Have you ever wondered how to grill fish fillets so that they are perfectly flaky? This recipe is the easiest and best way to grill any firm white fish.
You can serve this tasty flaky fish with almost anything you have on hand, like a fresh vegetable salad, tasty rice, or baked beans.
I like these kinds of recipes because they make it easy to get fresh fruits and vegetables from the farmer’s market or my garden and use them as sides for this simple but tasty grilled fish main dish. It’s simple, it’s classic, and it’s always a hit in this house.
Grilling fish can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be with the right techniques. When it comes to grilling fish, one of the most frequently asked questions is: should you season fish before grilling? The short answer is yes – seasoning fish before grilling is an essential step to achieving maximum flavor.
Properly seasoning fish before hitting the grill draws out moisture, enhances flavor, and allows the seasonings to adhere to the flesh. Following some simple seasoning guidelines will help you grill fish like a pro every time.
Why Seasoning Fish is Important Before Grilling
Seasoning is a vital component when grilling any type of protein, but it’s especially important for fish Fish is very delicate, with a light flavor that can easily be overpowered by the smokiness of the grill Proper seasoning ensures the natural mild flavor of the fish still shines through.
Seasoning also helps form a protective crust on the exterior of the fish This seals in moisture and prevents the fish from sticking to the grill The seasonings infuse the flesh with extra flavor from the inside out,
Finally, seasoning fish before grilling allows time for the seasonings to penetrate deeper into the flesh. Unlike steak or chicken, fish cooks very quickly on the grill. Taking the time to season in advance gives the flavors time to soak in.
When to Season Fish for Grilling
For best results, it’s ideal to season fish at least 15-30 minutes before placing it on the hot grill. This gives enough time for the salt and other seasonings to draw out moisture from the flesh and really sink in.
If you’re short on time, seasoning just before grilling is better than not seasoning at all. Even just 5-10 minutes of marinating time will make a difference.
One exception is if the fish was previously frozen. In this case, season immediately before grilling. Frozen fish absorbs seasonings unevenly.
How to Properly Season Fish for the Grill
Follow these simple steps for flawlessly seasoned grilled fish:
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Start with high-quality, fresh fish. The fish should smell fresh, not fishy. Look for bright clear eyes and firm flesh.
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Pat fish fillets completely dry. Use paper towels to absorb excess moisture from the surface.
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Brush both sides with oil. A thin layer of oil helps the seasonings stick. Olive, vegetable, canola, or avocado oil all work well.
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Season generously with salt and pepper. Kosher or sea salt and freshly cracked pepper are best. Rub evenly over both sides.
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Add any other seasoning blends. Lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, herbs, garlic, etc. can be used to complement the flavor of the fish.
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Allow fish to marinate for 15-30 minutes. This gives time for flavors to penetrate before grilling.
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Brush grill grates clean. Lightly oil grates just before adding fish. This prevents sticking.
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Sear fish quickly over direct high heat. Turn once halfway through cooking time. Cook 5-7 minutes total per 1-inch thickness.
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Finish with a squeeze of lemon or herbs. A final sprinkle of seasoning when fish comes off the grill adds a bright pop of flavor.
Handy Tips for Seasoning Fish on the Grill
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Use a light hand with seasoning blends, as fish can easily be overpowered. Lemon, herbs, garlic, and chili or Cajun seasonings all pair nicely with fish.
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Try marinating fish in an oil-based mixture for added flavor. Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs is a classic combo.
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Brush fish with oil or melted butter instead of marinating for super quick and easy seasoning.
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Sear skin-on fillets skin-side down first to get a crispy skin, then flip briefly to finish cooking.
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Stuff the cavity of whole fish with lemon, herbs, garlic, etc. for seasoning from the inside out.
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Cedar planks infuse fish with subtle smoky flavor on the grill. Soak planks first to prevent burning.
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Toss soaked wood chips directly on grill coals for extra smoky flavor. Fruit wood chips like apple and cherry work great with fish.
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Use a grilling basket to easily turn and flip smaller fish fillets. They prevent delicate fish from breaking apart.
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Opt for thicker, meatier fish steaks and fillets. Delicate fish like flounder and sole are harder to grill.
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Try shellfish! Shrimp, scallops, clams, and oysters are fantastic on the grill. Soak in marinade before cooking.
Top Seasoning Combinations for Grilled Fish
There are endless ways to season fish for the grill. Here are some of the most popular, foolproof combinations:
Lemon Pepper: Kosher salt, cracked black pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice
Herb Butter: Melted butter, parsley, dill, lemon, garlic, salt, and pepper
Cajun: Paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme
Southwestern: Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt
Jamaican Jerk: Brown sugar, allspice, thyme, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg
Mediterranean: Olive oil, garlic, dried oregano, fennel seeds, crushed red pepper
Soy Ginger: Soy sauce, sesame oil, fresh ginger, garlic, brown sugar
Citrus Herb: Olive oil, orange zest, parsley, basil, oregano, garlic
Lemon Dill: Lemon zest, lemon juice, fresh dill, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper
Frequently Asked Questions about Seasoning Fish for Grilling
Should you put seasoning on both sides of fish?
Yes, it’s important to season both sides of the fish evenly. This flavors the fish throughout and helps form a tasty crust on both sides.
What is the best seasoning for grilled fish?
Salt, pepper, and lemon juice work with just about any type of fish. Herb blends, pepper, Cajun seasoning, citrus, and butter also make great additions.
Can you overseason fish on the grill?
It’s easy to overdo it with strong seasonings on delicate fish. Use a light hand and layer flavors for the best results. Less is often more when it comes to fish.
Should you oil fish before grilling?
Yes! Brushing fish with oil helps the seasoning adhere and prevents sticking on the grill. Olive, vegetable, canola, and avocado oil are good choices.
How long does fish need to marinate before grilling?
Ideally 15-30 minutes, but even 5-10 minutes makes a difference. Extended marinating time allows more flavor infusion.
Should you flip fish on the grill?
Fillets and steaks should be flipped once halfway through cook time. Whole fish can be grilled without flipping using a two-zone fire.
The Takeaway on Seasoning Fish for Grilling
Taking the time to properly season fish is one of the best ways to maximize flavor when grilling. Dry the fish, coat with oil, and rub down with salt, pepper, and other seasoning blends. Allow the fish to marinate for 15-30 minutes before grilling for best results. Sear over high heat, flip halfway through, and finish with an extra squeeze of lemon or herbs. Follow these simple seasoning tips for mouthwatering grilled fish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple, easy, and fast recipe.
- As a side dish, it goes with almost anything you have on hand.
- It works well for cod, pollock, tilapia, and other white fish.
- Filets of fish: Choose a mild, firm white fish like tilapia, cod, pollock, or Louisiana Drum. Grilling fish works best with thin, flat fillets.
- Instead of olive oil, you can use a light oil like canola, vegetable, or avocado. If you want to keep the oil from breaking down and giving off bad flavors at high temperatures, use one with a high smoke point (400°F or more).
- Lemon: A small amount of lemon makes the taste better.
- Parsley: Optional as a garnish.
- Salt and pepper: I like to use Kosher salt and black pepper that has just been ground.
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
What to Serve With Grilled Fish
Anything you have on hand will go well with this delicious grilled fish recipe. Here are some of my family’s favorite dishes to serve with grilled fish: