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Discover the ultimate fish barbecue recipe! Perfectly marinated and grilled to perfection, this easy and delicious fish barbecue will be a hit at your next cookout. Get the full recipe with tips for the best flavour and presentation.
Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy some delicious, smoky flavors. One of the best dishes to throw on the barbecue is fish. Not only is it healthy and flavorful, but it’s also quick and easy to prepare. Here’s a simple guide to making the ultimate grilled fish that will impress your family and friends.
Choosing the Right Fish
Opt for firm, thick fillets like salmon, halibut, or mahi-mahi. These types hold up well on the grill and absorb marinades beautifully.
Perfect Marinade
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, fresh parsley, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, and a touch of red pepper flakes for a marinade that’s both tangy and savoury. Marinate your fish for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours to avoid over-marinating.
Grilling Tips
- Preheat the Grill: Make sure your grill is hot (around 375°F to 400°F) before you start.
- Clean and Oil the Grates: Prevent sticking by cleaning and oiling the grates thoroughly.
- Don’t Rush: Let the fish cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes on one side before flipping. This helps achieve a nice sear.
- Check for Doneness: Fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Serving
Garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of flavour. Pair your grilled fish with fresh salads, grilled veggies, or rice for a complete, satisfying meal.
Fire up your grill and enjoy the delightful, smoky taste of perfectly grilled fish this summer. Happy barbecuing!
The Ultimate Grilled Fish Recipe
Equipment
- Grill (charcoal or gas)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Shallow dish or resealable plastic bag
- Tongs
- Grill brush
- Meat thermometer (optional)
- Spatula (for flipping fish, if needed)
Ingredients
FOR MARINADE
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional for heat
FOR FISH
- 4 fish fillets such as salmon, tilapia, or halibut
- 1 lemon thinly sliced
- Fresh herbs for garnish parsley, dill, or cilantro
- Olive oil for brushing the grill
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, chopped parsley, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Marinate the Fish:
- Place the fish fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the marinade over the fish, making sure each fillet is well-coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavour.
Prepare the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F).
- Clean the grill grates thoroughly and brush them with olive oil to prevent the fish from sticking.
Grill the Fish:
- Remove the fish from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off.
- Place the fish fillets on the grill skin side down (if the fillets have skin). If skinless, place them directly on the grates.
- Grill the fish for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Do not move the fish too soon; let it develop a nice sear before flipping.
Add Lemon Slices:
- During the last few minutes of grilling, place lemon slices directly on the fish fillets for extra flavour and a beautiful presentation.
Check for Doneness:
- The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque all the way through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
Serve:
- Remove the fish from the grill and transfer to a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro.
- Serve immediately with your favourite sides, such as grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or rice.
Enjoy:
- Savour the fresh, smoky flavours of the perfectly grilled fish with family and friends!
Notes
Tips for the Best Grilled Fish
-
Choose the Right Fish:
- Firm, thick fillets like salmon, halibut, or mahi-mahi work best for grilling as they hold up well on the grill.
-
Ensure the Grill is Hot:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375°F to 400°F) to prevent the fish from sticking and to achieve a nice sear.
-
Clean and Oil the Grill Grates:
- Clean the grates thoroughly and brush them with oil before placing the fish to prevent sticking.
-
Marinate Wisely:
- Don’t marinate fish for too long. 30 minutes to 2 hours is ideal. Acidic marinades can start to “cook” the fish if left too long.
-
Use a Fish Basket or Foil:
- For delicate fish, consider using a fish basket or a piece of foil with holes poked in it to make flipping easier.
-
Don’t Move the Fish Too Soon:
- Let the fish cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes on the first side to develop a good sear and prevent sticking.
-
Flip Carefully:
- Use a wide spatula or tongs to flip the fish gently. If it sticks, give it another minute; it will release naturally when it’s ready.
-
Check for Doneness:
- Fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. The internal temperature should be 145°F.
-
Let it Rest:
- Allow the fish to rest for a few minutes after grilling to let the juices redistribute and enhance the flavour.
-
Add Extra Flavor:
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs right before serving for an added burst of flavour.
Did you make this recipe?
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