Best Grilled Fish Recipes: Delicious Flavorful Seafood on the Grill

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 mouth-watering 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 that suit different types of fish. From zesty citrus-marinated fillets to smoky, herb-infused whole fish, these recipes will turn your next grilling session into a seafood feast. You’ll also learn essential grilling tips to make sure your fish turns out perfectly 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 for grilling are firm and meaty types, 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 sole can also be grilled, but they may require additional 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 placing the fish on it. A properly heated grill ensures that the fish won’t stick to the grates and helps 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 it from sticking. You can use olive oil or any other high-smoke-point oil. Season the fish with salt, pepper, and any 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 be easily overpowered by too many seasonings. Light marinades with fresh herbs, citrus, and olive oil often complement the natural flavor of the fish without overwhelming it.

Recipe 1: Grilled Lemon Herb Salmon

Salmon is a grilling favorite because of its rich, oily texture that holds up well over the heat. This grilled lemon herb salmon recipe is simple, fresh, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients: Grilled Fish Recipes

• 4 salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let the salmon marinate in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.
3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high and oil the grates.
4. Grill the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the grill. Grill for 5-6 minutes on one side, then carefully flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
5. Serve: Serve the grilled salmon with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs.

Tips:

• You can leave the skin on the salmon while grilling to help retain moisture. The skin also becomes crispy and flavorful.
• Serve this dish with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh green salad for a light and healthy meal.

Recipe 2: Grilled Cajun-Style 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 the swordfish steaks, making it an exciting option for seafood lovers who enjoy a bit of heat.

Ingredients: Grilled Fish Recipes

• 4 swordfish steaks (6-8 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Season the Swordfish: In a small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Brush the swordfish steaks with olive oil and rub the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of each steak.
2. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates.
3. Grill the Swordfish: Place the swordfish steaks on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side. The fish should be opaque and flake easily when done.
4. Serve: Serve the grilled swordfish with lemon wedges and a side of rice or grilled vegetables.

Tips:

• Swordfish can dry out quickly, so avoid overcooking. Remove the fish from the grill as soon as it’s opaque and flakes easily.
• The 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 Snapper with Herbs and Citrus

Grilling a whole fish may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple and delivers impressive results. This recipe for grilled whole snapper with herbs and citrus 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 olive oil
• 2 lemons, sliced
• 1 orange, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1 bunch fresh parsley
• 1 bunch fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Grilled Fish Recipes

1. Prep the Snapper: Rinse the snapper under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Make 3-4 slashes on each side of the fish with a sharp knife. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the flesh.
2. Season the Snapper: Drizzle the inside and outside of the fish with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, both inside the cavity and on the outside. Stuff the cavity with lemon slices, orange slices, garlic slices, parsley, and thyme.
3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high and oil the grates thoroughly.
4. Grill the Snapper: Place the whole snapper directly on the grill. Grill for 10-12 minutes per side, depending on the size of the fish. The fish is done when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Serve: Serve the grilled snapper whole with extra lemon and orange slices on the side for squeezing over the fish.

Tips:

• If you’re worried about the fish sticking to the grill, you can use a fish grilling basket to make flipping easier.
• Grilling the snapper whole helps keep it moist and flavorful, as the bones and skin retain moisture during cooking.

Recipe 4: Grilled Mahi-Mahi with Pineapple Salsa

Mahi-mahi is a mild, slightly sweet fish that pairs beautifully with tropical flavors. In this recipe, grilled mahi-mahi is topped with a fresh and zesty pineapple salsa, creating a delicious and refreshing meal.

Ingredients: Grilled Fish Recipes

• 4 mahi-mahi fillets (6-8 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon 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 lime juice
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prep the Fish: Brush the mahi-mahi fillets with olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Make the Salsa: In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Stir well and set aside.
3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates.
4. Grill the Mahi-Mahi: Grill the mahi-mahi fillets for 4-5 minutes per side, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
5. Serve: Top the grilled mahi-mahi with the fresh pineapple salsa and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Tips: Grilled Fish Recipes

• The pineapple salsa can be made ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
• For an extra tropical twist, you can grill the pineapple slices before dicing them for the salsa.

Recipe 5: Grilled Tuna Steaks with Sesame Soy Marinade

Tuna steaks are excellent for grilling and are often cooked to medium-rare to retain their tender texture. This sesame soy marinade adds an Asian-inspired flavor to the grilled tuna, making it a bold and savory dish.

Ingredients:

• 4 tuna steaks (6 ounces each)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey

, ginger, and garlic. 2. Marinate the Tuna: Place the tuna steaks in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let the tuna marinate in the refrigerator for 20-30 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 for 1-2 minutes per side for medium-rare, or 3-4 minutes per side for a more well-done finish. 5. Serve: Garnish the grilled tuna steaks with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve with a side of steamed rice or grilled vegetables.

Tips:

• Tuna steaks are best enjoyed medium-rare, as overcooking can make them dry and tough.
• For a complete meal, pair the tuna with a side of grilled asparagus or a light cucumber salad.

Grilling fish is a simple and healthy way to enjoy seafood, and with the right recipes, you can create delicious and impressive meals. Whether you’re grilling up a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests at a barbecue, these grilled fish recipes offer a variety of flavors and techniques to suit any occasion.

From the zesty lemon herb salmon to the bold Cajun swordfish and the 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!