What to Serve with Walleye (7 Yummy Side Dishes)
If you’ve just caught a walleye, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Some people might think about frying up the fish for a quick and easy meal. Others might want to bake it in the oven.
But if you’re thinking about serving something delicious with your walleye, I can understand your frustration. It can be tough to find the perfect side dish to complement walleye. This freshwater fish has a delicate flavor that can be easily overpowered by stronger flavors.
So what can you serve with it? Here are some ideas for what to serve with this tasty fish.
Side dishes for walleye
- Sauteed garlic mushrooms
- Baked potatoes
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Steamed broccoli
- Mushroom soup
- Roasted root vegetables
- Mac and cheese
- Wedge salad
- Vegetable rice pilaf
- Bean almondine
Sauteed garlic mushrooms
Sauteed garlic mushrooms are a versatile and healthy side dish that goes well with walleye. Mushrooms are a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins, and they are low in calories and fat. Sauteing them in garlic oil enhances their flavor and makes them more palatable.
Additionally, the mushrooms will absorb some of the oil, which is a good source of healthy fats. Walleye is a lean fish that is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It is also low in calories and has a mild flavor.
The mushrooms will complement the fish without overpowering it. This dish is also easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.
Baked potatoes
Baked potatoes are the perfect side dish for walleye. They’re hearty and satisfying, and they go well with the rich, buttery flavor of walleye.
I like to bake my potatoes in foil so that they retain their moisture and don’t dry out. I also add a dollop of sour cream to each potato. This helps to balance out the richness of the walleye and makes for a delicious, complete meal.
Roasted sweet potatoes
Roasted sweet potatoes are another great option to serve alongside walleye. They are simple to prepare, and the only ingredients you need are sweet potatoes, olive oil, and a little salt and pepper to season.
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, and their creamy texture pairs well with the flaky fish. To make roasted sweet potatoes, simply preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, slice the sweet potatoes into wedges, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Then bake for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
Roasted sweet potatoes make a delicious and healthy side dish that your family will love.
Steamed broccoli
Steamed broccoli is a simple and healthy side dish that goes well with a variety of main courses, including walleye.
The key to making perfect steamed broccoli is to not overcook it. Boil the broccoli for just 3-4 minutes, or until it is tender but still crisp. Then, remove it from the heat and add a squeeze of lemon juice and freshly ground pepper to taste.
Steamed broccoli is an excellent source of fiber, and its subtle flavor lets the main dish take center stage. Whether you’re serving grilled chicken, roasted lamb, or pan-fried fish, steamed broccoli makes an ideal accompaniment.
Mushroom soup
Mushroom soup is the perfect creamy and filling side dish for walleye. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms complement the delicate flavor of the fish, and the soup’s creamy texture helps to round out the meal.
Mushroom soup is also a great choice for winter dinners, as it can help to warm you up on a cold night. So if you’re looking for a delicious and easy side dish to serve with your walleye, look no further than mushroom soup.
Roasted root vegetables
Roasted root vegetables make an excellent side dish for walleye. Take your favorite root vegetables like carrots, onions, and beetroots, and roast them in the oven with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. The result is a fragrant, nutritious, and easy-to-make side dish that goes well with almost any main course.
Roasted root vegetables are a perfect way to add flavor and nutrition to your meal. They are also a great way to use up surplus vegetables from your garden.
Roasted root vegetables are best in the fall when carrots and beetroots are in season. However, you can enjoy them year-round by using frozen or canned vegetables.
Mac and cheese
Mac and cheese is the perfect side dish for walleye. The creamy, super cheesy dish is comforting and pairs well with the flaky fish. I like to use pepper jack cheese in my mac and cheese to give it a little bit of a spicy kick. The spice complements the flavor of the walleye nicely. Plus, who doesn’t love mac and cheese? It’s classic comfort food that always hits the spot.
Wedge salad
A wedge salad is a classic side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. However, it particularly complements a rich and savory fish like walleye.
The crisp iceberg lettuce and savory bacon in a wedge salad provide a refreshing and light contrast to the rich flavor of walleye. In addition, the blue cheese dressing adds a touch of creaminess that helps to round out the meal. The end result is a healthy, light, and refreshing salad that is also flavorful and satisfying.
Vegetable rice pilaf
Vegetable rice pilaf is a rich and colorful side dish that goes well with walleye. It is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite veggies. I like to add a variety of spices to my pilaf, such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric. These spices give the pilaf a warm and earthy flavor that pairs well with the delicate taste of walleye. In addition, rice pilaf is a good source of fiber and vitamins, making it a healthy choice for a side dish.
Bean almondine
Bean almondine is a flavorful and quick-to-make side dish that goes well with walleye. It is made with green beans, almonds, lemon, and garlic. The beans are cooked until tender, then the almonds are added and cooked until browned. The lemon and garlic are added last, providing a bright flavor to the dish.
Bean almondine is a versatile side dish that can be served with almost any main course. It is especially good with fish or poultry. Bean almondine can be made ahead of time and reheated, or it can be made fresh and served immediately. Either way, it is sure to please your guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does walleye tastes like?
Walleye has a delicate, flaky texture and a mild flavor that is slightly sweet and nutty. It is often compared to whitefish, such as cod or tilapia. Walleye is a popular fish for frying, but it can also be baked, grilled, or smoked.
What is the best way to cook walleye?
Walleye can be cooked in a variety of ways, so you can choose the cooking method that best suits your taste. Frying is a popular cooking method because it results in crispy and flavorful fish. Baking is a healthy and easy cooking method that produces moist and tender fish. Grilling gives walleye a smoky flavor that enhances its natural sweetness. And smoking produces a rich and delicious flavor that will please even the most discerning palate.
Conclusion
With its delicate, flaky texture and mild flavor, walleye is a popular fish for frying, baking, grilling, and smoking. But it’s tricky to figure out what you can serve with it, especially since it’s so easy to overpower the delicate taste of the fish. Luckily, I’ve got you covered. In this article, I’ve listed a few of my favorite side dishes to serve with walleye. So whether you’re looking for classic comfort food or something a little more adventurous, there’s sure to be a dish on this list that will please your taste buds.
What to Serve with Walleye (7 Yummy Side Dishes)
Ingredients
- Sauteed garlic mushrooms
- Baked potatoes
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Steamed broccoli
- Mushroom soup
- Roasted root vegetables
- Mac and cheese
- Wedge salad
- Vegetable rice pilaf
- Bean almondine
Instructions
- Choose your preferred recipe
- Prepare the ingredients needed to complete the recipe
- Prepare your side dish