Chargrilled Illinois Walleye with Lemon Butter

Introduction

Experience the best chargrilled walleye using an Arteflame grill for a perfect sear and juicy, flaky texture. This Illinois-inspired recipe brings out the natural flavors of fresh walleye fillets with a rich lemon butter finish.

Ingredients

• 2 fresh walleye fillets
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• Wood for grilling

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins inside the grill and stack firewood over them.
3. Light the napkins and allow the fire to build.
4. Wait about 20 minutes until the cooktop reaches optimal grilling temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the walleye fillets

1. Pat the walleye fillets dry with a paper towel.
2. Season both sides with sea salt, black pepper, and paprika.
3. Brush the fillets with melted butter and minced garlic.

Step 3: Grill the walleye

1. Place the fillets on the hot center grill grate for about 30 seconds per side to lock in juices.
2. Move the fillets to the flat cooktop griddle to continue cooking.
3. Cook until they reach an internal temperature of 130°F.
4. Remove them from the grill when they hit 115°F, as they will keep cooking off the heat.

Step 4: Finish with lemon butter

1. Drizzle the walleye with melted butter and fresh parsley.
2. Serve with lemon slices on the side.

Tips

• Use fresh Illinois walleye for the best flavor.
• Always monitor internal temperature to prevent overcooking.
• Let the fillets rest for a few minutes after grilling before serving.

Variations

1. Spicy Cajun Walleye: Add Cajun seasoning for bold flavors.
2. Garlic Herb Walleye: Use rosemary and thyme alongside garlic.
3. Maple Glazed Walleye: Brush with a maple syrup glaze for a sweet twist.
4. Smoky Paprika Walleye: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
5. Asian Style Walleye: Brush with soy sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Conclusion

Chargrilled walleye on the Arteflame grill is a must-try dish. With its perfect sear and rich butter finish, this Illinois-inspired recipe is full of flavor and texture.

Best Pairings

• Grilled asparagus
• Garlic butter potatoes
• Crisp white wine
• Fresh garden salad