Trying to grill fish fillets is one of those things that frustrates a lot of people. They can stick to your grill grates or just plain fall apart when cooked. People think that to grill fish you just cook it like you would a hamburger or steak. That school of thought is wrong. With most foods there is really no right or wrong way to grill them. Fish fillets would be the exception to that rule.
There are a two basic techniques to grilling fish and most of the grilling problems will occur when you are using the wrong technique with the wrong type of fish fillet. There are way to many different types of fish out there to try to cover them all individually in one article so here are the basics: a fish fillet like salmon is hearty and dense while lets say tilapia is light and delicate fish. It is easy to tell the difference between dense and delicate types fish, the denser the fish heavier it will feel.
Grill Fish Fillets Over Direct Heat:
This technique should be used for dense fillets, whole fish or any type of fish that is referred to as a steak. One of the keys to grilling fish over direct heat is to be sure to get the grill as hot as possible. Placing fish onto your grill before it is hot will cause the fish to stick. Also a cooking oil should be used in this process either on the hot grates or a light coating on the food itself.
Another tip: When rotating and turning your fish, move it to a spot on the grill that has not just had food on it. This will assure that the grates are as hot as they possibly can be. As a general rule, small fish fillets over direct heat should be grilled for 2 minutes per side. Thick fish steak should cook for about 10 minutes per inch of thickness.
A grill basket can really help especially with delicate fish.
Triple Small Fish Grilling Basket
The small fish grilling basket by Mr. Bar-B-Q will hold up to three smaller fish and is also perfect for larger fish fillets.
Foil Packet Fish Fillet Grilling:
This is the technique that is reccommended for delicate fish fillets. It can be used for any other type of fish as well. Basically you wrap your fish fillet in foil with some type of liquid. That will act as steam in the pouch, grill over indirect heat. I like to start the packet over direct heat for the first couple of minutes to get things steaming. You will need to use indirect heat to prevent the contents of the package from burning.
Many things can be used inside the packet to steam your fish as well as add flavor a few of them are: Seasoned butter, Lemon Juice, Wine, and Salsa, just to name a few. This method will take longer then direct grilling I would begin to check a small fillet after 6 to 8 minutes.
How to know if your fish is done:
There are many articles telling you that when the fillet flakes when lightly scraped with a fork it is done. It is fine to check fish cooked in a pouch this way. It does not work well when fish is cooked over direct heat. When you grill fish fillets over direct heat it immediately firms up the outer meat of the fish which will prevent it from flaking.
For this you should really use a thermometer, You are looking for 155 degrees. I will pull the food off about 5 degrees short of the ideal temperature and tent it with tin foil for 5 minutes before serving. You could also cut a piece in half to make sure it is opaque all the way through.
A Few Final Notes:
Delicate fish can be cooked over direct heat with the use of a grill basket. However it may fall apart when removed.
You could also grill any type of fish fillet on a wooden plank.
If your fish has a thick and thin side keep the thick end over the heat for more even cooking.
If using smoke tread lightly fish will absorb a lot more smoke flavor than red meat.
Mike
aka Sultan of Sizzle
I have been blogging about and selling grilling tool for over 12 years. A Certified Food Safety Professional, KCBS member, award winning writer and have over 10 years experience in the food service industry.
“I have experienced some of the best food this country has to offer and nothing is better than the food that comes off my own grill!”
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