5 Tips for Cooking Fish on Your Grill

Fish is a big part of Texas cuisine, and with so many wonderful fishing spots throughout the state, we've certainly got plenty of options. 

You aren't limited to baking or frying your fish! Grilled fish is amazing, and if you haven't tried cooking fish on your grill yet, you're missing out.

Many people are intimidated by the idea of grilling their fish, but worry not! Following these simple tips can make grilling fish fun, easy, and tasty. 

#1) Choose a Good Grilling Fish

The best grilling fishes are dense, sturdy fish. Options could include:

• Swordfish
• Shark
• Salmon
• Tuna
• Halibut
• Trout
• Bass
• Snapper
• Mahi Mahi
• Redfish

Tilapia, cod, and other flaky fish don't do well on the grill, which is probably the source of people's belief that you can't grill fish. 

#2) Make Sure Your Fillets Are Sized Right

You can grill a huge fish, but you need to make sure it's the right thickness. The thinner the fish, the more likely it is to flake. The thicker the fish, the likelier it is to dry out. It's a delicate balance.

Fortunately, a fillet that's 1-inch thick or so will generally be "just right." 

#3) Bring Your Fish to Room Temperature

Let your fish sit for about 5 minutes before you put them on the grill. They won't go bad during that time, and you'll avoid the problems that can arise when you slap a very cold fish onto a very hot grill—namely, sticking.

Let the fish stick before you season or oil them, too. 

#4) Create a Barrier

You can use a wood plank, foil, or even a bed of citrus fruit, but one of the easiest ways to keep the fish from sticking is to create a barrier between the fish and the grill. 

If you don't want to use a barrier, coat the fish with oil or mayonnaise before grilling it.

#5) Make Sure the Grill is Hot Enough 

A hot grill lets you cook a tender fish. Low and slow is great for brisket, but it's terrible for fish. Get the grill searing hot and prepare it for a fast, searing cook. Give each side 3 to 5 minutes. 

Don't disturb the fish while it's cooking. Set a timer. Test the fish by lifting a corner of it with a spatula before trying to flip it. It should lift right off the grill. If it's not done after five minutes, check it in thirty-second increments. 

Ready to grill?

To grill great fish, you need a great grill. Have you picked up your custom-created grill from Lone Star Grillz yet? 

If you haven't, shop our full catalog of grills, smokers, and pits. A beautiful culinary adventure awaits!