They said there were walleye in our lake and we’ve tried every tactic known to man to catch one, to no avail.
Then one morning The Man Of Few Words ran up to the house as excited as a schoolboy passing his first love note.
In a way, it was.
“Kim! I caught a walleye!” (He knows it’s my favorite fish.)
I’ve watched him hurry up from shore to show me his latest large mouth bass from time to time, but that morning his demeanor was different. Proud, but humble. Excited, yet reverent. I love that about him.
I immediately started planning dinner.
Butter Poached Walleye Almondine
1 pkg. slivered almonds
4 Tbsp. clarified butter or ghee
Walleye fillets, rinsed and patted dry
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Lemon slices for garnish
Parsley for garnish (optional)
In a skillet over medium heat, toast almonds until fragrant and lightly browned. Watch closely and stir frequently so they don’t burn. Set aside on paper towels.
Melt butter or ghee in another skillet over medium heat. (I have induction skillets so I start them on low and increase the heat gradually.)
Add walleye fillets and saute’ 3 to 5 minutes depending on their thickness. As the underside cooks, tip skillet and spoon melted butter over top to “poach” the fillets. Flip them over and repeat poaching process.
Add toasted almonds around perimeter of skillet and give them a stir to coat with butter. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
When the fillets flake easily with a fork, plate up and enjoy!
Enjoying lake lilfe,
~ Kim
a little lunch 
i love the love letter comment. very sweet. we fished for walleye in minnesota one summer, and they really are good! Maybe send him back fishing!
Sounds delicious, it’s pretty much the way I fix salmon but I add a little dried mustard. I’ve long since misplaced the recipe so amounts mean nothing to me. I’ve been afraid to try other fish thinking I wouldn’t like them. Thanks Amanda Kay
Oooh, your dried mustard addition to salmon sure sounds good, Amanda Kay! I don’t typically cook with “amounts” either, but for purposes of relaying a somewhat reproduceable recipe here, I TRY to pay attention. :) Hope you’re close to one of the White River Fish Markets there (they carry fresh walleye, yeehaw!) — next time I’m in town they’re on my MUST SHOP list! :)
I hope it was as good as a MINNESOTA walleye! My mouth is watering, just looking at the pictures! Congratulations, Russ!
Hey, Marian! That’s why I love walleye so much… MANY memories of Minnesota caught ones. It was a high standard to live up to, but Lake Eufaula produced a perfectly delicious dinner!
Congrats to TMoFW for his successful catch. Lovely preparation and presentation!
Thanks, Carol! I’m hoping it wasn’t a one-time event. However, large mouth bass are equally delicious. Still, there’s somethin’ about walleye… xo!