How to Grill Fish

Do you love to grill, but worry about grilling seafood?  Learn how to grill fish, get grilling tips and tricks, and find out what the best type of grilling is for the fish you’re cooking. 

Whenever I share a grilled fish recipe, I can feel some of you shrinking away from the recipe on your phone screens.

Why? 

You probably already know.

Fish can be delicate. 

Fish can be expensive. 

Fish can stick to the grill, or fall apart and meet a tragic end in the red-hot coals.

And so, I’m here today to help you learn how to grill fish without fear!

We’ll review the main ways that you can cook fish on the grill, which type of fish works best for each technique, and (of course) check out some recipe ideas.

How to Grill Fish Directly on the Grill

Cooking directly on the grill gives the fish gorgeous char markings, and requires almost no special equipment (other than the grill).

Best for:

• Fatty or oily fish (like sockeye salmon or king salmon)
• Sturdy fish (like ahi tuna or swordfish)
• Large sides of fish or whole fish
• Fish steaks or collars

Tips: 

• Preheat the grill
• Clean the grill grates and brush with oil
• Let the fish come to room temperature before cooking

Try it: Make this grilled sockeye salmon with pineapple, or grilled swordfish with pesto.

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How to Grill Fish in a Fish Grilling Basket

Grilling fish in a fish grilling basket (or a fish grill) is the perfect way to protect delicate or expensive fillets from sticking to the grill or falling through the grill grate. 

Just like with grilling directly on the grill, fish baskets create charred markings on the fish.

Best for:

• Delicate fish (like tilapia and flounder)
• Lean fish (like halibut and cod)
• Expensive fish (like king salmon)
• Small fish that could fall through the grill grate

Tips:

• Preheat the grilling basket before adding the fish
• Buy a fish basket with an insulated handle, or use a heat-proof glove

Try it: Make this grilled king salmon with plum sauce.

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How to Grill Fish in Foil Packets

Grilling fish inside foil packets is a simple way to protect your fish, achieve an evenly cooked fish, and seal in moisture. 

This method achieves a smoky flavor, but does not give the fish charred grill markings.

Best for: Any fish!

Tips:

• Set a timer when you’re cooking.  Since you can’t see the fish, it’s harder to know when it’s finished by sight.
• Use a high-quality foil.  Some budget-friendly foils are very thin, and may not hold up on the grill.

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How to Grill Fish on a Cedar Plank

Grilling fish on a cedar grilling plank is a perfect way to add a smoky, cedar flavor to your fish. 

It also provides a barrier between your fish and the grill, preventing the fish from sticking to the grill. 

Buying cedar planks can get pricey, so this method is best reserved for high-quality, large pieces of fish.

Best for:  Any, but especially sides of salmon

Tips: Soak cedar wood for 2 hours before adding the fish and grilling

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How to Grill Shellfish Directly on the Grill

Shellfish that are still in the shell have a natural protection from the heat of the grill.  Add shell-on shellfish directly to the grill for an easy, low maintenance grilling technique. 

Best for: Any shell-on shellfish that is large enough to set on the grill without falling through the grate.

Tips:

• Mollusks (like clams, oysters, and mussels) typically pop open when heated.  Remove the shellfish from the heat when it opens, and take care not to spill the juices.
• Crustaceans (like lobster, crab, and crawfish) are sometimes split open before grilling.  Brush any exposed fish with butter or oil to prevent sticking.

Try it: Try grilled lobster tails with bourbon sauce, or this grilled king crab salad with avocado dressing.

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How to Grill Fish + Shellfish on Skewers

Grilling fish and shellfish on grilling skewers is an easy way to grill small pieces of fish or small shellfish.  The skewer allows you to flip the seafood easily and quickly.

Best for:

• Small shellfish with soft or partial shells (like shrimp)
• Shellfish with the shell removed (like shell-off sea scallops)
• Thick fish cut into cubes for kabobs

Tips: 

• Wooden grilling skewers should be soaked for 30 minutes prior to grilling
• Metal grilling skewers will become very hot.  Use ones with insulated handles, or use a heat-proof glove.

Try it: Try making my grilled scallops with bourbon sauce!

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How to Grill Fish on a Cast Iron Skillet

Another fantastic grilling option is to use a cast iron skillet directly on the grill.  This allows you to mimic stovetop cooking but achieve a delicious, smoky flavor.

I especially like Lodge’s 12″ cast iron skillet.

Best for:

• Any fish!
• Allows mollusks to cook through and open without losing any juice

Tips: 

• Preheat the pan on the grill before adding fish to achieve a seared, caramelized fish
• Use a heat-proof grilling glove or pot holder when moving the pan

Check out these ideas for grilling with cast iron:

• Cast Iron Roasted Clams from Epicurious
• Shrimp on the Griddle from Saveur
• Grilling with a Cast Iron Pan from Bon Appetit