There are a variety of different ways to cook walleye. Baking, frying and grilling are all popular options. If you are interested in a great walleye appetizer recipe we’ve got one for you. Ty Sjodin shares how he makes bacon wrapped walleye.
Bacon Wrapped Walleye
The walleye might be the most sought after fish throughout the Northern portions of the United States and Canada. Along with their game qualities, walleyes make a fantastic table fare. Their mild, flakey meat is one of the best, if not the best in freshwater. Walleye fillets can be prepared a number of different ways. Deep frying, baking, and grilling are a few common methods. If you are interested in a great walleye appetizer recipe, bacon wrapped walleye is one you have to add to your cookbook.
Ingredients for Bacon Wrapped Walleye
- walleye fillets
- 1-pound of bacon
- cracked black pepper
- oil
- toothpicks
- aluminum foil
- casted iron pan
- grill
- hot banana peppers (optional)
- sliced jalapeños (optional)
Filleting A Walleye
The first step when making bacon wrapped walleye is to fillet the fish. Walleyes can be filleted with a traditional straight edge fillet knife, or an electric fillet knife. Start by making a forty-five degree cut behind the head of the fish. Cut down to the backbone. Once you hit the backbone, turn your knife towards the tail of the fish. Run your knife towards the tail of the fish. While making this cut you can either go around the ribs, or through them if you are using an electric knife. Once you have the side off it’s time to remove the skin from the fillet. Start at the tail and remove the skin. Repeat this process on the other side. After completing this you should have two boneless walleye fillets.
Preparing Bacon Wrapped Walleye
Step 1: Start by cutting up the walleye fillets into roughly 1-inch long pieces.
Step 2: Cut the bacon in half. You can use regular and thick cut bacon for this recipe.
Step 3: Take a piece of walleye and wrap the bacon around it and place a toothpick in the middle of it to hold it together. You can also add a slice of banana pepper or jalapeño to it. This adds another complementing flavor, a little crunch, and some heat.
Step 4: Place the bacon wrapped pieces onto a cast iron pan with aluminum foil. Add a little bit of olive oil to prevent the bacon wrapped walleye from sticking to the aluminum foil. Sprinkle some cracked black pepper onto the pieces.
Step 5: Set the cast iron pan on the grill and cook for about ten minutes or until the bacon is done.
Step 6: Remove the cast iron from the grill and enjoy your bacon wrapped walleye.
FAQ’s
1. What are walleye fillets like?
Walleyes are one of the best freshwater fish to eat and have a white, mild fillet.
2. What is the best eating sized walleye?
Most anglers preferred to eat walleyes between fourteen and eighteen inches long.
3. When do walleyes spawn?
Walleyes spawn in the spring in water temperatures between forty and fifty degrees.
4. Should I use a leader when walleye fishing?
Walleyes have very good eyesight, and it is extremely beneficially to use a six or eight pound fluorocarbon leader.
5. What is the best time of day to catch walleyes?
Walleyes typically bite well during lowlight conditions early in the morning and late in the evening.
Conclusion
Walleyes are on the top of the list for most anglers, because of their great tasting fillets. Frying, baking and grilling are all great ways to prepare walleye, however if you haven’t tired making bacon wrapped walleye I highly suggest you give it a try. This simple and easy recipe is just another way you can enjoy these tasty fish.
