Description
Learn how to make Garlic Butter Grilled Fish with this easy and flavorful recipe. Juicy, tender fish is enhanced by a rich garlic butter sauce, grilled to perfection for a smoky, aromatic meal. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is simple to follow and adaptable to various fish types and tastes.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Seasonings
- 4 fresh firm white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or halibut)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Optional spices: ¼ tsp smoked paprika or red pepper flakes
Garlic Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3–4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: Melt unsalted butter in a small pan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook gently until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in chopped parsley, a pinch of salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Keep warm while grilling.
- Preheat and Oil the Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with olive oil or use a grill basket to prevent sticking. Ensure grill is hot for even cooking and good grill marks.
- Season and Oil the Fish: Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper. Brush olive oil on both sides to protect the flesh during grilling and enhance flavor.
- Grill the Fish: Place fish fillets on the hot grill. Avoid moving them to develop a nice char. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side (adjust according to thickness) until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Baste with Garlic Butter: In the last minute of grilling, brush the garlic butter generously over the fish to seal in moisture and impart rich garlic flavor.
- Rest and Serve: Remove fish from the grill and let rest for a couple of minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve immediately with an extra drizzle of garlic butter on top.
Notes
- Use firm, flaky fish with skin on if possible to prevent fillets from falling apart on the grill.
- Avoid overcooking; fish continues to cook off the heat so slightly undercook it for best tenderness.
- Keep garlic butter warm to help it spread easily and penetrate the fish better.
- Use a thin, flexible fish spatula to flip delicate fillets without breaking them.
- Clean and oil grill grates thoroughly to avoid sticking and tearing the fish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: garlic butter grilled fish, grilled fish recipe, easy fish recipe, healthy grilled fish, weeknight dinner, garlic butter sauce
