How Long Should You Grill Swai Fish For Perfectly Cooked Results

Swai fish is a versatile and tasty fish that can be prepared in many ways, including grilling. When grilling swai fish, timing is key to achieve the ideal texture and flavor. Undercook it, and the fish will be dry and tough. Overcook it, and you’ll end up with an overly charred exterior and dry interior So how long should you grill swai fish to perfection? Let’s find out

What is Swai Fish?

Before jumping into grilling times, it helps to learn a bit about swai fish itself. Swai fish, also known by its scientific name Pangasius hypophthalmus, is a freshwater fish species native to Southeast Asia. It belongs to the catfish family and is raised primarily through aquaculture in Vietnam and other parts of Asia.

Some key facts about swai fish

• It has a white, flaky, delicate meat that is mild in flavor. The taste is often compared to cod or tilapia.

• The small fish is typically sold in fillet form, weighing around 4-8 ounces each.

• It contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids and is a lean source of protein.

• Swai is an affordable and sustainable fish choice. It’s popularity has grown in the U.S. over the last couple of decades.

• It works well with a variety of seasonings and stands up nicely to grill cooking. The grill imparts a lovely smoky flavor.

Now that you know a bit about this tasty fish, let’s look at how long you should grill it for optimal doneness.

Setting Up the Grill

Before placing the fish on the grill, you need to ensure your grill is preheated properly to the right temperature. This helps the fish cook quickly and evenly.

To grill swai fish:

• Set your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F to 450°F.

• Allow at least 15 minutes for the grill to preheat fully.

• Use a grill thermometer to check that the temperature is in the desired range.

• Clean the grates well and then lightly oil them with cooking spray or brush with oil. This prevents sticking.

With the grill preheated and prepared, you’re ready to start grilling the seasoned fish.

Grilling Time Per Side

The grilling time for swai fish can vary based on the thickness of the fillets, along with your desired level of doneness. Use these guidelines for reference:

• Fillet thickness: 1/2 inch

• Grill time per side: 3-4 minutes

• Fillet thickness: 3/4 inch

• Grill time per side: 4-5 minutes

• Fillet thickness: 1 inch

• Grill time per side: 5-6 minutes

• Fillet thickness: 1 1/4 inches

• Grill time per side: 6-7 minutes

As you can see, the thicker the fillet, the longer it will need to grill to cook through.

These times are for cooking the fish to medium doneness with a moist interior and light grill marks. If you prefer your fish cooked more, add another minute or so per side.

Judging Doneness

Relying just on grill times can lead to over or undercooked fish. That’s why it’s also important to use visual and textural signs to judge when the swai is ready.

Check for these cues when grilling swai fish:

• Opacity – The flesh should turn opaque and white throughout when fully cooked, no longer translucent.

• Flaking – Use a fork to gently press on the thickest part of the fillet. The fish should flake and separate easily when it’s ready.

• Inside color – The interior of the fish should appear moist, with no raw red or pink coloration.

• Grill marks – Light charring and grill marks will form on the outer surface.

Pull the fish off the grill once it is opaque and flakes easily. The color should be white, not pink inside.

Doneness Temperature

For the most reliable test, always use an instant read thermometer to check the fish’s internal temperature.

• Swai fish is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

• Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the fillet, taking care not to touch any bones.

• If the fish is not yet at 145°F, return it to the grill for a minute or two until the desired temperature is reached.

Grilling fish with a thermometer gives you peace of mind that your swai is properly cooked.

Let It Rest

Once the swai fish is cooked, resist the urge to immediately dig in. Allow the fish to rest off direct heat for 5 minutes before serving.

Resting gives the juices time redistribute through the fish, resulting in a moist and tender texture.

Grilling Swai Tips

Keep these tips in mind for flawlessly grilled swai fish:

• Pat the fillets dry before grilling to prevent steaming.

• Brush both sides with oil to prevent sticking. Use high smoke point oils like canola or avocado.

• Season simply with salt, pepper, lemon, herbs, garlic, or other savory flavors. Avoid sugary marinades that can burn.

• Turn the fish gently with a thin spatula to keep it intact.

• Arrange fillets so they are not too close together. This prevents steaming.

• Watch the fish closely as grill times are estimates. Adjust heat as needed.

• Use a thermometer for accuracy and safety.

Complementary Side Dishes

The mild flavor of swai takes well to bold seasoning and pairs nicely with many sides. Consider these tasty accompaniments:

• Lemon wedges or a tangy salsa provide bright contrast.

• Grilled veggies like zucchini, peppers, or eggplant.

• Fresh green salad or coleslaw.

• Rice pilaf or roasted fingerling potatoes.

• Warm corn tortillas for fish tacos.

Grilling swai fillets to tender and flaky perfection is easy when you follow the right techniques. Allow 4-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Rely on visual tests and a thermometer to judge doneness to 145°F. Rest the fish before serving with flavorful sides. Adjust the heat as needed and watch closely to prevent overcooking. In no time, you’ll be an expert at grilling up this versatile and tasty fish.