This week’s recipe that Kokanee Quinn found via Montana Knife Company comes from traveling chef Jason Ellsworth, who’s known for serving up gourmet meals at hunting and fishing camps across the country. This is a family favorite called “Heavenly Walleye”—a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for showcasing your catch. With just 20 minutes of prep and a quick broil, this recipe combines walleye fillets with a buttery topping of parmesan, green onions, Cajun seasoning, and a kick of hot sauce. It’s the kind of meal that tastes just as good around a campfire as it does at your kitchen table. Serve it over rice, veggies, or grilled summer squash for a dish that’s light, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress. This recipe is a must-try for any angler-turned-chef.
Servings
5
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
12 minutes
Calories
450
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
- Place your dry walleye fillets in a flat baking dish. Sprinkle with fresh lemon juice and let them marinate for 10 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
