Grilled fish is the perfect dish for a summer barbecue, but it can also be cooked indoors in a frying pan. There are a few simple tips to follow to make sure your grilled fish comes out perfectly every time, just like the restaurant.
Why grilled fish?
Grilled fish is one of the most loved dishes on restaurant menus for a good reason: It’s delicious! Grilling fish is also healthy, as it retains most of the nutritional benefits of the fish itself. Plus, it’s simple to cook and doesn’t require a lot of ingredients or time. Looking for the best fish to grill? You need to read this article on Speaking of Seafood and then come back to Fish Chart to learn how to grill them to perfection every time!
Read through the steps to get the perfect grilled fish even at home.
How to scale a fish before grilling?
If you are scaling a whole fish, it is best to do so before grilling. To scale a fish, use a sharp knife to scrape off the scales against the grain. Be careful not to cut into the flesh of the fish.
How to gut and clean a fish before grilling?
If you are gutting and cleaning a fish before grilling, it is best to do so before grilling. To gut and clean a fish, first, make sure the fish is scaled and free of any blood or guts. Cut off the head and tail of the fish. Reach inside the stomach cavity and pull out all of the guts. Rinse the inside and outside of the fish with cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
Ingredients
1) Fresh fish filets or whole fish, scaled and gutted
2) Olive oil
3) Salt and pepper
4) Lemon wedges (optional)
5) Marinade
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, or heat a frying pan over medium heat. Coat the grill or pan with a layer of olive oil.
- Season the fish filets or whole fish with salt and pepper. Place them on the grill or in the frying pan.
- Grill or cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the filets/fish. The fish is done when it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite marinade.
Tips to cook the perfect fish
These tips can be a game-changer when it comes to grilling your fish like a pro:
1) Heat the grill
The first step is to make sure your grill is hot before you start cooking. Place the fish on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the filet. If the grill is not hot enough, the fish will stick and it will be difficult to flip. This will ruin the finish for good.
2) Use oil
Adding a little oil to the grill will help stop the fish from sticking. You can use olive oil, sunflower oil, or any other type of cooking oil (I like to use a mix of olive oil and butter).
3) Don’t over-cook
The second tip is to make sure you don’t overcook the fish. Overcooked fish will be dry and flavorless. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through.
The best way to ruin grilled fish is to overcook it. The ideal cooking time is 3-4 minutes per side, but you should always check to make sure the fish is cooked through before serving.
4) Use a marinade
If you want to add extra flavor to your grilled fish, use a good marinade. I recommend my own restaurant’s recipe: mix 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup white wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of each salt and pepper in a bowl. Place the fish in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over top. Marinate for 30 minutes-1 hour before cooking. This will also help keep it moist and juicy. You can also choose to opt for the fish in a simple marinade which includes Olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, these are all great options.
Use cornflour to make it more crispy
If you want your fish to be more crispy, you can add a little cornflour to the marinade. This will help the fish to brown and crisp up while cooking.
5) Serve with a sauce
A delicious sauce can really bring out the flavor of grilled fish. Try serving it with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or your favorite dipping sauce.
6) Use a thermometer
If you’re not sure if the fish is cooked through, use a thermometer to check the temperature. The fish is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
7) Let it rest
Once the fish is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will ensure that the juices stay in the fish, rather than running all over your plate.
8) Don’t flip the fish often
While cooking the fish, resist the temptation to flip it too often. This will prevent the fish from breaking on the grill and a constant grill of 3-4 min per side can give it a nice, crispy finish.
9) Keep your grill clean
Is your fish sticking to the grill despite a generous amount of oil? Then there is something wrong with your grill. It’s not getting hot enough or there is too much residual grease. Clean your grill with a grill brush or steel wool before you start grilling to prevent sticking and ruining your fish. Ensure to grill your fish on a flat smooth surface.
10) Use a fish basket
If you’re using a frying pan to cook your fish, I recommend using a fish basket. This will prevent the fish from sticking to the bottom of the pan and help it cook evenly.
11) Have thick pieces of fish?
The best way to cook thick pieces of fish is to use a frying pan. Place the fish in the frying pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through. Or if you want to grill it then post grilling finish cooking inside an oven for a few minutes. This will result in a well-cooked fish piece despite the thickness.
12) Have patience
The best way to grill or fry fish is with patience. Don’t rush it – let the grill or pan heat up before adding the fish, and give it plenty of time to cook through properly. Grilling or frying fish takes practice, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to make a delicious meal that everyone will love.
How to grill a whole fish?
To grill a whole fish, first, make sure the fish is scaled and free of any blood or guts. Ensure to cut off the head and tail of the fish. Rinse the inside and outside of the fish with cold water properly and then pat dry with paper towels. Stuff the stomach cavity with lemon slices, fresh herbs, or vegetables like onion or garlic. If you are using a grate on your grill, place the fish directly on top of the grate. If you are using a charcoal grill, place the fish over indirect heat. Grill for 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
How to cook a fish steak?
To cook a fish steak, the initial steps stay the same to scale and clean it well. Cut off the head and tail of the fish and rinse the inside and outside of the steak with cold water followed by patting with paper towels for it to dry. Season the steak with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. Place the steak on a grill rack that has been sprayed with cooking spray or oil. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
How to fry a fish filet?
If you are frying a fish filet, it is best to do so after grilling. Once it is cleaned and dried with paper towels, place the filet in a shallow dish. Season the filet with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. In a deep-fryer or large saucepan, heat oil until it reaches 375 degrees F. Fry the fish for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
How to bake a fish filet?
If you are baking a fish filet, it is best to do so after grilling. To bake a fish filet, first, make sure the fish is scaled and free of any blood or guts. The inside and outside of the filet are rinsed well with cold water and dried with paper towels. Place the filet on a baking sheet that has been sprayed with cooking spray or oil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
How to tell if a fish is cooked?
The easiest way to tell if a fish is cooked is to check for signs of doneness (or as mentioned above a thermometer). The flesh of a cooked fish will be opaque and firm to the touch. The skin will also be crispy and golden brown in color. You can also use a meat thermometer to test for doneness. A cooked fish will have an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
To conclude,
Grilled fish is a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that will impress your guests at your next barbecue. Cooking fish can seem daunting at first, but with practice, it can become a breeze. By following these simple tips, you will be able to prepare a delicious and healthy meal that all your family and friends will love.
So, now that you know the basics, it’s time to get cooking! Whether you’re grilling a whole fish or frying up some fish filets, these tips will help you create a fantastic dish that everyone will love. So fire up the grill (or stove) and get started!
One last word of advice: have patience. Don’t rush things – let the grill or pan heat up properly before adding the fish, and give it plenty of time to cook. So get your ingredients together and try out these tips for yourself. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make a delicious grilled fish dish that everyone will love. Grilled fish is perfect for any occasion, so don’t wait – start cooking!
