Farmer Paul’s Grilled Walleye
Looking for an easy grilled walleye recipe? Farmer Paul’s grilled walleye is a simple, flavorful way to prepare this popular freshwater fish. With a few basic ingredients and a hot grill, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Paul Casper is a farmer from Lake Preston who has a special affinity for the great outdoors.
“I’ve been hunting, fishing and trapping all my life,” said Paul. “Our family has done it for many generations. You’ll always find fish in our freezer. Just a couple weeks ago, my daughters were home, and I sent them home with some walleye. It truly is a family tradition.”
This recipe is perfect for summer grilling, fishing trips or a family dinner. The walleye is seasoned simply and grilled until flaky and tender, letting the flavor of the fish shine.
From the Farm to the Table
For South Dakota farmers like Paul, food and agriculture are closely connected to the outdoors and the land. While walleye isn't a farm-raised ingredient, fishing and other outdoor traditions are an important part of life in South Dakota.
Whether you're cooking fish you've caught yourself or picking up walleye locally, this recipe is an easy way to enjoy one of the region's favorite fish.
How to Grill Walleye
The key to great grilled walleye is keeping the fish moist while cooking it over a hot grill. Make sure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled before adding the fish to help prevent sticking.
For the best results, avoid overcooking the walleye. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when it's done.
Farmer Paul’s Grilled Walleye
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spread vegetable oil on an aluminum pan, coating the bottom
- Brush butter or spread spray-on button on your walleye
- Sprinkle lemon pepper and garlic salt on top - don't get too wild. Want to give it a kick? Add cayenne pepper
- Add smoke pellets to grill. Heat grill to 400°F
- Add sliced almonds to the top of the fish. If you're using pecan smoke pellets, add pecan slices.
- Grill for 15 minutes on one side
Tips for Grilling Walleye
Oil your grill grates. Lightly oiling the grates before cooking can help keep the fish from sticking.
Don't overcook the fish. Walleye is a lean fish, so it can dry out if cooked too long. Watch for the fish to become opaque and flake easily.
Keep the seasoning simple. Lemon, butter, garlic, salt and pepper complement walleye without overpowering its mild flavor.
More Recipes to Try
Looking for more recipes to enjoy? Explore the Hungry for Truth recipe collection for more ideas made with ingredients connected to South Dakota agriculture.
