What Fish Should Be Put Directly On The Grill And Why?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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What fish should be put directly on the grill and why? Fish such as

tuna, salmon, halibut, and swordfish

, whose texture is more like beef or pork, should be grilled directly on the grate. (More delicate fish, such as tilapia, sole, and flounder, sometimes fare better when grilled in a foil packet or grill basket.)

Which is the best fish to eat?

  • Alaskan salmon.
  • Cod.
  • Herring.
  • Mahi-mahi.
  • Mackerel.
  • Perch.
  • Rainbow trout.
  • Sardines.

What is the best tasting fish?

  • Cod.
  • Sea Bass.
  • Halibut.
  • Red Snapper.
  • Salmon.
  • Catfish.
  • Swordfish.

Do you grill salmon on direct or indirect heat?

Preheat an outdoor grill to high heat, about 500 degrees F. Place the salmon skin side up over

direct heat

on the grill. Close the lid and let cook 3 to 4 minutes until grill marks form.

How do you grill fish without it falling apart?


Brush the Fish with Oil

To help seal in some of the natural moisture, pat the fish dry and coat it with vegetable or olive oil. This is particularly important for firm-fleshed fish like salmon, halibut, or tuna, which can go directly on to the grate. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, or other seasonings as desired.

Grilling –

if using thin fillets/steaks (maximum 3cm), the fish can be cooked from frozen

. If thicker fillets/steaks are being used, make sure to defrost before cooking. Baking – if using thin fillets/steaks (maximum 3cm), the fish can be cooked from frozen.

PREPARE YOUR GRILL

Heat the grill to a high temperature,

around 400°F

. Heating the grill to a high temperature will help the fish to sear and prevent it from sticking to the grate.

Salmon cooks quickly on the grill (usually

no more than 12 minutes total

), so don’t walk away or get distracted. The salmon will be medium-rare when an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest portion reads 120 degrees F. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow for some carryover cooking.

Worst:

Orange Roughy

These fish, also known as slimeheads, can live up to 150 years. But that means they’ve been around unhealthy elements, like mercury, for a long time. So they’re not the best option for a healthy diet.

Its lean, flaky meat is very versatile and can be cooked in a number of ways, and

halibut cheeks

are especially prized as the most tender part of the fish. Halibut is a versatile fish to prepare, too.

But the fragile texture of fish fillets and the misconception that fish skin sticks to the grates, make the prospect of grilling fish intimidating. But I’ve got an easy answer to both concerns:

use the indirect grilling method for cooking all types of seafood

.

Place the salmon skin side down on the grill.

There is no need to flip

. Unless you have a well seasoned cast iron grill or one of the really cheap portable grills with thin grates, the flesh of the salmon will most likely stick. To avoid the “sticking panic” cook salmon skin side down and don’t flip.


Oil both the fish and the grill. Brush the fish with olive oil or marinade and wipe the grill with an oil-soaked paper towel

. There are also special nonstick cooking sprays for grills, but, honestly, the paper towel works just as well. Build the fire that’s right for what you’re cooking.

Cooking oil with a high smoke point (

canola, peanut, vegetable, sunflower, or avocado oil

are ideal)

If searing is not on your grilling game plan, simply

place the fish skin side down directly on the grate. Per inch of fish, the general rule is to allow 8-10 minutes of grill time

. So, if your fish is two inches in thickness, grill each side for about six to eight minutes.

Baking is a dry heat method that involves cooking fish in an oven. Some studies have shown that

baking fish causes less loss of omega-3 fatty acids than both frying and microwaving

(39, 46 , 47 ). Baking may also be a better way to retain the vitamin D content of fish.


Grilling fish in foil is the best solution

. It keeps the fish intact, locks in moisture and helps the heat distribute evenly. It also allows you to add in herbs and aromatics to perfectly season your grilled fish fillets.

Brush the top of the plank with oil. Place the plank on the grill with the fish fillet on top. Close the grill cover and allow to cook for 10-12 minutes.

No flipping is required

.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.