Fried Walleye

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 to 2 lbs. walleye fillets

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1/2 cup flour

• 2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning

• 1 1/2 cups Panko bread crumbs

• 2 tsp mixed dried herbs

• 1 quart vegetable oil

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

• lemon wedges for serving, optional

1. Cut the fillets to your desired size; I cut mine into approximately 2 inch nuggets.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour with the Old Bay seasoning. Beat the eggs in a separate mixing bowl. In a third bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs and dried herbs.

3. Dredge the fish in the flour mixture; then dip into the egg mixture and finally into the panko bread crumbs.

4. Heat the oil in a large deep pan or in an electric fryer.

5. Fry the fish pieces in batches until golden brown, about 3 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish.

6. Drain on paper towels.

7. Serve with tartare sauce.

Yields: about 6 servings

Notes&Tips:

• The first time I ate fried walleye was when my family I were on a trip to South Dakota eons ago. We had stopped at a mom and pop restaurant for a late lunch. I fell in love with walleye then and there! I am not a big fan of fried foods, but at least once in a while I would do a fried walleye.

• To make homemade tartar sauce you will need: 1/2 cup mayonnaise,1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish and 2 teaspoons minced tarragon or parsley. Whisk it all together and chill before serving, if desired.

• These fried walleye pieces could be used as an appetizer, part of a main course or to make a fish sandwich.