How to Keep Fish from Sticking to the Grill? Chefs Swear By These 8 Tips!

Do you like grilled fish? And does it happen to you that it sticks on the grille? Do you want to know the 8 secrets and tips of chefs to keep fish from sticking to the grill? There are super simple, but really effective techniques for successful grilling!

How to Keep Fish from Sticking to the Grill?

Ah, grilling! In summer, it is a real ritual that we all look forward to! Whether it’s steaks, chicken or grilled vegetables, the result is always finger-lickin’ good! And yet, when it comes to preparing fish, things get a little complicated… No, it’s not because the fish isn’t good, quite the contrary and I’m sure you love grilled salmon! But! Fish sticks – especially when it’s a whole fish or fillets. And although I love eating fish, I have always been very reluctant when it comes to preparing it on the grill, until a friend, who is also a chef, taught me these techniques. So, are you ready to find out how to keep fish from sticking to the grill while preparing it?

To Keep Fish from Sticking to the Grill, Clean the Grid Well Before You Start!

Even though it seems obvious, we all tend to skip this step. However, working with clean, well-prepared equipment is essential to the final result. And, don’t worry, that doesn’t mean scrubbing your grid so hard to make it look like new. A little soap and water is all that’s needed to get it in good condition. However, if any of the seasoning from your subsequent grilling has accumulated on it, it might even help to keep fish from sticking to the grill!

Pro Tip: Get into the habit of cleaning your grill before each use rather than afterwards, when you’re in a hurry to eat what you’ve just prepared. And if you heat up the grill beforehand, it will make the process even easier: 15 minutes for a gas grill and 5 minutes or more for a charcoal barbecue.

“Season” the Grid to Prevent Fish from Sticking

Yes, yes, you read very well! To keep fish from sticking to the grill, you need to season it first! Once you’ve cleaned it well, it’s time to prepare it as you would your frying pan. What do I mean by that? Start by heating the grill and oiling your grid using a paper towel. The goal is to manage to create a polymer layer that will keep the fish from sticking. Generally speaking, between 5 and 6 repetitions every 20 seconds are all you need to oil your metal grids properly.

Oil the Fish Well Before Grilling

Grilling is a high-temperature cooking technique. It is therefore recommended to use appropriate oils, for example peanut oil or grapeseed oil. Use them to prepare the fish before cooking by oiling it well. Oil the grid just before starting so that the fish does not stick to the grill.

Leave the Skin On When Grilling Fish

Leaving the skin on the fish when grilling it is a very good trick that I learned from my chef friend. It is precisely the skin that helps to keep the meat from falling apart and sticking to the grid. And don’t forget to leave room between the fillets for better cooking.

Use Aluminum Foil

Aluminum foil can be used to wrap the meat and create a barrier between the fish and the grid, preventing it from sticking to it. The taste doesn’t change, and you can even season with mayonnaise and spices for a delicious result!

Lemon Slices

Experienced chefs swear by this technique: using lemon slices to create another kind of physical barrier between the meat and the grill! You will need a few slices of lemon or other citrus fruit placed on the grid. Then lay the fish on top and grill it as usual. The added bonus of this tip? The citrus juice gives the meat a fruity, acidic taste. Yummy!

Wooden Plank

A wooden plank is an excellent way to grill fish without it sticking to the grate, and give it a great smoky taste at the same time. Cedar or cherry wood planks are recommended as these are aromatic woods. The method can be used for all types of fish, even the most delicate ones, making it perfect for beginners!