I love sea foods and grilling fish makes it taste smoky and delicious. You will get helpful tips ad tricks about Cooking Fish on a Charcoal Grill. Are you afraid to grill fish? Don’t worry. It’s easier than you think. Whether you’re cooking a whole fish or small pieces, using a charcoal grill gives it a unique flavor. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know—from selecting the right type of fish to season your fish and cooking it to perfection like a pro.
How do you cook fish on a charcoal grill? -Preparation
- First step for grilling fish is to prep your fish first. How to prep it? In this process, you select your fish and take the bits you are interested in eating. you can grill the whole fish, if you want. Then add kosher salt on all sides of fish. Now, brine ( soak it in saltwater) it for 2 hour in the refrigerator. Pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove any moisture that may cause it to stick to the grill.
- The next step is seasoning the fish. Season your fish with your favorite seasoning. Use marinades made with lemon, garlic, herbs, or soy sauce for added flavor. Marinate fish for 20-30 minutes or up to an hour.
- In this time, preheat your grill and oil the grates. Arrange the coals on one side of the grill for direct heat and leave the other side for indirect heat.
- Place the fish on grill grates. If grilling whole fish, place it directly on the grill over indirect heat. For fillets, place them skin-side down over direct heat for the first few minutes.
- Flip the pieces of fish and turn using a wide spatula or grill tongs. Don’t repeat this action too soon. Flipping too early can cause it to stick and tear.
- Depending on the thickness the fish will cook very fast. Mostly, fish is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). For visual cue the fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. If grilling a whole fish, check the flesh near the backbone—it should be fully cooked and separate easily. This will indicate that the fish is done being grilled.
- Let the fish relax and 5 minutes is a sufficient amount of time. Now, Serve and enjoy!
Ingredients
For the Fish:
- Fish: 1 pound of salmon, tuna or mahi-mahi (whole)
- Olive Oil : For coating the fish and grill grates
- Salt and Black Pepper: To season the fish
Optional Marinade Ingredients (for Extra Flavor):
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons for appetizing flavor
- Garlic (minced): 3 cloves for added flavor
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1 teaspoon for a bit of spice
- Lemon Juice : 3 tablespoons for tastes delicious
For Serving:
- Lemon Wedges: To squeeze over the fish before serving
- Butter or Herb Butter: Optional, to melt over the fish after grilling
- Side Dishes: Grilled vegetables, rice, salad, or garlic bread
How long to cook fish on charcoals?
Well seasoned fish take almost 3-5 minutes on each side depending on the thickness of the fish.
What fish is good on a charcoal grill?
There are several types of fishes that can be grilled. Everyone has their own preferences. I like bone free fishes. Swordfish and mahi mahi are my favorite fishes for grilling. Salmon, Tuna and Halibut are also good for grilling.
Can I cook fish directly on the grill?
If grilling whole fish, place it directly on the grill over indirect heat. Moreover, for some types of fishes whose texture is more like beef or pork, should be grilled directly on the grate. These are:
- Tuna
- Swordfish
- Salmon
- Halibut
How to grill fish on a charcoal grill in foil
Wrap foil securely around fish so that it becomes pouch. Also leave space for fish to expand. Grill 5 to 7 minutes on each side on gas or charcoal grill. Food that’s wrapped in aluminium foil stays tender and has more intense flavor. Do I put foil on charcoal grill? I don’t like to put it on grill. It can restrict the intended air flow inside the grill and smoke will not fully penetrate in the food.
How long does it take to grill fish in foil?
Wrap the foil around fish like a pouch. Use a fork to make few holes in the top. Grill for 5 to 7 minutes over medium-high. It also depend on size of fillets.