Name: Baked Walleye Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 pound walleye fillets, boneless and skinless; 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 4 Tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 pound cherry tomatoes; 1/2 cup pitted black olives, cut in half; 3 Tablespoons red onion, minced; 10 whole garlic cloves, peeled and minced; 2 Tablespoons fresh oregano leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried); 3 sprigs of fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried); juice of 1/2 lemon

This baked walleye recipe is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy one of the Midwest’s favorite fish. In just 20 minutes, walleye fillets are baked in the oven with Mediterranean flavors - garlic, oregano, thyme, and juicy cherry tomatoes. It’s a weeknight dinner that always wins smiles at our table, especially from my wife and our 10-year-old daughter.

Walleye Recipes

If you have ever spent time fishing in North Dakota, then you know how prized walleye is around here. It’s the state fish for a reason, and every season brings anglers out in droves to chase these delicious fillets. After a long day on the water, there’s nothing better than coming home and turning that fresh catch into a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal. That’s why this baked walleye recipe is one of my go-to favorites. It combines simple ingredients, minimal prep time, and loads of flavor. And the best part? It goes from your fridge to your table in only 20 minutes.

As a wild game chef and full-time recipe developer, I know how important it is to create dishes that work for busy families. Parents want meals that are wholesome, easy to prepare, and still taste like something special. You don’t need breading or frying to make walleye delicious. Instead, you let the fresh flavors of garlic, oregano, thyme, and juicy cherry tomatoes do all the work. It’s a fish dinner that feels light yet satisfying, making it perfect for weeknights or even a casual weekend meal.

Backyard Garden Tomatoes

When I made this dish recently, I used cherry tomatoes picked right from my backyard garden. They were sun-ripened, sweet, and bursting with flavor. Of course, you don’t need to grow your own tomatoes to make this walleye recipe. Store-bought cherry tomatoes work just as well. The key is using ripe ones that balance the flaky richness of the walleye. Together with fresh herbs, olive oil, and garlic, the tomatoes create a savory sauce right in the baking dish.

Another reason I love this recipe for baked walleye is how versatile it is when it comes to serving. On this occasion, I paired the walleye with some cooked quinoa, which adds protein and a nutty flavor that complements the fish. But you could just as easily serve it with white rice or couscous. Both are excellent options that absorb the tomato and herb juices beautifully. This means less time stressing over sides and more time enjoying dinner with your family.

The steps for this walleye recipe are simple, but I’ll share some tips to make sure your fish turns out perfectly every time.

Ingredients

1 pound walleye fillets, boneless and skinless
1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
½ teaspoon black pepper
4 Tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound cherry tomatoes
½ cup pitted black olives, cut in half
3 Tablespoons red onion, minced
10 whole garlic cloves, peeled and minced
2 Tablespoons fresh oregano leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
3 sprigs of fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
juice of ½ lemon

Instructions

1. Gather all of your ingredients and preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

2. Pat the walleye fillets dry with paper towels, then season with 1 teaspoon of the salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper on both sides. Brush a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with 1 Tablespoon of the olive oil and put the fish in it. Drizzle another 1 Tablespoon of olive oil over the walleye fillets.

3. In a mixing bowl, add the cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, garlic, oregano, thyme, and remaining ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Add remaining 2 Tablespoons of olive oil and toss to combine.

4. Pour the tomato mixture over the fish and bake in the oven at 450 degrees F for 10 minutes.

Baked Walleye with Tomatoes Recipe by Jeff Benda

5. Remove from the oven, squeeze the lemon juice on top, and serve immediately.

Tips For Success When Cooking Walleye

Make sure your oven is fully preheated before sliding the fish in. A hot oven ensures even cooking.
Don’t overcook the walleye. Keep an eye on it starting at the 10-minute mark. Perfect walleye should be tender and moist, not dry.
Use a glass or carbon steel or ceramic baking dish if you can. It holds heat well and prevents the fish from sticking.

Why This Baked Walleye Recipe Works

This baked walleye recipe is great because it celebrates the natural flavor of the fish. Walleye is prized for its delicate, flaky texture and mild taste. By using Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, you enhance the fish without overpowering it. The garlic and herbs infuse it with fragrance, while the roasted tomatoes, onions, and olives create a light and savory sauce. Best of all, this method avoids heavy breading or frying. That makes it a healthier option for families looking for lighter meals.

I’ve made countless wild game and fish recipes over the years, but I keep coming back to this one. It’s approachable for beginners, yet it tastes like something you would order at a restaurant. Hunters and anglers often ask me for new ways to cook walleye. This oven baked walleye recipe is always at the top of my list. It’s quick, easy, and reliably delicious.

Serving Ideas

When it comes to plating, keep it simple. Serve the walleye alongside quinoa, rice, or couscous to soak up the flavorful juices. Add a green salad or steamed vegetables to round out the meal. And don’t skip the lemon juice! That fresh squeeze brightens the dish and ties everything together.

If you have leftovers, they reheat nicely the next day. Just cover the fish loosely with foil and warm it in a 300 degrees F oven until heated through. You can also flake the leftover walleye into a salad or mix it into pasta for a second meal.

Oven Baked Walleye Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes by Jeff Benda

More Family Favorite Fish Recipes

Come Catch Walleye in North Dakota

If you are headed our way to catch some walleye in North Dakota, check out the North Dakota Game & Fish Department website. And if you want me to come along with you as your personal chef and photographer, you can find out more details here.

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DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

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