Many confident grillers of meats and veggies will be hesitant when grilling fish. We therefore have consulted three experts who are chefs Robynne Maii of Fete Honolulu as well as the chef Garrette Bowe of Marcus at Baha Mar Fish + Chop House in Nassau, Bahamas, and spear-fisher Valentine Thomas, author of “Good Catch: A Guide to Sustainable Fish and Seafood.” They provided valuable tips and tried-and-true recipes that will ensure an unhurried summer of seafood.

Which fish is most suitable for grilling?

Our experts are of the opinion that firm, fatty fish are the best for the grill. These include salmon, snapper, and tuna, as well as grouper, wahoo, and the hogfish, kanpachi and the yellowtail, for example. Bowe loves grilling saltwater fish. “They have a natural seasoning from the ocean and tend to be durable on the grill.” If you’re grilling whole fish, take note of the size. Thomas says: “A fish that is too big is complicated to cook to the right temperature on a grill.”

How can I keep seafood from getting stuck to my grill?

“Scrape down your grill very well,” Maii recommended. “And grease it with cooking spray. After that, give the fish a generous coat of oil and some seasoning. Once you’ve placed it in the grill be sure to keep it in place until the fish begins to fall off the grill.” Thomas added, “Keeping the skin on is the best option to keep the fish from forming a slack and breaking.” Bowe said a extremely warm (400 degree) grill is necessary for preventing sticking. “You can use a fish basket, too, which will keep the fish intact while grilling,” she added.

Learn how to make the Grilled Hawaii Kanpachi sandwich in the recipe below.

How can I stop the drying of fish in the barbecue?

Maii’s preferred method for salmon or other firm white fish like marlin or wahoo “Poach in olive oil for 8 minutes or so, depending on thickness, before finishing on the grill.” The process of drying the fish using the help of a paper towel before adding seasoning helps preserve moisture in it, Maii explained. The most effective way to stop fish from drying out, according to our experts, is to not overcook it.

How can I tell if my fish isn’t rotten?

You’ll need to have an interior temperature that is 140°F. “Place an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the fish, and take it off the grill when it registers at 130,” explained Bowe. The fish will cook while it is resting, and bring it up to 140 degrees. The majority of our experts recommend cutting the flesh using the paring knife. If it breaks, then it’s finished.

What tools will I need to grill fish?

The most important thing is the fish spatula is essential, according to Bowe: “The flexibility and angle help you get right under the fish,” she said. “The slats allow for excess moisture to drip off.” All of our experts suggest tongs. Thomas stated, “Skewers are great to help cubes of very firm fish–salmon, cobia, cod–stay together and cook evenly.”

Learn recipes for the Grilled Whole Stuffed Fish With Sun-Dried tomatoes, Feta along with Herb Butter below.

What seasonings are best for Grilled fish?

Maii suggests a simple seasoning with olive oil and a large amount of salt that is kosher; after cooking, you can add fresh lime or lemon. Bowe loves marinades, especially the spicy Scotch bonnet pepper onion, oil, and lime mixture that’s her staple for cookouts with her family. A small amount of oil on the fish can not only add flavor but also prevent stickiness. Be careful not to over-oil, Thomas cautioned, or the fish could get burned. A smart tip from Bowe: Grill half-cut peppers, herbs that have been brushed with oil and wrapped in butcher’s twine, lime, lemon, pineapple or any other citrus, and then cook the fish on the same place. Grill the fish on the top of citrus slices that are thinly cut.

How do I determine what fish to purchase?

When you visit your local fishmonger Look for eyes that are clear along with pink/red gills as well as the flesh is firm. Fish should smelt similar to the ocean but not “fishy” or rotten. If you’re unable to buy fish in person, Try reputable online stores like E-fish.com or the CSA-like Service Seatopia Collective.

Grilled Snapper With Scotch Bonnet Marinade

This recipe is a tribute to Chef Garrette Bowe’s family cookouts at the Bahamas. She adds seasoning to the grill using lime, pineapple and thyme for a more flavorful take on her most loved fish snapper.

Total Time:30 minutes

SERVES: 2

Ingredients

  • Marinade:
  • 3. Scotch Bonnet peppers, seeded and chopped in a rough manner
  • 1 white onion, chopped roughly
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • Three limes of juice
  • 1 cup of salt
  • 1/2 cup ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • For fish:
  • Cooking spray
  • 1. (2-pound) entire red snapper weighed and scrubbed
  • To garnish the dish:
  • 1/2 pineapple
  • 2 limes, cut in half
  • 1 bunch of thyme tied with twine
  • Vegetable oil, to brush

Directions

  1. Grill to 400°F. Lightly spray grill grates with cook spray.
  2. Utilizing a processor for food, mix the ingredients to marinate thoroughly.
  3. Pat fish dry. Cut three incisions that are 2 inches apart on both sides of the fish. Rub marinade on all sides, including the inside cavity, as well as each cut.
  4. Make sure to brush the limes, pineapples and thyme in oil. Grill the pineapple to cook it for seven minutes. Add thyme and limes, and cook for another 5 minutes.
  5. Remove the pineapple, limes and thyme from the grill and place aside. Place the fish that has been seasoned in the same spot where the limes, pineapples, and thyme were cooked.
  6. Cook the fish for about 8 minutes. Make use of a spatula for fish and tools to flip gently the fish. Cook until a thermometer that is instant-read that is inserted into the thickest portion of the fish registers 130 degrees and takes about 8 minutes.
  7. Grill limes and squeeze them over the fish, and serve it with the grilled pineapple.