Grilling fish is one of the best ways to enjoy its natural flavors, and when paired with the right seasoning and accompaniments, grilled fish becomes a truly appetizing meal. Whether you’re cooking a quick dinner for the family or hosting a backyard barbecue, grilled fish recipes can be both easy and impressive.
Best Grilled Fish Recipes A Guide to Delicious Seafood on the Grill
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best grilled fish recipes, offering a variety of flavors and cooking techniques suitable for different types of fish. From citrus-marinated fillets to smoked, herb-infused whole fish, these recipes will turn your next grilling session into a seafood feast. You’ll also learn essential grilling tips to ensure your fish turns out perfect every time.
The Basics of Grilling Fish
Before we dive into the specific recipes, let’s cover some basic tips that will ensure you get the best results when grilling fish.
1. Choose the right fish
The best fish to grill are firm, meaty fish, such as salmon, swordfish, tuna, mahi-mahi and snapper. These types of fish can handle the heat of the grill without falling apart. However, more delicate fish like tilapia and brine can also be grilled, but they may require extra care, such as using a grill basket or wrapping them in foil.
2. Preheat the grill
Always preheat your grill to medium-high heat before adding fish. A properly heated grill ensures that the fish will not stick to the grates and will help develop a nice char while keeping the fish moist and tender inside.
3. Oil and season the fish
Lightly oil the fish before grilling to prevent sticking. You can use olive oil or any other oil with a high smoke point. Season the fish with salt, pepper and additional herbs or spices according to the recipe.
4. Keep it simple
When grilling fish, simplicity is often best. Fish has a delicate flavor that can easily be overpowered by too many seasonings. Light marinades with fresh herbs, citrus, and olive oil often complement the natural flavor of fish without overwhelming it.
Recipe 1: Grilled Salmon with Herbs and Lemon
Salmon is a grilling favorite because of its rich, oily texture that holds up well to heat. This Lemon-Herb Grilled Salmon recipe is simple, fresh, and perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients: Grilled Fish Recipes
- 4 salmon fillets (6 to 8 ounces each)
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, parsley, salt and pepper.
- Marinate the salmon: Arrange the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let the salmon marinate in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
- Grill the salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin side down on the grill. Grill for 5 to 6 minutes on one side, then carefully flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve: Serve the grilled salmon with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of additional fresh herbs.
Advice:
- You can leave the skin on the salmon while cooking to help retain moisture. The skin also becomes crispy and tasty.
- Serve this dish with grilled vegetables or a fresh green salad for a light and healthy meal.
Recipe 2: Grilled Cajun Swordfish
Swordfish has a firm, meaty texture that makes it perfect for grilling. This recipe uses a bold Cajun seasoning to add a spicy kick to swordfish steaks, making it an interesting option for seafood lovers who like a little heat.
Ingredients: Grilled Fish Recipes
- 4 swordfish steaks (6 to 8 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Season the swordfish: In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Brush the swordfish steaks with olive oil and rub the seasoning mixture evenly on both sides of each steak.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill the swordfish: Place the swordfish steaks on the grill and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. The fish should be opaque and flake easily when cooked.
- Serve: Serve the grilled swordfish with lemon wedges and a side of rice or grilled vegetables.
Advice:
- Swordfish can dry out quickly, so avoid overcooking it. Remove the fish from the grill as soon as it is opaque and flakes easily.
- Cajun seasoning gives this dish a spicy flavor, but you can adjust the amount of seasoning based on your spice tolerance.
Recipe 3: Grilled Whole Red Snapper with Herbs and Citrus
Grilling a whole fish may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple and produces impressive results. This herb and citrus grilled whole snapper recipe brings a burst of fresh flavor and ensures the fish stays moist and tender.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole red snapper, cleaned and scaled (about 2-3 pounds)
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 lemons, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 bunch of fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions: Grilled Fish Recipes
- Prepare the snapper: Rinse the snapper under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Make 3 to 4 cuts on each side of the fish with a sharp knife. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the flesh.
- Season the snapper: Drizzle the inside and outside of the fish with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, both inside and outside the cavity. Stuff the cavity with lemon slices, orange slices, garlic slices, parsley and thyme.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates thoroughly.
- Grill the snapper: Place the whole snapper directly on the grill. Grill for 10 to 12 minutes on each side, depending on the size of the fish. The fish is cooked when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve: Serve the grilled snapper whole with extra lemon and orange slices on the side to squeeze over the fish.
Advice:
- If you are worried about the fish sticking to the grill, you can use a fish basket to make turning easier.
- Grilling snapper whole helps keep it moist and flavorful because the bones and skin retain moisture while cooking.
Recipe 4: Grilled Mahi-Mahi with Pineapple Salsa
Mahi-mahi is a mild, slightly sweet fish that pairs wonderfully with tropical flavors. In this recipe, grilled mahi-mahi is topped with a fresh and tangy pineapple salsa, creating a delicious and refreshing meal.
Ingredients: Grilled Fish Recipes
- 4 mahi-mahi fillets (6 to 8 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the pineapple salsa:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of lime juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the fish: Brush the mahi-mahi fillets with olive oil, lime juice, salt and pepper.
- Prepare the salsa: In a medium bowl, combine pineapple, red pepper, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice and salt. Mix well and set aside.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Grilling the Mahi-Mahi: Grill the mahi-mahi fillets for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Serve: Top grilled mahi-mahi with fresh pineapple salsa and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Tips: grilled fish recipes
- Pineapple salsa can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- For an even more tropical touch, you can grill the pineapple slices before dicing them for the salsa.
Recipe 5: Grilled tuna steaks with sesame and soy marinade
Tuna steaks are excellent for grilling and are often cooked to medium rare to maintain their tender texture. This sesame-soy marinade adds Asian-inspired flavor to grilled tuna, making it a bold and flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 tuna steaks (6 ounces each)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar and honey.
ginger and garlic. 2. Marinate the tuna: Arrange the tuna steaks in a deep plate and pour the marinade over them. Let the tuna marinate in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes. 3. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to high and lightly oil the grates. 4. Grill the tuna: Remove the tuna from the marinade and place the steaks on the grill. Grill 1 to 2 minutes per side for medium-rare, or 3 to 4 minutes per side for a more well-done finish. 5. Serve: Garnish grilled tuna steaks with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve with steamed rice or grilled vegetables.
Advice:
- Tuna steaks are best enjoyed medium-rare, as overcooking them can make them dry and tough.
- For a complete meal, pair tuna with a side of grilled asparagus or a light cucumber salad.
Grilling fish is an easy and healthy way to enjoy seafood, and with the right recipes you can create delicious and impressive meals. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests at a cookout, these grilled fish recipes offer a variety of flavors and techniques to fit any occasion.
From tangy lemon-herb salmon to bold Cajun swordfish to refreshing mahi-mahi with pineapple salsa, these recipes showcase the versatility of grilled fish. With just a few basic ingredients and a hot grill, you can create restaurant-quality seafood dishes in your own backyard.
Happy grilling!