Pan Seared Wall-Eye is just one easy method for cooking pretty much any type of fish. The type of fish used, doesn't have to be walleye. It can work with just about any type of white fish such as cod or tilapia.

This post has been recently updated on April 3rd, 2021.
Lent starts today and you're probably looking for some easy fish or seafood dinners to cook. You've come to the right place! There are a million different ways to cook fish depending on what type of season it is right now. You can air fry walleye, bake it in the oven, or even grill it. I just think it's easier to pan fry walleye.
One of my favorite type of freshwater fish is walleye. You can find it all over menus here in the Midwest and Walleye is on 29 percent of Minnesota menus. If you order a fish sandwich the type of fish used is walleye. At Mezzaluna they have Panko Walleye Tacos, at the Toasted Frog they have Walleye Piccata, etc. Walleye is so tasty just pan fried with some butter and a little tarter sauce.
When I made this easy pan seared walleye, I just used some good old lemon pepper seasoning and butter and garnished it with some fresh parsley. Had broccoli on the side and thought dangit, I wish I had made some polenta to go along with this. Maybe another night.
What is walleye?
Walleye is a fresh water fish usually found in the Northern part of the US and Canada. In the Summer time in the Midwest, there are fishing competitions to see who can catch the largest walleye. They are pretty popular to catch here next to Northerns and they taste great. If you ever come to the Midwest you will see walleye on the menu. Usually as fish sandwiches or pan seared
Ingredients Needed
2 4 to 6 oz walleye fillets , removing skin is optional
2 tablespoons of butter
1 teaspoon of lemon pepper seasoning (or seasoning of choice)
Optional Ingredients
Dredge the walleye in a flour and crushed cracker mixture with some onion powder and garlic powder.
Blackened seasoning, cajun, garlic butter, chinese 5 spice, whatever you like pretty much.
How to make Pan Seared Walleye
Print the recipe and full instructions below.
- Heat a skillet to medium heat and add the oil or butter to the pan.
- Season the walleye filets generously with lemon pepper seasoning.
- Place the fish right over the melted butter.
- Then put a pan over the top of the fish. This creates steam in the inside of the pan.
- Cook the fish 4 to 5 minutes per side or until the fish reaches a temperature of 145 degrees. The walleye will turn white when it is done cooking.
If you'd like to see a video on how to cook walleye this is a pretty good one.
Storage Tips
Always store leftovers in clean, food-grade containers. The type of container doesn’t really matter. Use zip lock, glass, plastic, whatever! Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container before putting it in the freezer or refrigerator.
More Great Recipes to Try:
- Air Fryer Onion Rings
- Grinder Salad Sandwich - Tiktok Recipe
- Zero Point Cabbage Soup
- Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
- French Fries in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Pickle Chips
Please Let Me Know What You Think!
Be sure to leave a review of this recipe and give it a star rating. It lets us know how we are doing and lets others know they should try it!
I would love to see your creations on Pinterest. Upload them and leave a comment on my Pinterest page! Are you on Instagram? Follow along and TAG US @recipediariesww.
PrintPan Seared Walleye (Lemon Pepper)
- Yield: 2 1x
Ingredients
- 2 4 to 6 oz walleye fillets , removing skin is optional
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 tsp of lemon pepper seasoning (or seasoning of choice)
Instructions
- Heat a skillet to medium heat and add the oil or butter to the pan.
- Season the walleye filets generously with lemon pepper seasoning.
- Place the fish right over the melted butter.
- Then put a pan over the top of the fish. This creates steam in the inside of the pan.
- Cook the fish 4 to 5 minutes per side or until the fish reaches a temperature of 145 degrees. The walleye will turn white when it is done cooking.
Notes
My WW Personal Points: 8 Click here to see in recipe builder (will have to log in)
- Category: Medium
- Method: Pan Sear
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 6oz fillet
- Calories: 262
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 792mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
Keywords: pan seared lemon pepper walleye
Lisa says
I'm from MN and this recipe is excellent and pretty healthy if made with canola oil!
Jenna says
Glad you liked it!
Phyllis Dable says
best recipe ever, I left mine on a little too long. but they were still great. thank you
★★★★★
Jenna says
Cover the skillet