There are many ways to cook fish. Yet one method that many people look over in favor of poaching or frying is grilling fish. On top of the deliciousness of grilled fish, it is also considered to be one of the healthiest methods for cooking fish, with many doctors recommending eating two servings per week.
Whether it’s the grill marks present on the fish skin or the smoky flavor, there are a variety of reasons people love grilled fish.
With that, people often are not aware of the novice ways to grill fish. Want to learn great tips for grilling fish? Then keep on reading for some advice!
Use a Fish Spatula
Sometimes tongs can be great grilling tools, like with shellfish. But if you are working with a fish filet on the grill, do not use a tong or regular spatula — a fish spatula is a much better option.
A fish spatula is a thin, angled offset spatula that is primarily used for working with fish. The wide slots present in the spatula will also allow you to easily see if the fish is cooking quicker than anticipated without having to flip the fillet over. Since it is thin and flexible unlike a typical spatula in your kitchen, it can work with even the most delicate fish.
Don’t Get Rid of the Skin
You may think that the skin of the fish gets in the way of the fire hitting the fish and that you would want to get rid of it. Don’t do that!
When it is left on the fish, it helps the fish stay together and not break apart while cooking. It also allows for the release of omega-3 fatty acids onto the grill, which will then get reabsorbed into the fish and improve its nutritional value.
You will know that side of the fish is done when the skin ends up darkened and crispy.
Use the Best Fish to Grill
When choosing which fish to grill, you should consider how sturdy the fish is while it cooks and is maneuvered around the grill. Some of the best fish that are great for grilling include:
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Mahi-mahi
- Snapper
- Swordfish
- Yellowtail
- Sardines
- Trout
- Shrimp
If the fish you choose is too delicate, the fish will fall apart and you will end up with a sad mess of fish. When you work with the fish above and other similar seafood and cook it well, you ensure a beautifully cooked fillet that will bring a feast to the eyes.
Cook the Whole Fish
Cooking an entire fish whole and not breaking it up beforehand will let the fish cook evenly. It will also not leave any translucent areas when it is supposed to be done. If you want a larger area to place it on, try using a wooden plank board.
Consider Direct Heat
Grilling the fish right on the grill allows for high heat and a nice, smoky flavor to penetrate the fish and enhance its original flavor.
Direct heat works best for fish that are meatier and do not easily flake like:
- Salmon
- Tilapia
- Sea bass
- Jumbo shrimp
- Clams
- Lobster
- Halibut
To that end, thinner fishes like cod, catfish, and haddock would not fare well from this method.
You should check your grill’s configurations to see if grilling fish directly on the surface will affect the grill’s functionality. If it does, you can buy a grill gate attachment to place the fish on, which is what Barebones Grilling does.
If Using a Marinade, Brush It On
Marinades do not only make the fish have more flavor; it also protects your grill from getting damaged.
Some marinade ideas you should consider for grilling purposes are a citrus marinade, blackened seasoning, or just salt and pepper with lemon. The fish should stay in the marinade for thirty minutes to an hour at the most.
Alternatively, if you are not using a marinade, make sure there is oil on the grates so it does not stick and come off.
Some Other Fish Grilling Tips
While the previous tips above are still very helpful, there are some tips that most fish grillers would not easily know if they were beginners. Here are some other tips for grilling fish that may help you when you turn the grill on.
- Fish is cooked thoroughly when the flesh is opaque
- Make sure each filet has a similar thickness and cut
- If it is boneless, the filet’s serving size should be half a pound
- If it is whole, the serving size should be one to one and a quarter pounds
- Before grilling, preheat the grill and let the fish come to room temperature
Learning how to grill your fish like an expert takes time and determination. It is okay to make mistakes in the beginning. Who knows, that mistake may still end up tasting delicious.
Get the Most Out of Grilling Fish
Grilling fish can become complicated if you do not know the basic tips for doing so or which fish are best. The tips for grilling fish listed above will help you out the next time you want to serve tasty fish at a barbecue or other special occasion. Happy grilling!
We’re not just fish lovers, but also fans of any food that will make your stomach full and please your mouth. If you want more great articles about cooking tasty food, check out the other posts on our site and get inspired.
