You can definitely cook over a fire pit all year long, but there’s just something about summer that makes us want to spend more time in our backyards with friends, family, and the open fire grill. And what’s more, the summer heat leaves us craving fresh and tasty flavors too.
Grilled fish is the perfect summer dish. Not only is it easy to cook, but it’s also light, has a naturally succulent texture, and salty taste. Now throw an open fire grill into the mix, and you’ll have the taste of the ocean on your plate. Read below as we tell you how to cook over the fire pit using the best fish grilling methods.
When it Comes to Grilling Fish
Your grill needs to reach an appropriate temperature for the type of fish you want to grill. However, most fish require a medium heat that ensures a moist and flaky result. When you grill salmon, you can often throw it straight onto the fire, but a different fish may require a little more TLC.
Whichever guppy you decide to grill, your fire temperature can’t be too high, as this will have some parts cooking too quickly and drying out. At the same time, other parts of the fish may not be cooked at all. You can also decide between cooking your fish with direct or indirect heat or both. This all depends on the size and the type of fish you’re grilling.
Pro tip: The thicker the fish, the further away or lower the heat source should be.
The Best Fish Grilling Methods
Fish on Fire: Direct Heat
The use of direct heat is more appropriate for thinner slices of fish. This is because you’ll be cooking it directly over the heat source. This method definitely gets the job done quickly because it’s easier for the heat to reach the center of the fish and cook it through.
You can use this method for thinner steaks or fillets of fish, ideal for a quick and easy dinner over the open fire.
3 Tips for Grilling Thin Fish Over Direct Heat:
- Keep the skin on while grilling, as this will prevent the fish from flaking apart. You can always remove it after.
- Always cook fish on both sides for 4-6 minutes.
- Fish is done when its internal temperature is at least 145°F.
Smoke That Salmon: Indirect Heat
This fish grilling method is for the outdoor cooker who wants to take their time. Cooking with indirect heat means using an area of the grill that isn’t directly over the heat source. This slows down the grilling process and allows the fish to be cooked thoroughly without it burning on the outside.
This method is ideal for whole fish or thicker slices. And when you cook over the fire pit, you can set up your coals in such a way that your fish cooks slowly over a low heat source.
3 Tips for Grilling Whole/Large Fish Over Indirect Heat:
- Brush your fish and grill grate with a little bit of cooking oil
- Always place the fish skin side up first, then turn it over
- To check doneness, insert a knife into the thickest part of the fish.
Some Bonus Tips
Lock in Moisture With Lemon
Always rub lemon juice on your fish before cooking, as this maintains its color and adds to its flavor. Also, remember to brush the fish with lemon juice as it grills to help keep it moist.
Foil it Up
Wrapping fish in foil also locks in the moisture and prevents it from sticking to the grill grate.
Know Your Cuts
Fish that are less than 1/2 inch thick do not require turning when grilling
Use a Grill Basket
A grill basket not only makes grilling fish easier, but you’ll also be happy you used it when it’s time to clean up. Just remember to coat the basket with some cooking oil as well.
Something Fishy: Our Seafood Recipes
Want to give these fish grilling methods a go? We have a range of scrumptious seafood dishes you can try so you can serve the taste of the sea to your guests.
Surf N’ Turf:
A delicious concoction made of shrimp and steak, this is the perfect meal for dinner-in-a-flash out in your backyard.
Seafood Paella:
A crowd favorite, and packed with fresh flavors, our seafood paella is definitely a dish you won’t regret making.
Tuna Steaks:
Succulent and tender, our recipe makes grilled tuna steak just as good as regular steak.
The Best Grill for the Job: The KUDU Grill
Cooking in your backyard is already an unmatched experience. But, grilling with the KUDU Grill makes it an outdoor cooking dream come true. Frying, grilling, baking, boiling, and so much more, this is the grill that works for you, no matter what’s on the menu.
Contact us today, and we’ll make your outdoor cooking dreams a reality by setting you up with a multi-functional grill you can depend on.
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