Is walleye good for tacos?

Absolutely—walleye is one of the best fish you can use for tacos. Its mild, slightly sweet flavor and flaky texture make it ideal for layering with bold toppings and sauces. Walleye holds its shape well when grilled, fried, or seared, which means it won’t fall apart in the tortilla. If you want fish tacos that are flavorful without being too "fishy," walleye fish tacos are a clear winner.

What type of fish is best for fish tacos?

There are several good options for fish tacos, but the best types usually include flaky white fish that cook quickly and take on seasoning well. Cod, tilapia, halibut, and mahi mahi are common choices, but walleye stands out because of its clean taste and local appeal in many regions. If you’re looking for something fresh and approachable, walleye fish tacos are tough to beat.

Is walleye the best eating fish?

Walleye is considered one of the best-tasting freshwater fish, especially in the Midwest and Great Lakes regions. Its light, firm texture and delicate flavor make it ideal for a range of dishes, from baked fillets to walleye fish tacos. It’s mild enough to please picky eaters but flavorful enough to shine with minimal seasoning. Whether pan-fried or grilled, walleye consistently delivers a great eating experience.

What do you soak walleye in before cooking?

A simple soak in milk or buttermilk for about 20 to 30 minutes can help mellow out any lingering earthy flavors and firm up the fish before cooking. This old-school method is especially helpful if your walleye is fresh from the lake. After soaking, just rinse and pat dry before seasoning. It’s an easy step that adds to the clean taste and texture of your walleye fish tacos.

Walleye Fish Tacos – 30-Min Amazing & Crispy Favorite!

Name: Walleye Fish Tacos That Are Crispy, Fresh, and Ready in 30 Minutes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb walleye fillets, skin removed; 1/2 cup buttermilk (optional, for soaking); 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cornmeal (optional, for extra crunch); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp neutral oil (for pan-frying); 6 small corn or flour tortillas; 1 cup shredded cabbage; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1 tsp hot sauce (optional); Fresh lime wedges for serving

Description

Fresh, flaky, and full of flavor, these walleye fish tacos are perfect for summer dinners, weeknight meals, or your next taco night. With a light crisp on the outside and a tender inside, walleye fillets pair beautifully with crunchy slaw, creamy sauce, and a squeeze of lime.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb walleye fillets, skin removed

1/2 cup buttermilk (optional, for soaking)

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup cornmeal (optional, for extra crunch)

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp neutral oil (for pan-frying)

6 small corn or flour tortillas

1 cup shredded cabbage

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1/4 cup sour cream

1 tbsp lime juice

1 tsp hot sauce (optional)

Fresh lime wedges for serving

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Instructions

1. If soaking, place walleye fillets in a shallow bowl with buttermilk for 20–30 minutes. Then rinse and pat dry.

2. In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Dredge the walleye fillets in the flour mixture until lightly coated.

4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook fillets for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and flaky.

5. Warm tortillas in a skillet or oven until soft and pliable.

6. In a small bowl, mix sour cream, lime juice, and hot sauce for a quick crema.

7. Assemble tacos: Place pieces of cooked walleye in tortillas, top with cabbage, cilantro, and crema.

8. Serve with lime wedges and enjoy immediately.

Notes

You can substitute buttermilk with milk + a splash of lemon juice.

Air fryer version: Spray lightly with oil and cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Grill version: Brush with oil and grill over medium heat for 3 minutes per side.

Make it dairy-free by skipping the crema or using a dairy-free alternative.

Toppings like mango salsa, pickled onions, or jalapeños also go well with walleye fish tacos.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Method: Pan-Fried (or Grilled / Air Fried)

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tacos
Calories: 350
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 360mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 23g