24 Grilled Fish Recipes to Make with Your Catch of the Day
When you've overdone the barbecue chicken and char-broiled burgers, it's time to try grilled fish recipes. Charred, smoky and extra flaky, you'll want to add fish to tacos, salads and summer rice bowls.
Hosting a summer barbecue but need a break from the burgers and steaks? Try fish instead! Each of these grilled fish recipes is light, flavorful and perfectly flaky. Once cooked, you can add the meat to your favorite taco recipes, plate it over bowls of garlic spaghetti or flake the fish into a vegetable-filled rice bowl.
It’s common to be intimated by grilled fish, but it’ll seem as easy as grilling hot dogs once you get a feel for it. For crispy fish, choose a thick cut with firm flesh that won’t fall apart on the grill. Smaller cuts of fish or varieties with more delicate flesh can be cooked in foil packs. Keeping the skin on the fish will also hold it together, and you can remove the skin after it’s cooked. Keep the heat high to infuse smoky flavor and prevent the fish from getting too soft.
Pair your grilled fish with chilled white wine or sweet and fruity patio drinks like lime rickeys or blueberry mojitos.
1/24
Grilled Salmon Fillets
From the Recipe Creator:
The grill is a perfect cooking method for salmon. The smokiness is a subtle way to amp up salmon’s mild flavor, and the high heat creates a delicious charred finish. —Lindsay Mattison, Hillsboro, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 268 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat.
2/24
Grilled Salmon Steaks
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a terrific way to fix grilled salmon steaks, and it’s so easy to do. The marinade mellows the fish flavor, and the dill sauce is a wonderful complement. I once served this recipe to 12 people from the Pacific Northwest who declared it was the best salmon they’d ever eaten! —Deb Essen, Victor, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 steak: 387 calories, 23g fat (4g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 857mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein.
3/24
Spicy Plum Salmon
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this sweet and spicy salmon after being challenged to use healthier ingredients. The fresh plum sauce really complements the smoky grilled fish. —Cheryl Hochstettler, Richmond, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/2 plum and 2 tablespoons sauce: 325 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 460mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fruit, 1/2 fat.
4/24
Marinade for Salmon
From the Recipe Creator:
"This is the perfect thing to make for a speedy, healthy meal. I sometimes prepare the marinade in the morning and put the salmon in when I get home from work, and within 30 minutes, they're sizzling on the grill. Add a salad and dinner's ready!"
Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, TX
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 351 calories, 22g fat (4g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 202mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein.
Here is a list of some grilled salad recipes to serve with a side of grill marks.
5/24
Halibut Fish Tacos
From the Recipe Creator:
This warm-weather favorite is quick, colorful and full of nutrients. I sometimes serve the fish wrapped in lettuce instead of tortillas. Either way, the mango salsa tastes amazing with the grilled halibut. —Kristin Kossak, Bozeman, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco with 1/3 cup mango salsa: 330 calories, 12g fat (1g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 648mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
6/24
Steamed Tilapia in Wine Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
I developed this recipe while working at a local winery. Fast and easy to prepare, it became an instant classic at my house. I use a lively dry pear wine in the sauce and recommend avoiding those wines that are sweet or semisweet. —Tenneille Brewer, Fayette, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 packet: 281 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 717mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
7/24
Grilled Salmon in Foil
From the Recipe Creator:
Steamed in its own juices, this grilled salmon in foil is incredibly tender. Curry adds a punch of flavor that's perfectly balanced by onion and tomato. —Merideth Berkovich, The Dalles, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 packet: 199 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 436mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
8/24
Grilled Barbecued Salmon
From the Recipe Creator:
For a beautiful blend of sweet and spicy, this salmon is grilled and basted with barbecue sauce enhanced by brown sugar and hints of chili, soy sauce and lime.—Country Woman Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 383 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 915mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein.
9/24
Tilapia Florentine Foil Packets
From the Recipe Creator:
I love fish and serving healthy food to my family. This is a winner in my house! —Shanna Belz, Prineville, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 packet: 233 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 453mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
10/24
Bourbon-Glazed Salmon
From the Recipe Creator:
This bourbon-glazed salmon is ready in minutes and requires only a handful of ingredients. Pair it with a green salad and couscous to have the perfect meal. If you don't like the taste of bourbon, you can use cola or brewed coffee. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 384 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 725mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein.
11/24
Grilled Salmon Fillet
From the Recipe Creator:
Growing up on a family-owned resort, I was expected to help around the kitchen. This grilled salmon fillet recipe became my specialty. —Paul Noetzel, Grafton, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked salmon: 193 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 163mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
12/24
Martha's Fish Tacos
From the Recipe Creator:
We can’t get enough barbecued fish at our house. This recipe can be made ahead and served cold, or you can eat it hot off the grill. It’s fantastic either way! —Martha Benoit, Proctorsville, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 446 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 650mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 19g protein.
13/24
Cedar Plank Salmon with Blackberry Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's my go-to entree for a warm-weather cookout. The salmon has a rich, grilled taste that's enhanced by the savory blackberry sauce. It's a nice balance of sweet, smoky and spicy. —Stephanie Matthews, Tempe, AZ
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 2 tablespoons sauce: 304 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 186mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
14/24
Grilled Mahi Mahi
From the Recipe Creator:
Instead of grilling the usual hamburgers or chicken breasts, prepare this grilled mahi mahi and reel in raves! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/4 cup salsa: 195 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 204mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fruit.
15/24
Grilled Catfish
From the Recipe Creator:
The Cajun flavor is great in this skillet-grilled catfish recipe. You can use this recipe with any thick fish fillet, but I suggest catfish or haddock. —Traci Wynne, Denver, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 222 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 366mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
16/24
Grilled Tuna Steak
From the Recipe Creator:
Grilled tuna steak recipes aren't limited to restaurants. After enjoying yellowfin tuna in southwest Florida, I came up with this recipe so I could enjoy the flavor of my favorite fish at home. —Jan Huntington, Painesville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 218 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 211mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 40g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
17/24
Grilled Halibut with Blueberry Salsa
From the Recipe Creator:
Give halibut a new summery spin. The salsa may seem sophisticated, but it’s really a cinch to prepare. —Donna Goutermont, Juneau, Alaska
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/3 cup salsa: 239 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 521mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
18/24
Grilled Tilapia with Mango
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a new twist on tilapia that I created for my wife. She enjoys the combination of mango with Parmesan. Somehow it tastes even better outside on the deck with a cold glass of iced tea. —Gregg May, Columbus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 213 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 377mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
19/24
Maple-Balsamic Salmon
From the Recipe Creator:
I have a few good recipes for family-favorite, heart-healthy salmon, but this one is always a hit. I serve it this way at least once a week and sometimes more! —David Krisko of Becker, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 266 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 218mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
20/24
Grilled Campfire Trout Dinner
From the Recipe Creator:
Your fresh catch will taste even better with this simple treatment that keeps the fish moist. Carrots are an excellent accompaniment; cook up in a separate foil packet. —Wendy McGowan, Fontana, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 362 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 530mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 44g protein.
21/24
Firecracker Grilled Salmon
From the Recipe Creator:
Let this sensational firecracker salmon perk up dinner tonight. With a super flavorful glaze that kicks you right in the taste buds, this weeknight dish is anything but boring. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, AL
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 306 calories, 18g fat (4g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 367mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat.
22/24
Tuna Teriyaki Kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to barbecue but don't always want a heavy dinner. These are perfect in the spring, and you'll have room for dessert! —Holly Battiste, Barrington, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 tuna kabob and 1 vegetable kabob: 389 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 444mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 45g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
23/24
The Ultimate Fish Tacos
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is my favorite meal to prepare. Adding my own personal touch to the marinade makes my fish tacos pop with flavor. I warm corn tortillas on the grill and add salsa, cilantro, purple cabbage and fresh squeezed lime. —Yvonne Molina, Moreno Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 284 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 278mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
24/24
Lemon-Dijon Grilled Salmon Foil Packet
From the Recipe Creator:
My family enjoys this healthy salmon recipe very much, which makes it a winner in my book. The capers really give it a burst of flavor. And since the salmon is grilled in foil, there's almost no cleanup! —Bonnie McGuire, Sunnyvale, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 packet: 225 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 359mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat.
Grilled Fish FAQ
What fish is best for grilling?
The best types of fish for grilling are thick and firm like salmon, sea bass and halibut. This lowers the chances of your dinner falling apart and slipping through the grill grates. Opt for types of fish that have a mild flavor because they will soak up flavors from your chosen seasonings or marinade recipes. Finally, look for fish with a higher fat content because it will withstand high heat and stay moist.
Do you need to flip fish when grilling?
Yes, plan to flip your fish once while grilling. You’ll want to grill each side for three to four minutes for a 1-inch thick fish filet. Be patient when flipping your fish. Allow it to naturally release from the grill grates, rather than forcing the flip. This helps your fish stay together rather than falling apart. Seasoning your grill grates is another useful tip to keep them nonstick (just like seasoning a cast-iron skillet!).
What should you serve with grilled fish recipes?
For grilled white fish, go with tried and true side dishes like potato pancakes or hush puppies. Seasoned white rice or lemony orzo pasta salad elevates salmon and tuna recipes. Grilled vegetables and crunchy coleslaw recipes help vary the textures and colors on your backyard barbecue spread too.
