A COMPLETE GUIDE TO GRILLING FISH

Written by Kamado Sumo

Kamado Sumo specializes in offering ceramic grills and premium grilling accessories, carefully designed to take your grilling to the next level. Kamado Sumo's grills combine Scandinavian innovation with Asian tradition. A multifunctional ceramic grill with which you can smoke, grill, bake and cook all kinds of food. The possibilities are limitless!

September 24, 2024

HOW TO SUCCEED IN GRILLING FISH

Grilling fish is a delicious and healthy way to cook fish, bringing out its natural flavors and retaining its nutritional value. This guide will give you everything you need to know to master the art of grilling fish, from choosing the right fish to perfect grilling techniques and delicious marinades. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced griller, you will find valuable tips and inspiration here.

FISH GRILLING FOR BEGINNERS

FISH GRILLING FOR BEGINNERS

Before we go any further, we want to make sure you know the basics. Grilling fish can seem a little daunting if you're new to it, but with a few simple tricks you can quickly master grilling the perfect fish for every occasion.

Start with firm fish like salmon, cod or tuna. These are easy to handle on the grill. Then make sure the grill grate is clean and well oiled to prevent the fish from sticking.

A basic tip is to think about the right temperature. Fish generally require medium heat. For a kamado, aim for 180-200°C. Then you can use foil or a grill basket but keep an eye on the time. Fish grills quickly and 10 minutes is usually enough. 

Remember to oil the grill so that the fish doesn't stick. You could also put lemon slices on the grid and then grill the fish on them. Allow the fish to grill undisturbed until it releases easily from the grate so resist the temptation to turn the fish too often. If possible, grill the fish skin side down first. This helps to keep the fish more intact.

Once you get comfortable with grilling fish, the choice of fish becomes increasingly important.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FISH FOR GRILLING

We recommend popular choices such as salmon, cod, trout and swordfish. These fish have a firm texture that holds together well on the grill. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and has a flavor that pairs perfectly with a variety of marinades and seasonings. Cod, on the other hand, is a mild fish that also works great on the grill.

Again, we want to avoid the fish sticking to the grill so we start by preparing the grill properly. Clean the grid thoroughly and brush on a thin layer of oil before putting the fish on. Also, make sure the fish is dry as excess moisture can make it stick more easily.

MARINADES AND SEASONINGS

A good marinade can turn a simple fish into a flavor explosion. Here are two simple and delicious marinade recipes that go perfectly with grilled fish.

Lemon and Herbs Marinade

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of one lemon
  • 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Soy sauce and Ginger Marinade

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

Leave the fish to marinate for at least 30 minutes for best results.

GRILLING TECHNIQUES AND GRILLING TIME

GRILL TECHNOLOGY

Grilling techniques such as direct and indirect grilling are useful when it comes to grilling fish. Direct grilling means that you grill the fish directly over the heat source to ensure quick cooking and a nice grill surface. Indirect grilling means that the fish is next to the heat source, which is best for slightly thicker pieces of fish that need more time to cook without burning the fish. Grill baskets make this easier. A grill basket is smart for cooking fish as it makes it easier to turn the fish without it falling apart.

GRILL TIME

Of course, different fish are grilled at different temperatures to achieve perfection and this requires some care. You can often find good information about this online and in cookbooks. Here you can have a look at some grilling times for common fish:

  • Salmon: 10-12 minutes on medium heat
    • Grill temperature: 180-190°C
    • Internal temperature: 50-55°C
  • Codfish: 8-10 minutes on medium heat
    • Grill temperature: 190-200°C
    • Internal temperature: 55-60°C
  • Trout: 10-12 minutes on medium heat
    • Grill temperature: 180-190°C
    • Internal temperature: 50-55°C
  • Swordfish: 12-15 minutes on medium heat
    • Grill temperature: 200-210°C
    • Internal temperature: 60-65°C

Check that the fish is cooked through by using a kitchen thermometer. For internal temperatures, you can measure the temperature at the backbone of the thickest part of the fish.

FISH RECIPES FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD

If you want to give your fish barbecue a global twist, you can always try some international recipes. Here are some simple recipes with flavors that will impress your guests:

  • Mediterranean Style - Grilled Salmon with Lemon and Capers
  • Asian Style - Teriyaki Glazed Cod
  • Caribbean Style - Spicy Jerk Swordfish
  • Kamado favorites - Pulpo a la Gallega

READY TO GRILL FISH?

Grilling fish is not only an art but also a pleasure. By following these tips and techniques, you can achieve perfectly grilled fish every time barbecue duty calls. Read on for more great grilling recipes and tips in our other grilling tips section!