The 5 Best Types of Fish for Grilling

During the summer months I love grilling as many of my meals as possible. Chicken, steak, veggies, and fish are all on the menu. You name it, I’m probably grilling it. When it comes to meat, grilling is relatively easy: Pick your favorite cut, a marinade or dry rub, and throw it on the grill. Grilling fish is a little trickier. Certain types of fish make better choices than others, and some more delicate fillets just aren’t suited for grilling at all. Firm, hearty fish like salmon, swordfish, tuna, snapper, and mahi mahi holds up great on the grill.

Here’s a guide to help you choose.

Before you even get cooking, you’ve got the best opportunity to prevent your fish from sticking to the grill. The choice of fish will help a lot (more on that below) but so will patting your fish dry on all sides with a paper towel and then coating liberally with a neutral oil. At the grill, make sure your grates are really clean and really hot before you get started.

When choosing a fish for grilling it’s important to consider how firm or sturdy it is. Delicate fish like sole, tilapia, or flounder don’t fare so well on the open flame. They’re more likely to become flakey, break apart or fall through the grates. It’s best to choose a firm, hearty fish, like one of our five favorites below!

All five of these have different things to be aware of in terms of sustainability so make sure to double-check their sourcing and seasonality on the Seafood Watch app or online before buying.

Visit Seafood Watch: Monterey Bay Seafood Watch

Whether you cook it as a steak or a fillet, salmon can withstand the heat of the grill, keeping its distinct flavor and staying together. Also consider grilling salmon on cedar planks for an added flavor twist.

• Recipe: Smoky Salmon BLT’s

Swordfish is my favorite type of fish for grilling! It’s a mild-tasting, firm, meaty fish that holds up great on the grill. You’ll find this fish sold as steaks — cook it whole or cut it up and skewer it.

To me tuna is like steak of the seafood world. It’s so versatile! Tuna steak is thick and hearty, with a distinct flavor. I love giving it a good sear and cooking it just to medium rare.

Snapper is a great mild white fish for grilling. Cook the whole fish or the portioned fillets.

• Recipe: Grilled Whole Snapper – Food & Wine
• Recipe: Grilled Red Snapper with Strawberry and Avocado Salsa – Whole Foods

Mahi mahi, also known as dorado or dolphinfish (not to be confused with the dolphin), is a flavorful white fish. It has a firm texture that makes it wonderful for grilling.

What’s your favorite type of fish to grill?