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Grilled fish is one of the simplest and most satisfying meals you can make. Whether you’re using a gas grill, charcoal, or a pellet grill, fish cooks quickly and picks up amazing flavor from the grill.
These 21 easiest grilled fish recipes use fresh, simple ingredients and minimal prep — great for weeknights, meal prep, or summer cookouts. Each recipe includes a helpful tip to make it even better.
1. Grilled Lemon Garlic Tilapia
Tilapia fillets are brushed with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and parsley, then grilled until flaky and lightly charred.
Quick Tip 💡
Use a fish basket or foil to keep the tilapia from falling apart on the grill.
Get the Grilled Lemon Garlic Tilapia recipe.
2. Easy Cajun Grilled Catfish
Catfish fillets coated with Cajun seasoning and grilled for a spicy, smoky flavor with a crispy exterior.
Quick Tip 💡
Marinate for 15 minutes in lemon juice and olive oil to keep the fish moist and flavorful.
Get the Easy Cajun Grilled Catfish recipe.
3. Simple Grilled Salmon with Dill
Fresh salmon fillets seasoned with salt, pepper, lemon, and fresh dill, then grilled skin-side down for a crispy finish.
Quick Tip 💡
Grill on lemon slices to prevent sticking and add extra citrus flavor.
Get the Simple Grilled Salmon with Dill recipe.
4. Grilled Swordfish Steaks
Firm swordfish steaks brushed with olive oil, garlic, and lemon — a hearty fish that grills like steak.
Quick Tip 💡
Let the fish rest after grilling to retain juices and finish cooking gently.
Get the Grilled Swordfish Steaks recipe.
5. Grilled Mahi-Mahi Tacos
Mahi-mahi fillets are grilled with lime and cumin and then flaked into tortillas with cabbage slaw and crema.
Quick Tip 💡
Rub a little oil directly on the fillets to prevent sticking and get better grill marks.
Get the Grilled Mahi-Mahi Tacos recipe.
6. Garlic Butter Grilled Trout
Whole trout stuffed with lemon slices, herbs, and garlic butter, then wrapped in foil and grilled to juicy perfection.
Quick Tip 💡
Use indirect heat to prevent overcooking the thin skin and delicate flesh.
Get the Garlic Butter Grilled Trout recipe.
7. Grilled Halibut with Mango Salsa
Mild halibut fillets seasoned simply and topped with a fresh mango salsa for a sweet and savory combo.
Quick Tip 💡
Pat the fish dry before grilling to help the outside crisp up nicely.
Get the Grilled Halibut with Mango Salsa recipe.
8. Soy Ginger Grilled Snapper
Red snapper fillets marinated in a soy-ginger sauce and grilled until slightly charred and tender inside.
Quick Tip 💡
Score the skin lightly to keep it from curling up on the grill.
Get the Soy Ginger Grilled Snapper recipe.
9. Grilled Barramundi with Herb Butter
Barramundi fillets grilled until flaky and topped with garlic herb butter for a rich, lemony finish.
Quick Tip 💡
Start with skin-side down and don’t flip too early — wait until it naturally releases.
Get the Grilled Barramundi with Herb Butter recipe.
10. Grilled Tuna Steaks with Sesame Crust
Thick tuna steaks coated in sesame seeds, grilled rare to medium-rare for a sushi-style texture.
Quick Tip 💡
Sear on high heat for 1–2 minutes per side to avoid overcooking.
Get the Grilled Tuna Steaks with Sesame Crust recipe.
11. Chili Lime Grilled Cod
Cod fillets marinated in lime juice, chili powder, and cumin, then grilled in foil to hold their shape.
Quick Tip 💡
Add sliced onions and peppers to the foil pack for a complete meal.
Get the Chili Lime Grilled Cod recipe.
12. Grilled Sardines with Lemon and Olive Oil
Whole sardines seasoned with salt and olive oil, grilled quickly over high heat, and finished with fresh lemon.
Quick Tip 💡
Grill on a fish rack to make flipping easier and avoid flare-ups.
Get the Grilled Sardines with Lemon and Olive Oil recipe.
13. Grilled Fish Skewers
Chunks of firm fish like swordfish or halibut threaded onto skewers with veggies, then grilled for a fun, easy meal.
Quick Tip 💡
Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Get the Grilled Fish Skewers recipe.
14. Grilled Flounder in Foil Packets
Delicate flounder fillets grilled in foil with lemon, butter, and herbs for a light, mess-free dish.
Quick Tip 💡
Add a splash of white wine or broth inside the foil for extra moisture and flavor.
Get the Grilled Flounder in Foil Packets recipe.
15. Blackened Grilled Grouper
Grouper fillets coated with blackening seasoning and grilled hot for a charred crust and juicy center.
Quick Tip 💡
Press the seasoning gently into the fish before grilling for better flavor and texture.
Get the Blackened Grilled Grouper recipe.
16. Grilled Tilapia Tostadas
Grilled tilapia flaked over crispy tostadas with avocado, slaw, and spicy crema — simple and packed with flavor.
Quick Tip 💡
Grill the tortillas too for extra crispness and a smoky finish.
Get the Grilled Tilapia Tostadas recipe.
17. Grilled Lemon Basil Sea Bass
Sea bass fillets brushed with lemon-basil marinade and grilled until lightly golden and fork-tender.
Quick Tip 💡
Serve over a bed of grilled veggies or quinoa for a full meal.
Get the Grilled Lemon Basil Sea Bass recipe.
18. Grilled Pesto Trout Fillets
Boneless trout fillets grilled skin-side down and brushed with pesto just before finishing for a herby, nutty burst.
Quick Tip 💡
Avoid flipping the fillets — cook skin-side down the whole time to protect the fish.
Get the Grilled Pesto Trout Fillets recipe.
19. Mediterranean Grilled Branzino
Whole branzino stuffed with lemon, oregano, and garlic, then grilled until crispy outside and tender inside.
Quick Tip 💡
Score the sides before stuffing so flavors soak into the flesh as it cooks.
Get the Mediterranean Grilled Branzino recipe.
20. Spicy Grilled Catfish Po’Boy
Cajun-spiced grilled catfish fillets served on toasted hoagie rolls with lettuce, tomato, and remoulade sauce.
Quick Tip 💡
Toast the bread on the grill for extra flavor and structure.
Get the Spicy Grilled Catfish Po’Boy recipe.
21. Grilled Fish with Chimichurri Sauce
Any white fish grilled simply and topped with a bright, herby chimichurri for a fresh, bold finish.
Quick Tip 💡
Make the chimichurri a few hours ahead so the flavors meld and deepen.
