Salmon, snapper, swordfish—the possibilities for grilled fish are endless based on preparation method, seasonings, marinades and personal tastes, but that doesn’t mean every type of fish is good for the grill. Certain fish are better left to the indoor chef and alternative cooking methods. Fish types like cod, tilapia and flounder may be too delicate to toss on the grill. However, there are plenty of other varieties that are able to stand up to both the intense heat and smoky flavor of the grill, and we think you should make them! You can start with our top five favorites:
Tuna
Nope, we’re not talking about the funky smelling canned stuff here. We’re talking about thick, fresh cuts of tuna steaks that you can season liberally and throw on the grill without worrying it’ll fall through the grates. Try it with Asian Grilled Tuna with Wasabi Aioli.
Snapper
A hearty red snapper may become your new summertime go-to. This restaurant-worthy white fish can take on the grill even when cooked whole. The skin helps to prevent the meat from getting overcooked so it’s pretty much foolproof. Try it with Grilled Creole Snapper.
Salmon
The oily fish has become quite the staple in American households thanks to its versatility and health benefits. Its distinct flavor lends itself well to the smokiness of the grill and can be seasoned to your liking. Try it with Lemon-Herb Salmon Foil Packs or Grilled Salmon and Pineapple with Maple-Soy Sauce.
Mahi-mahi
Mahi-mahi is a dolphin fish, but don’t worry, it has no relation to your favorite aquatic mammal. Not only is this seafood one of the more sustainable options out there, it’s also meaty and delicately flavored. Try it with this recipe for grilled mahi-mahi.
Swordfish
Of all the types of fish you could grill, swordfish is arguably your best bet. It’s firm which means you’ll get great grill marks and better yet, it tastes great, no matter if you go simple with seasoning, olive oil and lemon, or go all out, like we did with these Sweet-and-Sour Grilled Swordfish Kabobs.