Cooking with Kokanee Quinn: Hooked on Heavenly Walleye

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of preparing a fresh catch right at fishing camp.

Today, I’m excited to share a delicious twist on a family tradition I call “Heavenly Walleye.” This walleye recipe will surely become a favorite in your household, just as it is in mine.

Ingredients

Walleye is known for its firm, flaky texture and mild, sweet flavor. This makes it an excellent canvas for the bold ingredients we’re using:

•  2 lbs. walleye fillets (if walleye isn’t available, any firm white fish will do)
•  2 Tbsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice
•  1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
•  1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped
•  1 stick of salted butter, softened
•  1/2 cup mayonnaise
•  1/4 tsp. salt
•  1/4 tsp. garlic salt
•  1 Tbsp. Cajun (Old Bay®) seasoning
•  Cajun (Old Bay®) hot sauce to taste

Directions

1. Place your dry walleye fillets in a flat baking dish. Sprinkle with fresh lemon juice and let them marinate for 10 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, softened butter, grated parmesan cheese, chopped green onion, salt, garlic salt, and Cajun seasoning. Add a dash of hot sauce to taste — remember, you can always add more later.
3. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) on the broil setting. Once hot, place your marinated walleye in the oven and broil for 6–8 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
4. Remove the fish from the oven and spread the prepared mixture evenly over each fillet. This is where the “heavenly” part comes in, so don’t be shy!
5. Place the fish back in the oven for 2–3 minutes or until the topping is warm and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
6. Finish with an extra dash of hot sauce if desired, and serve immediately.

Recipe Note

Tips for the Perfect Walleye Recipe

Want to elevate your walleye recipe? Follow these tips:

• For a delicious summer treat, serve your Heavenly Walleye recipe over grilled summer squash and onions. The flavor combination is outstanding.
  
• When selecting your walleye fillets, look for firm, translucent flesh with no strong odor. Fresh is always best, but high-quality frozen fillets also work.
  
• Don’t skip the lemon juice step! It adds flavor and balances the topping’s richness.