Ever wonder how to get perfectly flaky grilled fish fillets on the grill? This recipe is the simplest and best way to grill just about any firm white fish!

This delicious flaky fish can be paired with just about anything that you have on hand and want to use, from a fresh vegetable salad to flavorful rice to baked beans and my Broccoli Cauliflower Salad recipe.

I like recipes like this because it’s easy to hit up the farmer’s market or my garden, pick gorgeous fruits and vegetables and use them for the sides to this really simple but delicious main dish grilled fish recipe. It’s simple, it’s classic, and it’s always a hit in this house.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple, easy, and fast recipe.
• Goes with nearly anything you have on hand as a side dish.
• Works well for various white fish, including cod, pollock, and tilapia.

Recipe Ingredients

• Fish fillets: Select a mild, firm white fish, such as Louisiana Drum, cod, pollock, or tilapia. Grilling fish works best with thin, flat fillets.
• Olive oil: Another light light oil can be substituted, such as canola, vegetable, or avocado. It’s best to use an oil with a high smoke point (400°F or above) to prevent the oil from breaking down and producing undesirable flavors at high temperatures.
• Lemon: A little lemon goes a long way to brighten the flavor.
• Parsley: Optional as a garnish.
• Salt and pepper: I prefer to use a nice Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How to Make Perfect Grilled Fish

Grilling fish is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy fresh seafood, but it can be a bit intimidating for beginners—but no worries! These step-by-step directions will help you master the art of grilling fish.

1. Preheat the grill for 5-10 minutes.
2. Rinse fillets and pat dry. Season the fish with salt and pepper, and then drizzle and spread olive oil over it.
3. Let the fish rest and marinate while the grill heats up.
4. Place the fish on the grill, close the lid, and cook without turning for 7-10 minutes, until white and flakes easily.
5. Remove from grill, squeeze lemon juice over the fish, and season with salt before serving.

Recipe FAQs

Expert Tips

• The trick for perfect grilled fish is to cook in a pre-heated grill at low heat, with the lid closed (essentially baking the top side of the fish), without turning (prevents the fish from falling apart), until cooked. Thicker fillets may require turning.
• Be sure to squeeze lemon juice onto the fillets as soon as they come off the grill so they will soak in that amazing flavor!
• Any firm white fish will work for this recipe, so get whatever is on sale to save on the grocery bill.
• Serve this flavorful fish with a simple and easy cabbage salad for an quick meal.

Health Benefits of Fish

A diet that includes fish has a myriad of health benefits. Eating fish can reduce the risk of heart disease. It is high in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which help to reduce inflammation, protect your heart, and help your hair grow.

Fish is good for your brain, as well. Studies have shown that eating seafood can lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and reduce brain shrinkage as people age.

Another health benefit of fish is that it is high in vitamin D. This is an essential nutrient that can keep bones strong. Eating fish is a great way to incorporate lean protein into your diet as well. 

How to Buy the Freshest Fish

Just because you don’t live near water doesn’t mean you can’t find delicious, fresh fish. Here are some tips when deciding what fish to buy. 

Fish that is sold as “fresh” can range from 1 day to two weeks out of the water. Fishing boats often stay at sea for a couple of weeks and put their catch on ice before they dock again.

When you are looking for the highest quality of fish, search for FAS or  Frozen at Sea or Individually Quick-Frozen (IQF).

FAS means that once the fish was caught, it was filleted and flash frozen on board the ship within minutes of being caught. When it is thawed it tastes the closest to fresh caught fish.

Individually Quick-Frozen (IQF) is another good option when shopping for fish because this method of flash freezing occurs within hours of the fish being caught. Each fillet is individually packaged and inspected for quality. Check for freezer burn or ice crystals in the packaging of IQF-labeled fish because that could affect the flavor. 

If the fish is packaged, look for clean and dry packaging. When buying fish I like to find wild-caught fish, and I prefer when they are individually sealed if frozen. That way I can take just the few I need out of the freezer while the rest stay frozen. I have great luck buying high-quality fish at Costco.

When buying fresh fish, there are a few things to look for. First of all, trust your nose! If there is a strong fishy smell, it could be a sign that the fish is old and starting to deteriorate.

Another aspect to look for is the fish’s skin. The skin should be shiny with some slime on the surface. That is a mark of quality and freshness. Fresh fish should also have clear and bright eyes. Steer clear of fish with cloudy or red eyes. 

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:

• The BEST Crispy Homemade Sweet Potato Fries
• Easy Stovetop Asparagus
• Classic Potato Salad Recipe
• Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
• Green Beans with Butter and Bacon

More Easy Seafood Recipes to Consider

Seafood Recipes

Tuna Patties Recipe

From Scratch Recipes

Simple Shrimp Fajitas

Seafood Recipes

Baja Fish Tacos

Seafood Recipes

Butterfly Shrimp

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