point, which means it can easily burn at high temperatures. This can result in a fish that is overcooked on the outside while still raw on the inside.
Is olive oil good for frying fish?
Olive oil is a popular choice for frying fish due to its high smoke point and health benefits. Extra virgin olive oil, in particular, is a good option as it has a more delicate flavor compared to regular olive oil. When frying fish in olive oil, it is important to use a moderate heat to avoid burning the oil and to maintain the delicate flavor of the fish.
Do you rinse walleye before cooking?
Rinsing walleye before cooking is a personal preference. Some people prefer to rinse the fish to remove any excess slime or debris that may be present. However, others believe that rinsing can wash away some of the natural flavors of the fish. If you do choose to rinse walleye before cooking, make sure to pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
Should you soak walleye in milk before cooking?
Soaking walleye in milk before cooking is a popular technique that is believed to help reduce the fishy taste and odor. The milk acts as a natural tenderizer and can also help to remove any residual blood from the fish. Simply place the walleye fillets in a shallow dish and cover them with milk. Allow them to soak for about 30 minutes before cooking.
How do you know when walleye is fully cooked?
To determine if walleye is fully cooked, you can use a few methods. One way is to use a meat thermometer and ensure that the internal temperature of the fish reaches 145°F (63°C). Another method is to check the texture of the fish. When fully cooked, the flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Additionally, the fish should no longer be translucent and should have a firm texture.
What is the best oil to pan fry fish in?
When it comes to pan frying fish, oils with high smoke points are the best choice. Some of the recommended oils for frying fish include canola oil, vegetable oil, peanut oil, and sunflower oil. These oils can withstand high heat without burning, resulting in a crispy and delicious fried fish. It is important to heat the oil to the proper temperature before adding the fish to ensure even cooking and a golden crust.
What oil is best for frying fish in skillet?
The best oil for frying fish in a skillet is one with a high smoke point and a neutral flavor. Some good options include canola oil, vegetable oil, and peanut oil.
What oil is best for frying fish?
When it comes to frying fish, it is recommended to use an oil with a high smoke point and a neutral flavor. This ensures that the oil won’t burn and the fish will have a delicious taste. Canola oil, vegetable oil, and peanut oil are all good choices for frying fish.
What is the best oil for pan-frying?
For pan-frying, it is best to use an oil with a high smoke point and a neutral flavor. This allows the food to cook evenly without imparting any unwanted flavors. Canola oil, vegetable oil, and peanut oil are all suitable options for pan-frying.
Do you rinse fish before frying?
It is generally not necessary to rinse fish before frying. Rinsing the fish can actually wash away some of the natural flavors and moistness. However, it is important to pat the fish dry with paper towels before frying to remove any excess moisture, as this can prevent the fish from getting crispy.
Do you cook fish skin side up or down first?
When pan-frying fish, it is recommended to cook it skin side down first. This allows the skin to get crispy and adds flavor to the fish. Once the skin is crispy, you can flip the fish and cook it on the other side until it is cooked through. However, if you prefer to remove the skin, you can cook the fish on either side first.
Should I coat fish before frying?
Coating fish before frying can help to protect the fish and add an extra layer of flavor. You can coat the fish with flour, breadcrumbs, or a mixture of both. The coating helps to seal in the moisture and creates a crispy exterior. However, if you prefer a lighter dish, you can skip the coating and simply season the fish before frying.
Summary
When frying fish in a skillet or pan, it is best to use an oil with a high smoke point and a neutral flavor such as canola oil, vegetable oil, or peanut oil. It is not necessary to rinse the fish before frying, but make sure to pat it dry to remove excess moisture. Cook the fish skin side down first to achieve a crispy skin, and you can choose to coat the fish with flour or breadcrumbs before frying for added flavor and texture.
