Warm up with this Hearty and Delicious Walleye Chowder!
There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of chowder to warm you up on those cold winter days, and my Walleye Chowder recipe is no exception. As a home chef who loves throwing parties, I can tell you that this chowder recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests wanting more.
But don’t let its simplicity fool you; this dish is packed with flavor and texture. The ingredients come together in perfect harmony to create a hearty and creamy soup that is irresistible. From the tender chunks of walleye fish to the crisp bacon bits, every bite is brimming with deliciousness.
What’s more, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you’re looking for a classic New England-style fish chowder or looking to pack a punch with some Caribbean or Thai-inspired flavors, this recipe has got you covered.
So roll up your sleeves, grab your apron and let’s get cooking! With this Walleye Chowder recipe as the centerpiece of your next gathering, you can be sure to impress your guests with its rich taste and heart-warming aroma.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Welcome, my dear readers! I am thrilled to be sharing with you my beloved recipe for Walleye Chowder. This dish is an all-time favorite of mine and one that I believe you will love just as much as I do. Fish chowder is a classic comfort food that can bring warmth and joy to your table, and with the added flavor of walleye, it is truly something special.
So, why will you love this recipe? Firstly, walleye is a delicious fish that is often underutilized in the kitchen. Its meaty texture and light flavor make it perfect for chowder, and when combined with ingredients such as bacon, potatoes, and corn, it becomes a hearty meal that will captivate your taste buds.
Secondly, this Walleye Chowder recipe is versatile and easy to make substitutions or variations to suit your preferences. If you don’t have walleye on hand, try using other types of fish like salmon or cod. If you prefer spicy flavors, add some chili flakes or jalapeños for a kick. It’s up to you!
Finally, this dish is not only delicious but also a healthy comfort food option. It contains various nutritious ingredients such as celery, onions, potatoes, and corn – providing vitamins and minerals necessary for a healthy body.
In conclusion, if you are looking for an easy-to-make yet satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy – give this Walleye Chowder recipe a try. It’s hard to beat the feeling of indulging in a warm bowl of creamy soup during colder months or completing a day of fishing on Lake Erie with a bowl of homemade Walleye Chowder that’s been made from scratch. Trust me; you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Before we dive into the recipe for this Walleye Chowder, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need. Be sure to have these items on hand before getting started on this delicious and hearty dish.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound bacon, cooked and chopped
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced large
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 4 cups fish stock or clam juice, plus more as needed
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt
- Pepper
- ½ cup flour
- 1 cup white wine (you can substitute with chicken broth if desired)
- 3 cups milk or half-and-half (use whole milk for a creamier chowder)
- 1 pound walleye fillets or another white fish (cod, red snapper, red grouper) cut into bite-sized pieces
These ingredients are fairly easy to find and shouldn’t require any major trips to the grocery store. However, don’t hesitate to make substitutions – this recipe is flexible enough to accommodate your preferences.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Cook the Bacon and Vegetables
First, in a large Dutch oven over medium heat, cook 1 pound of bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the fat in the pan.
Add 2 cups of chopped onion, 1 cup of chopped celery, and 1 diced green pepper to the pan with the bacon fat. Sauté for about 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Step 2: Add Flour and White Wine
Whisk in 2 cups of flour and stir constantly for 3-4 minutes or until bubbly. Stir in 1 cup of white wine and let it come to a simmer.
Step 3: Add Stock, Potatoes, Corn, Bay Leaves
Add 4 cups of fish stock or clam juice, 4 cups of peeled diced potatoes, and 3 cups of frozen corn kernels. Add 1 bay leaf.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer covered for about 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Add Milk and Walleye Fish
Add 4 cups of milk and let it come to a gentle simmer. Add your cleaned and boned walleye fish fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces (around 3/4 lb). Simmer for another 5-7 minutes.
Step 5: Finish with Butter, Salt, Pepper
Remove the bay leaves. Stir in 3 tbsp unsalted butter. Add salt and pepper to taste (it usually takes about a teaspoon each).
Garnish your walleye chowder with some cooked chopped bacon, sliced green onions or chives, and serve hot!
Enjoy your creamy new England fish chowder recipe packed with flavorful fish!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s plenty of room to play with this recipe and make it your own. First off, if you don’t have walleye on hand or simply prefer another type of fish, feel free to substitute other firm white-fleshed fish such as cod, haddock, or grouper. You could even try a more flavorful fish like salmon or tuna to give the chowder a unique taste.
For a twist on the classic New England recipe, try adding some diced carrots or red bell pepper along with the celery and onion. This will not only add more color to the chowder but also infuse more flavors into the mix. Want to go spicy? Add a splash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeno peppers.
Alternatively, if you want a creamier texture, swap out some of the milk for heavy cream or even coconut milk for a tropical feel. You can also add diced potatoes or starchy root vegetables like yams for extra depth and heartiness.
If you have leftovers from your walleye fishing trip or simply have some cooked walleye on hand, try shredding it into large chunks and adding it to the chowder towards the end of cooking for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
No matter how you choose to adapt this recipe, remember to keep tasting and adjusting as you go until it’s just perfect for your palate.
Serving and Pairing
Ah, serving and pairing. The perfect moment of truth, when all the hard work and anticipation finally leads up to the ultimate gastronomic experience. For this walleye chowder recipe, I recommend serving it in a large bowl or even in bread bowls. There’s nothing better than digging into a creamy new England fish chowder with some warm bread to complete the experience.
As for pairing, there are a few options that can go well with this dish. If you’re looking for something traditional, stick to white wines like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. These will pair nicely with the creamy texture of the chowder and won’t overpower the delicate flavor of the fish.
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous and looking for something different, try a light beer like pilsner or lager to add some extra zing to your taste buds. And if you’re feeling particularly daring, go for a spicy Bloody Mary cocktail or any other tomato-based cocktail that’s not too heavy on spices but complements well with seafood flavors.
Pairing it with food is just as fun as experimenting with new recipes – so don’t be shy! Get creative and try other options such as crispy breaded salmon fillets or fried yam slices on top of the chowder for that extra crunch.
With these pairing options in mind, your walleye chowder will turn into a northerly nosh sensation worth sharing with family and friends!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Ah, the moment has finally come where we talk about the three key stages of any good dish: make-ahead, storing and reheating. Now I can sense that some of you might frown when it comes to leftovers or storing food. But bear with me, my dear friends, for I have some wisdom to impart.
Now, if you’re anything like me, you cook a lot more than you can eat in one sitting. Which is why make-ahead, storing and reheating are essential steps to ensure that your walleye chowder retains its flavors and texture days after you’ve cooked it.
Make-Ahead:
For those who love to plan ahead, this recipe is perfect for you! Simply refrigerate the chowder right after cooking and let it cool completely. Then transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. The next day when you’re ready to devour its creamy goodness again, let it sit in room temperature for 30 minutes before gently warming it over medium heat until heated through.
Storing:
If you want to store the chowder for a longer period than 2-3 days, freezing is your best friend. You can freeze the chowder for up to 3 months without losing its flavor and texture.
Reheating:
When reheating frozen walleye chowder, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Then reheat on medium heat in a pot on the stove while stirring frequently until heated through.
Now as a friendly reminder, always make sure your chowder has cooled down completely before putting them in storage containers or putting them in the fridge/freezer. Also make sure that they are tightly sealed and label them with the date of preparation so you know how many days they’ve been stored for.
Lastly, when reheating your walleye chowder on the stove, avoid bringing it to a boil as overheating may cause the milk to curdle.
Alright folks! You’re now equipped with all the tips you’ll ever need when it comes to make-ahead, storing and reheating your mouthwatering Walleye Chowder recipe. So don’t be shy to save some for leftovers or even double up on ingredients just so you have plenty of creamy goodness stocked up in your fridge/freezer for those sudden cravings!
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking fish chowder can be tricky even for experienced home cooks. Thus, for the perfect walleye chowder recipe, I’ve rounded up tips to help you get it right every time!
Firstly, it is important to select fresh fish with a neutral but slightly sweet taste that complements the creamy broth. In this case, we’re using walleye which has a taste and texture similar to cod but has a slightly sweet flavor that blends well with other ingredients.
To avoid the fish becoming tough, it’s imperative not to overcook it. Once you’ve added the fish and are bringing the pot up to temperature, keep an eye on it and stir gently. This will prevent the fish from sticking to the bottom and cooking unevenly. Ideally, the chowder should be heated until steam emerges and the fish flakes easily.
Additionally, don’t forget to season your chowder as layers of flavors are what make it stand out! The salt and pepper in this recipe are great additions but if you want to take it up a notch – add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for some heat.
Lastly, when serving walleye chowder, consider adding a side dish such as fresh bread or crackers to serve alongside your steaming bowl of creaminess. For those who prefer a little crunch, consider adding crumbled bacon or fried onions as toppings to your chowder bowl. They’ll give extra texture and depth of flavor that enhances the dish as a whole!
Follow these tips closely along with our recipe instructions for guaranteed perfect results every time you make walleye chowder!
Bottom Line
So there you have it, my fellow foodies- the Walleye Chowder recipe! I hope this article has given you a clear idea of how to make this delightful dish and all the possibilities that come with it. This dish is not only easy to make but also a great way to impress your guests with something unique and hearty. Trust me; the creamy and savory flavors of the chowder combined with the walleye will leave everyone wanting for more.
Do not let this winter season get boring with repetitive meals, switch things up and try this recipe out. With its versatility, you can make it your own by mixing in your favorite seafood, spices, or even veggies to create a new delicious twist.
In conclusion, if you are looking for an easy Northern-style fish chowder recipe that you can make in just an hour or so, give the Walleye Chowder recipe a try. It’s perfect not just for a cozy dinner at home by yourself but also dinner parties with friends and family. Be sure to let us know your thoughts on this recipe on our YouTube channel “Chowder Northerly”. Winter is here, so why not warm yourself up with a bowl of delicious Walleye Chowder? Go ahead and give it a try!
Walleye Chowder Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 slices thick sliced bacon
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced large
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 cups fish stock or 2 cups chicken stock
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 green pepper, chopped
- 1/2 red pepper, chopped
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 bay leaf
- salt
- pepper
- 2 lbs deboned walleyed pike fillet, diced large,same size as potatoes
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, saute bacon until crisp.
- Remove, drain, crumble bacon.
- Set aside.
- Remove bacon fat from pan, leaving one tablespoon in pan.
- Add celery and onion to pan.
- Saute until tender.
- Sprinkle with flour, stirring constantly.
- Cook 3 minutes.
- Add potatoes, stock, wine and bay leaf.
- Simmer until potatoes are barely soft.
- Add all remaining ingredients.
- Cook until the walleye is just tender.
- Do not overcook.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the top and serve.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!