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Crispy Grilled Fish Recipe Easy Cheaper Than Restaurant Quality

crispy grilled fish recipe - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy grilled fish with golden crackly skin and juicy flesh, using simple pantry ingredients and a secret cornstarch dusting for restaurant-quality results at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 fish fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each) – firm white fish like cod, tilapia, or snapper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt (Maldon flakes recommended)
  • Β½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Β½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)
  • Fresh herbs (optional, such as parsley or cilantro, chopped)

Instructions

  1. Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
  2. Place fillets in a large bowl. Drizzle olive oil over them and rub gently but thoroughly.
  3. In a small bowl, mix sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and lemon zest.
  4. Sprinkle seasoning evenly over the fish fillets.
  5. Lightly dust each fillet with cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
  6. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400Β°F / 200Β°C). Oil the grill grates with a brush.
  7. Place fish fillets skin side down on the grill. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until edges turn opaque and skin crisps.
  8. Carefully flip fillets using a fish spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
  9. Transfer fish to a warm plate, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
  10. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat fish dry thoroughly to ensure crispiness. Lightly dusting with cornstarch is key to achieving golden, crackly skin. Avoid flipping fish multiple times; flip only once. If fish sticks to the grill, wait longer before flipping. Let fish rest for 1-2 minutes off the grill before serving to lock in juices. For gluten-free alternative, substitute cornstarch with potato starch or rice flour. If no grill is available, use a hot cast-iron skillet or broiler for similar results.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy grilled fish, grilled fish recipe, easy fish recipe, quick dinner, healthy fish, summer grilling, seafood, gluten-free fish