Description
This Pan Fried Walleye recipe features tender walleye fillets coated in a crispy panko and parmesan breading, pan-fried to golden perfection. Ready in just 22 minutes, it makes a delightful and satisfying weeknight dinner served with fresh lemon wedges and herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 fillets walleye (1/2 inch thickness, 7-8 inches in length)
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (finely grated, powdered works best)
- 2/3 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- oil for cooking
Garnishes
- fresh lemon wedges
- chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, or chives
Instructions
- Prepare Breading Mix: In a pie plate or similar dish, combine parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Use a hand whisk to mix ingredients thoroughly and set aside.
- Dry the Fillets: Use clean paper towels to thoroughly pat dry the walleye fillets, removing any excess moisture to ensure the breading sticks properly. Set aside.
- Heat the Oil: Pour enough oil in a large, heavy skillet or cast iron pan to generously coat the entire bottom. Heat the oil over medium heat until very hot and just starting to smoke while preparing the fish.
- Coat the Fillets: Dip or brush two walleye fillets with the beaten egg to coat evenly and let excess drip off. Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly and generously onto both sides of each fillet to form a crispy coating.
- Fry the Fillets: Carefully place the coated fillets in the hot oil, cover the pan with a splatter guard to prevent oil splatters, and cook for about 3 minutes until the bottom is nicely browned and crispy.
- Flip and Cook Other Side: Using a firm, large spatula, carefully flip the fillets and cook the other side for another 3 minutes until golden and cooked through. Repeat coating and frying for the remaining two fillets.
- Serve: Serve the pan-fried walleye immediately with fresh lemon wedges and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives for added freshness.
Notes
- Ensure the fillets are patted completely dry to help the breading adhere better and become crispier.
- Use a splatter guard when frying to keep your stovetop clean and avoid burns.
- Parmesan cheese adds a delicious depth of flavor; powdered parmesan works best for even coating.
- If preferred, substitute kosher salt with sea salt for seasoning.
- Serve with your favorite side dishes such as steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Leftover fillets can be reheated in a skillet to retain crispiness rather than microwaving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 959 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.01 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 134 mg
