Grilling Fish on the BBQ | Perfect Grilled Fish Recipe

When you want a meal that feels fancy but takes less effort than a pasta bake,grilling fishis the ultimate solution.Grilling Fishis one of the easiest ways to achieve tender, flaky fillets with smoky flavor and crisp edges. With the right techniques and seasonings, grilled fish makes fast, healthy meals perfect for weeknights or outdoor cooking!

I know many home cooks get nervous about fish sticking to the grates or falling apart, but I’ve made this recipe a dozen times for my own family. With a few simple tricks, you’ll get the perfectly flaky, flavor-packed fillets every single time. This is the kind of comforting, fresh meal that makes everyone at the table happy.

Quick Recipe Overview

WHAT:Perfectly grilled fish fillets seasoned simply with salt, pepper, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice.

WHY:Quick 20-minute meal that’s healthy, versatile, and pairs beautifully with any seasonal sides you have on hand.

HOW:Pat fish dry, season generously, grill over low heat with the lid closed for 7-10 minutes without flipping.

What is Grilling Fish on the BBQ?

Grilling fish on the BBQ is a quick cooking method in which the fish fillets are seasoned and cooked over medium-high heat until opaque and flaky. This technique creates a delicious smoky char on the outside, while keeping the inside tender and juicy. In just about 20 minutes, a light, healthy dinner is ready to serve.

Key Takeaways

• Simple, easy, and fastrecipe.
• Goes with nearly anythingyou have on hand as a side dish.
• Works well forvarious white fish, including cod, pollock, and tilapia.
• Kid-friendly with alight flavor profilethat isn’t overly “fishy”.
• Budget-friendlyusing seasonal fish fillets.
• High in proteinandhealthy fatswithout the oils

Ingredient Notes

• Fish fillets: Select a mild, firm white fish, such as Louisiana Drum, cod, pollock, or tilapia.Grilling fish works best with thin, flat fillets.
• Olive oil:Another light oil can be substituted, such as canola, vegetable, or avocado.It’s best to use an oil with a high smoke point(400°F or above) to prevent the oil from breaking down and producing undesirable flavors at high temperatures. The oil is the key to preventing the fillets from sticking to the grill and allowing the seasoning to adhere correctly.
• Lemon:A little lemon goes a long way to brighten the flavor and provides acidity.
• Parsley:Optional as a garnish.
• Salt and pepper:I prefer to use a nice Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Featured Review

Kathy⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

July 11, 2023

So simple and soooo good! The fish come out light and flavorful – perfect for these hot summer days. We’ve used both catfish and lake bass with this recipe – delish!!

How to Grill Fish

Grilling fish is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy fresh seafood, but it can be a bit intimidating for beginners. No worries! These step-by-step directions will help youmaster the art of grilling fish.

1. Preheat the grill for 5-10 minutes.
2. Rinse fillets andpat dry. Season the fish with salt and pepper, and then drizzle and spread olive oil over it.
3. Let the fish rest and marinate while the grill heats up.
4. Place the fish on the grill, close the lid, and cookwithout turningfor 7-10 minutes, until white and flakes easily.
5. Remove from grill, squeeze lemon juice over the fish, and season with salt before serving.

Pro Tips for Grilling Fish

• The secret to perfect grilled fish:Preheat your grill on high, then lower to low heat before adding the fish. This creates an oven-like environment with the lid closed, essentially baking the top while the grates cook the bottom, no flipping required!
• Leave it alone:Do not try to flip the fish too early. In this case, you can leave the fish alone because no flipping is required.
• Squeeze lemon immediately:Add lemon juice the moment your fish comes off the grill. The hot fish will soak up that bright, citrusy flavor beautifully.
• Save money, eat well:Any firm white fish works in this recipe, so buy whatever’s on sale or looks freshest at your market.
• Use a wide spatula:A large, thin metal spatula (or two!) makes removing fish from the grill much easier and helps prevent breakage. This is often called a slotted turner.

Substitutions & Variations

For the fish

Swap any firm white fish, or try salmon for a richer, fattier option. Adjust cooking time for thicker cuts.

Cooking method

Use foil packets for delicate fish or easier cleanup. Season as directed, wrap in foil, and grill for the same time.

Seasoning variations

Try lemon pepper seasoning, add garlic powder and paprika, or brush with melted butter mixed with fresh herbs.

For a spicy option, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili pepper flakes to the rub.

Citrus options

Substitute lime or orange for lemon to change the flavor profile.

Add vegetables

Toss asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers on the grill alongside your fish for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Serve with Grilled Fish

Thisdelicious flaky fishcan be paired with just about anything that you have on hand and want to use.

I like recipes like this because it’s easy to hit up the farmer’s market or my garden, pick gorgeous fruits and vegetables, and use them for the sides to this reallysimple but deliciousmain dish fish recipe. It’s simple, it’s classic, and it’salways a hitin this house.

• The BEST Crispy Homemade Sweet Potato Fries
• Easy Stovetop Asparagus
• Classic Potato Salad Recipe
• Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
• Green Beans with Butter and Bacon
• Grilled Corn on the Cob
• Fresh Garden Salad
• Grilled Asparagus with Lemon
• Coconut Lime Rice

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator

Once fully cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The freezer is not recommended as it will make the fish tough.

Reheating

If possible, reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 2-3 minutes. The microwave can also be used; however, it can make the texture a bit rubbery. If the microwave is used, warm on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes.

Health Benefits of Fish

A diet that includes fish has a myriad of health benefits.Eating fish can reduce the risk of heart disease.It is high in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which help to reduce inflammation, protect your heart, and help your hair grow.

Fish is good for your brain, as well. Studies have shown thateating seafood can lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and reduce brain shrinkageas people age.

Another health benefit of fish is that it ishigh in vitamin D. This is an essential nutrient that cankeep bones strong. Eating fish is a great way to incorporate lean protein into your diet as well.

How to Buy the Freshest Fish

Just because you don’t live near water doesn’t mean you can’t find delicious, fresh fish. Here are some tips when deciding what fish to buy.

Fish that is sold as “fresh”can range from 1 day to two weeks out of the water.Fishing boats often stay at sea for a couple of weeks and put their catch on ice before they dock again.

When you are looking for the highest quality of fish, search forFAS or Frozen at Sea or Individually Quick-Frozen (IQF).

FAS means that once the fish was caught, it was filleted and flash frozen on board the ship within minutes of being caught. When it is thawed ittastes the closest to fresh caught fish.

Individually Quick-Frozen (IQF) is another good option when shopping for fish becausethis method of flash freezing occurs within hours of the fish being caught. Each fillet is individually packaged and inspected for quality. Check for freezer burn or ice crystals in the packaging of IQF-labeled fish because that could affect the flavor.

If the fish is packaged,look for clean and dry packaging. When buying fish I like to findwild-caughtfish, and I prefer when they are individually sealed if frozen. That way I can take just the few I need out of the freezer while the rest stay frozen.I have great luck buying high-quality fish at Costco.

When buying fresh fish, there are a few things to look for. First of all,trust your nose! If there is a strong fishy smell, it could be a sign that the fish is old and starting to deteriorate.

Another aspect to look for is the fish’s skin. Theskin should be shinywith some slime on the surface. That is a mark of quality and freshness. Fresh fish should also have clear and bright eyes.Steer clear of fish with cloudy or red eyes.

More Easy Seafood Recipes to Consider

Grilling fishis a fast, easy, and healthy way to enjoy a meal without the stress. It works well for freshly caught fish, too. This simple recipe uses ingredients already on hand, paired with your fresh fish to make a delicious meal.

Did you make this recipe? Leave a⭐️review and share it onInstagram,Facebook, orPinterest!