Parmesan Crusted Walleye

When it comes to quick and easy meals, this parmesan-crusted walleye is one of my favorites.

This dish combines walleye, a delicate and flaky whitefish with a crispy, golden parmesan crust made with aromatic herbs and spices.

And because it's ready in under 15 minutes, this is a healthy and flavorful recipe that you can make for yourself, your friends, or your family any night of the week.

Garnish it with some fresh lemon juice, and this parmesan-crusted walleye becomes an ideal main dish that pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad, steamed vegetables, or buttery herb-infused rice.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This parmesan-crusted walleye recipe works because it combines the delicate flavor and firm texture of the fish with the nutty and savory notes of the parmesan. Its crispy crust adds a delightful texture, while the blend of seasonings enhances the overall taste.

It's also super easy to make and takes very little time or effort to prepare. Plus it's a dish that you don't have to feel guilty about. It's healthy, flavorful, and ready in 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Walleye:

Walleye is a whitefish known for its delicate flavor and firm, flaky texture. If you can't find walleye, you can substitute it with other white fish that have a similar texture and mild flavor. Some excellent alternatives are cod, haddock, perch, pollock, or sole.

Seafood Seasoning:

Old Bay is an excellent go-to seasoning for recipes like this. However, you can really use any herbs or spices you have on hand. Popular choices include dried basil, parsley, garlic powder, and paprika.

Parmesan Cheese:

While parmesan is the first ingredient listed in the title of this recipe, you can absolutely swap out parm for a number of other cheeses that will give you different flavor profiles. Gruyère is a Swiss cheese with a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that melts well and adds a unique taste to your crust.

Asiago cheese provides a distinct and savory flavor to your parmesan crust. With a slightly sharper taste than parmesan, it works well as a substitute. Even Romano cheese is similar to parmesan. With its sharp, tangy flavor, it can be used alone or in combination with other cheeses to create a flavorful crust for your walleye.

How to Make Parmesan-Crusted Walleye

Step One: 

In a shallow dish or plate, mix flour and seasoning until combined. Set aside.

Step Two: 

Using another plate, combine breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Set aside.

Step Three: 

Whisk eggs into a third plate or dish.

Step Four:

Take your walleye fillet, and dredge it first in the flour mixture, then the egg wash, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture.

Step Five: 

Heat your olive oil in a frying pan until it's bubbling hot, then carefully place your fillet in the pan.

Step Six: 

Fry your walleye fillets for 5-8 minutes or until the crust is crispy and golden brown, flipping halfway through.

Step Seven:

Remove your fillets from the pan and place them on a cooling rack. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step Eight:

Serve and enjoy 🙂

Tips

• It's always a good idea to include citrus when making whitefish. The acidity helps to tenderize the fillets and give them more flavor. Marinate your fillets in lemon or lime juice for 30 minutes to get the most tender fish with a vibrant flavor.
• Always pat your fillets dry to eliminate excess moisture before you begin coating them in flour. This will ensure the crust stays adhered to your fish during cooking. Once you've covered the walleye fillets with the parmesan mixture, press it firmly onto the fish to ensure it stays put.

What to Serve With Parmesan-Crusted Walleye

This parmesan-crusted walleye pairs well with so many excellent side dishes it'll be hard to pick just one.

If you want to keep the meal on the lighter side, a crisp garden salad, green beans almondine,  or brussels sprouts all pair well with parmesan-crusted walleye.

To make the meal more fulfilling, you can add rice pilaf or some sweet potato fries.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fish fillets?

While it is generally recommended to use fresh fish for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen fish fillets to make parmesan-crusted walleye. Thaw the frozen fish fillets in the refrigerator overnight to prevent any potential bacterial growth. After thawing, make sure to pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the crust adhere better to the fish.

Additionally, frozen fish may require a slightly longer cooking time compared to fresh fish. Follow the recipe instructions for cooking time, but be prepared to extend it if needed.

For how long can leftover parmesan-crusted walleye be stored?

If you do happen to have any of these delicious parmesan-crusted walleye fillets left over, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

When reheating them, it's best to use an oven or toaster oven to help maintain the crispy crust. Reheat for 10-15 minutes at 350F.

Can I bake my fillets instead?

Yes, you can bake your parmesan-crusted walleye fillets instead of frying them. Baking is a healthier cooking method that still yields delicious results. Place the fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400F for about 12-15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and the crust turns a golden brown color.

More Fish Recipes

If you enjoyed how simple it was to make a delicious and healthy main dish, then this collection of deliciously easy fish recipes is sure to interest you.

Air Fryer Flounder

Blackened Redfish

Pan Fried Trout

Air Fryer Haddock

Air Fryer Fish and Chips