I’m going to show you how to grill fish fillets. Fish fillets are probably the most common way we eat fish here in the USA, but it doesn’t make things so easy when you want to grill. The skin and the bones are what keep the fish from falling apart, and makes it much easier to grill that way. However, you can still grill fish fillets, and I’m going to show you how.
They way you can grill fish fillets and not worry about the delicate fish falling apart is to use a grill basket, grill plate, grilling plank or aluminum foil. A grill basket or more specifically a fish basket is a wire basket with hinges that will sandwich in the fillets making it easier to grill. A grill plate is a flat metal plate that has holes on it. So with these two items you do not have to worry about the fish fillets falling apart or through the grill grates. Another choice is a grilling plank. This are great as they will add a bit of smokiness to the fish.
First make sure you purchase the best fish. Then decide which you are going to use, a fish basket, grill plate, grilling plank, or aluminum foil. Set up your gas or charcoal grill for direct grilling with high heat. Whether you are using a fish basket, grill plate or aluminum foil, make sure to spray some oil on it. If you do not have spray oil, then rub a bit of oil on basket, plate, or foil with a paper towel.
If you are using a fish basket or foil, place the fish in it and put it on the grill. If you are using the grill plate be sure to preheat the plate prior to putting the fish on it. Grill the fish approximately 4 to 6 minutes per side, flipping only once. The fish should be browned and cooked through.
Fish fillets are fragile, so do not mess around with them or turn more than once. If you are using a grill plate, when you flip the fish, place it back down on a spot no previously occupied by the fillet. This will help it from sticking.
To test you fish for doneness you can press the fish with your finger. It should break into clean flakes if it is fully cooked. Learning how to grill fish fillets doesn’t have to be complicated, you just need to use the right tools, make sure they are well oiled, and do not mess with the fish fillets too much.
If you are looking for grilling planks, here are the cedar grilling planks that I use. If you want to try using a grill basket, I recommend a flexi basket for fish fillets. The nice thing about them is that are flexible so you can grill more than just fish in them. Here is the basket I use.