The Ultimate Guide To Cooking Walleye With Fried Shrimp

Quick And Easy Fried Walleye With Shrimp Recipe

How to Perfectly Prepare Walleye and Shrimp for a Restaurant

Walleye With Fried Shrimp ,most cooks avoid preparing seafood combinations like fried shrimp walleye because they think it’s too complicated? The truth is, cooking walleye with fried shrimp creates one of the most delicious surf and turf variations you can make at home, and it’s far simpler than most people think. This walleye recipe combines the delicate, flaky texture of freshwater fish with the succulent bite of perfectly fried shrimp for a restaurant-quality meal that will impress even the most discerning dinner guests.

Walleye is a mild white fish that, when properly prepared, offers a crunchy, crispy exterior while remaining moist and flaky inside. Paired with golden fried shrimp and a complementary sauce, this cooking walleye combination elevates ordinary seafood to extraordinary heights. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or trying your hand at the best seafood preparations for the first time, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of creating this spectacular dish.

Ingredients List

For the perfect walleye and fried shrimp combination, you’ll need quality ingredients that complement each other while allowing the natural flavors of the seafood to shine. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Walleye:

• 4 walleye fillets (about 6-8 ounces each), boned and skinned
• 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill (or ½ teaspoon dried dill)
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
• ½ teaspoon sweet paprika (or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Canola or vegetable oil for frying (enough for 1½-2 inches in your pan)

For the Fried Shrimp:

• 12 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup Italian-style bread crumbs (or Panko for extra crispiness)
• ½ teaspoon Creole seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

For the Sun Dried Tomato Garlic Cream Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
• 1 teaspoon chopped shallot
• 2 tablespoons poached julienne sun-dried tomatoes
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• White pepper and salt to taste

The buttermilk marinade isn’t just for flavor it tenderizes the walleye and helps the coating adhere perfectly for that golden-brown crust we all crave . If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Timing

Preparing this walleye with fried shrimp dish takes approximately 45 minutes total, breaking down to:

• Preparation time: 20 minutes (including marinating)
• Cooking time: 25 minutes

This is about 30% faster than most restaurant style seafood combinations, which typically require 60-75 minutes of total preparation and cooking time. The key time-saver is the efficient marinating process while 30 minutes is the minimum, you can marinate the walleye for up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor without making the fish mushy .

For the best results, remove the fish from refrigeration 15 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking and helps maintain that perfect contrast between the crispy exterior and tender interior.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Walleye Marinade

Begin by combining 1 cup of buttermilk with fresh dill, garlic powder, lemon pepper, and sweet paprika in a small mixing bowl. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until well combined. The buttermilk’s acidity will help tenderize the fish while the herbs and spices infuse it with flavor.

Marinate the Walleye

Submerge the walleye fillets in the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they’re completely covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though up to 2 hours will yield the best flavor. Remember not to exceed 2 hours as the fish can become too soft.

Prepare the Coating Mixture

While the fish marinates, combine the all purpose flour, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl or zip lock bag. Whisk or shake to ensure even distribution of the seasonings . This seasoned flour will create the perfect foundation for your crispy coating.

Heat the Oil

Add 1½-2 inches of vegetable or canola oil to a large skillet or deep cast iron frying pan. Heat the oil over medium high heat until it reaches 375°F. The temperature is crucial too low and your fish will absorb excess oil and become greasy; too high and the exterior will burn before the interior cooks through.

Coat and Fry the Walleye

Remove the walleye from the refrigerator 15 minutes before frying. Use tongs to take each fillet from the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drain off. Dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing down to ensure complete coverage. Shake off excess flour and carefully place the fish in the hot oil. Fry for 5-6 minutes, then gently turn and cook for another 3-5 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F .

Keep Walleye Warm

Place the fried walleye on a draining rack set over a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you prepare the shrimp and sauce. This keeps the fish warm and crispy without becoming soggy.

Prepare and Fry the Shrimp

Beat the eggs in a shallow dish. In another dish, combine the bread crumbs with Creole seasoning and onion powder. Dip each shrimp in the egg mixture, then coat with the seasoned bread crumbs. In a separate pan, heat oil to 350°F and fry the shrimp until golden and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Make the Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Cream Sauce

In a 10-inch sauté pan, melt the butter and sauté the shallots and garlic for 30-45 seconds. Add the sun dried tomato strips and heavy cream. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 8-10 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with white pepper and salt to taste .

Plate and Serve

Place a walleye fillet on each plate, arrange 3 fried shrimp on top of each fillet, and spoon the sun dried tomato garlic cream sauce over everything[5]. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional profile of this walleye with fried shrimp dish helps you make informed dietary choices. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (one walleye fillet with 3 shrimp and sauce):

The breaded walleye portion alone contains approximately 313 calories with a macronutrient breakdown of 12% carbs, 57% fat, and 31% protein, making it an excellent source of protein (providing about 41% of your Daily Value) .

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

While this classic walleye with fried shrimp recipe is undeniably delicious, you might want some healthier options that maintain the flavor while reducing calories and fat. Here are some smart modifications:

1. Baking Instead of Frying: Preheat your oven to 425°F, spray a baking sheet with cooking spray, and bake the coated walleye and shrimp for 12-15 minutes. This method reduces oil absorption by up to 75%.
2. Lighter Coating Options: Replace half the flour with almond flour or coconut flour for added nutrients and fewer carbs. You can also use crushed pork rinds for a zero-carb alternative.
3. Sauce Alternatives: Create a lighter sauce by using half and half instead of heavy cream, or try a yogurt based sauce with lemon and herbs for a tangy, protein-rich alternative.
4. Air Fryer Method: If you have an air fryer, cook the coated walleye at 380°F for 10-12 minutes and the shrimp for 6-8 minutes for a similar crispy texture with up to 80% less oil.
5. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all purpose flour with a gluten free blend and use gluten free bread crumbs or crushed rice cereal for the coating.

These modifications can reduce the calorie content by approximately 30-40% while maintaining the delicious flavors and textures that make this dish special.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your walleye and fried shrimp meal with these complementary side dishes and presentation ideas:

• Classic Accompaniments: Serve with a side of homemade coleslaw and roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs for a traditional fish fry experience .
• Fresh Greens: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the fried seafood.
• Grain Options: Wild rice pilaf or quinoa with herbs makes an excellent base that complements the fish while adding nutritional value.
• Vegetable Sides: Roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or grilled zucchini add color and nutrition to your plate.
• Bread Choices: Warm, crusty bread or homemade hush puppies are perfect for soaking up the delicious cream sauce.

For an elegant presentation, place the walleye on a bed of the grain or vegetable, arrange the shrimp in a fan pattern on top, and drizzle the sauce artfully around the plate. Garnish with microgreens or a sprig of fresh dill for a restaurant worthy appearance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced cooks can encounter challenges when preparing walleye with fried shrimp. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

1. Oil Temperature Issues: The single most common problem when frying fish is oil that’s too cool, which makes for greasy fish. Always use a cooking thermometer to maintain oil at 350-375°F.
2. Overcrowding the Pan: Give each piece of fish and shrimp adequate space in the pan. Frying in batches is essential for maintaining proper oil temperature and ensuring even cooking .
3. Skipping the Rest Period: Not allowing the fish to come to room temperature before frying can result in uneven cooking. Take the marinated fish out of the refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking .
4. Improper Coating Technique: Not pressing the coating firmly onto the fish can result in it falling off during frying. Make sure to press down on the fish in the flour mixture to ensure complete adhesion .
5. Neglecting the Internal Temperature: Fish should reach an internal temperature of 145°F for food safety and optimal texture. Use a food thermometer to check .
6. Over-marinating: Leaving fish in a marinade for too long (over 2 hours) can break down the proteins too much, resulting in mushy fish .
7. Improper Draining: Not draining the fried fish properly can lead to soggy results. Always use a rack rather than paper towels for the best texture .

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of your seafood. Here’s how to handle leftovers and prep components ahead of time:

1. Refrigerating Leftovers: Store any leftover fried walleye in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Separate the fish from the sauce to prevent sogginess .
2. Reheating Method: To maintain crispiness, reheat the fish in a 400°F oven (or toaster oven) for 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid microwaving, which will make the coating soggy.
3. Freezing Options: While fresh is best, you can freeze the uncooked marinated fish for up to 1 month. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
4. Sauce Storage: The cream sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore consistency.
5. Proper Seafood Handling: Always keep seafood cold (as close to 32°F as possible) and use fresh fish within 2 days of purchase . Keep raw seafood away from other foods to prevent cross contamination.
6. Make-Ahead Components: The buttermilk marinade and flour coating mixture can be prepared a day in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator.

Following these storage guidelines ensures food safety while maximizing the quality of your walleye and shrimp dish, whether you’re planning ahead or dealing with leftovers.

The Ultimate Guide To Cook

The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Walleye with Fried Shrimp brings together the best of freshwater and saltwater delicacies in one extraordinary dish. By following our detailed instructions, you’ve learned how to create a restaurant quality meal that balances crispy textures with tender, flaky fish and succulent shrimp, all enhanced by a rich, flavorful sauce.

We’ve covered everything from selecting the perfect ingredients to mastering the critical cooking techniques that ensure success. The buttermilk marinade tenderizes the walleye while adding flavor, and maintaining the proper oil temperature creates that ideal golden crust without greasiness. The complementary sun dried tomato garlic cream sauce elevates this dish from merely good to truly memorable.

Beyond the basic recipe, we’ve provided healthier alternatives for those watching their caloric intake, serving suggestions to complete your meal, common mistakes to avoid, and proper storage techniques to maintain quality and safety. The nutritional information helps you make informed dietary choices, while our troubleshooting tips ensure consistent results every time.

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to expand your culinary repertoire, this walleye and fried shrimp combination is sure to impress. The techniques you’ve learned here proper marinating, coating, frying, and sauce making are transferable skills that will enhance your cooking across many different recipes.

We invite you to try this recipe and make it your own. Perhaps you’ll add your personal touch with different herbs or spices, or adapt it to suit your dietary preferences. Whatever variations you explore, the fundamental techniques in this guide will serve as your foundation for success.

Have you tried this recipe? We’d love to hear about your experience! Please share your feedback in the comments section below, or post photos of your creation on our social media channels. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes, cooking tips, and culinary inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.