There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of casting your line with your fishing rod in the open water and reeling in a hard-earned catch. In addition to taking a photo with your trophy fish, anglers can celebrate their success by cooking up their catches of the day. So, get your spices and sauces ready, as we’re serving up three mouth-watering grilled fish recipes, which will turn your catch into a true delicacy and celebratory meal.
1. Classic Grilled Lemon Herb Fish
This recipe is ideal for those who want a combination of tastes that complement their fish, without overpowering its natural essence. The bright, citrusy flavors of lemon and fresh herbs stand out for an easy, elegant way to honor your catch.
Ingredients
- 1 prepared whole fish, such as trout, bass or snapper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill: Start by preheating your grill to medium heat, which is around 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure the grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
- Season: Coat both sides of the fish in olive oil, rub it in gently and sprinkle over the lemon zest and lemon juice. Add minced garlic, fresh parsley and your preferred amount of salt and pepper to taste.
- Grill: Place the fish on the grill over direct heat, and let it sit for about five to seven minutes on each side without moving it. This allows the skin to become crispy while the flesh cooks through.
- Serve: Once the fish is done, remove it from the grill and allow it to rest for a couple of minutes before serving, so the juices redistribute and the flavors meld. Serve with extra lemon wedges on the side for an added citrusy flavor.
2. Grilled Fish Tacos With Lime Crema
For grilling enthusiasts, this recipe provides a fresh and flavorful entrée with spicy seasoning, which infuses with your fish for a bold, savory kick. The lime crema, which is sour cream or Greek yogurt with lime juice, provides this dish with a cool, creamy contrast to the heat from the spices, giving you a balanced meal.
Ingredients
- 1 prepared fish, such as tilapia, cod or snapper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 4 small corn tortillas
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat or about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The grates should be clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Season: Mix the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper and rub all over the prepared fish fillet, making sure to coat both sides.
- Grill: Place the seasoned fish on the grill and cook for about three to four minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of your catch. The fish should flake easily but remain moist and tender.
- Prepare the lime crema: While the fish is grilling, combine sour cream or Greek yogurt with lime juice in a small bowl. Stir the mixture until smooth and add salt and pepper for taste.
- Warm the tortillas: Warm the tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side. They should be lightly charred and flexible.
- Assemble the tacos: Flake the grilled fish and cut it up evenly between the warm tortillas. Drizzle the lime crema and add fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor.
3. Grilled Fish With Garlic Butter and Parmesan
The recipe’s combination of ingredients creates a rich and indulgent layer of flavor that beautifully complements your catch of the day. The decadent blend of garlic butter and parmesan satisfies taste buds while allowing the fish’s natural taste to shine through for one delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 1 prepared fish, such as cod, haddock or halibut
- 2 tablespoons of butter, melted
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, once the grates are cleaned thoroughly and lightly oiled.
- Prepare the garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic, grated cheese, salt and pepper. Stir the mixture until the butter is fully infused with the garlic and parmesan.
- Season: Place the fish on foil and generously brush it with the garlic butter mixture, making sure all of it is well-coated.
- Grill: Grill the fish for about four to five minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fish. You will know it’s done when it appears opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve: Once the fish has finished cooking, sprinkle it with fresh parsley and serve with a squeeze of lemon for added freshness and flavor.
How to Prepare Your Catch for Grilling
Before you can grill your catch and relish your success with a savory meal, you must first prepare the fish. This step is crucial as it ensures the fish cooks properly and retains its best flavor and texture. To prepare your freshly caught fish for the grill, follow this guide:
Clean the Fish
Begin cleaning your fish by removing the scales using a fishing knife. To do so, hold the fish firmly by the tail and use a scraping motion with the knife, working in short strokes from the tail to the head. Rinse the fish under cold water to ensure all remaining scales are removed.
To properly gut the fish, make a shallow incision along the belly from the vent to the gills. Open the belly to carefully remove and dispose of the fish’s internal organs. Rinse the inside of the fish with cold water to remove any blood or remaining organs. If you prefer to grill your fish without the fins, snip them off using your knife or kitchen scissors.
Rinse and Pat Dry
Once the fish is cleaned and gutted, run it under cold water one final time, making certain any residual scales, blood or bone fragments are removed. After rinsing, use a paper towel to pat the fish dry to remove excess moisture. This is important because too much moisture can affect the cooking process, preventing the fish from achieving a crispy exterior.
Score the Fish
Scoring the flesh of the fish helps it cook evenly on the grill and allows seasoning to penetrate more effectively for better taste. Use your knife to make several shallow diagonal cuts along the sides of the fish. These cuts help the heat from the grill to penetrate more evenly and reduce the chances of the skin tearing when flipping.
Find Grills, Fishing Gear and More at Tractor Supply
Get the whole angling and outdoor experience by cooking your catch with fishing supplies and other outdoor gear from our selection of must-haves. Whether you want a portable grill to bring on the boat or quality dinnerware and drinkware to enjoy your meal outside, shop with us to get everything you need For Life Out Here. Visit your local Tractor Supply store today or shop online.