8 Grilled Fish Recipes to Fire Up Healthy Meals

May 25, 2024

Courtesy of Hey Grill Hey

When we think about grilling, chicken, burgers, and vegetables often come to mind. But the smokiness of the grill can do wonders for all kinds of fish as well. The next time you’re planning to fire up the grill, turn to these healthy grilled fish recipes and make a meal that’s tasty, full of protein, and rich in minerals, too.

You asked: How long should you grill fish?

Though it depends somewhat on how meaty the fish is, in general, plan to grill it for 7 to 10 minutes per inch. So if you have a piece of fish that’s an inch thick, you would grill it for 3 to 5 minutes per side. Plan to turn it only once to reduce the chance of it falling apart.

Here’s an array of grilled fish recipes so you can enjoy just about any type you like.

1. Honey Soy Glazed Salmon

Courtesy of Cheerful Choices

Omega 3–rich salmon is always a crowd pleaser, and here a honey-soy glaze with ginger and garlic ups the wow factor. You marinate the fish in half of the glaze before grilling, then brush the rest on after it comes off the grill to maximize the flavor.

Try this recipe from Cheerful Choices.

2. Grilled Halibut

Courtesy of Girls Can Grill

Grilling mild, meaty, lean halibut on top of sliced tangerines keeps it from sticking and infuses it with citrus flavor. The shallot-butter-herb sauce has more tangerine zest and juice in it. If you can’t find tangerines at your local market, swap in oranges, grapefruit, or lemons.

Try this recipe from Girls Can Grill.

3. Garlic Herb Grilled Tuna Steak

Courtesy of Le Creme de la Crumb

The marinade really makes these tuna steaks sing. With garlic, cilantro, parsley, cumin, and smoked paprika, it lends deep flavor that’s set off even more by the smokiness of the grill. Try it on tuna belly or swordfish steaks, too.

Try this recipe from Le Creme de la Crumb.

4. Grilled Arctic Char with Maple Dijon Glaze

Courtesy of Kristina Vanni

Arctic char is similar to salmon and trout, with plenty of healthy omega 3 fats and a delicate flavor that stands up well to the bold glaze in this recipe. WIth just Dijon mustard, maple syrup, lemon, and a little butter, the glaze couldn’t be simpler, but it really brings the flavor.

Try this recipe from Kristina Vanni.

5. Grilled Branzino

Courtesy of Feasting at Home

Branzino, a Mediterranean sea bass, has a delicate flaky texture that grills up beautifully. Its mild, slightly sweet flavor pairs beautifully with an herby sauce. The recipe calls for preserved lemons, which are whole lemons soaked in salty brine until they soften and become deeply infused with flavor. If you can’t find them, add lemon zest and salt to the recipe instead.

Try this recipe from Feasting at Home.

6. Grilled Red Snapper

Courtesy of This Healthy Table

Red snapper’s firm, mild flesh has a light sweetness and almost nutty flavor. This recipe couldn’t be easier: Simply brush the snapper with olive oil, coat it in a Cajun seasoning blend, grill, and get ready to devour it. A simple side like grilled asparagus or a green salad would make the perfect accompaniment.

Try this recipe from This Healthy Table.

7. Grilled Swordfish with Mango Salsa

Courtesy of Recipe Girl

Here’s a splashy, colorful dish that will convert even the most skeptical fish-resisters. Grill ultra-meaty swordfish steaks alongside sliced pineapple. Serve both with a generous spoonful of mango salsa on top, which has cilantro, red onion, and jalapeno, too. Add some avocado to the salsa, too, if you like.

Try this recipe from Recipe Girl.

8. Grilled Mahi Mahi

Courtesy of Hey Grill Hey

Blackening seasoning and a little butter are all you need to make this grilled mahi mahi super-flavorful. Along with omega 3 fats, protein, and vitamin B12, mahi mahi is a good source of selenium, a mineral that supports thyroid function and may help fight off certain types of cancer.

Try this recipe from Hey Grill Hey.