Craving a light, healthy, and flavorful meal straight off the grill? This Grilled Lemon Garlic Fresh Catch recipe brings out the best in your favorite local fish. Whether you’ve reeled it in yourself or grabbed a fillet from the market, this quick and easy grilled fish recipe is bursting with citrusy, garlicky goodness. It’s the perfect choice for warm-weather cooking, outdoor dinners, or any seafood lover looking to elevate their grilling game.
Ingredients
- 2 fresh fish fillets (such as snapper, trout, grouper, or mahi-mahi)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
1. Prep the Marinade:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the Fish:
Pat fish fillets dry and place them in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the fillets, ensuring even coating. Marinate for 15–30 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Preheat your grill to medium heat (350–400°F). Lightly oil the grates or use a fish grilling basket to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the Fish:
Place fillets skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temp of 145°F.
5. Serve:
Remove from grill and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve alongside grilled veggies, a rice pilaf, or a fresh summer salad.
Grilling Tips
- Use a wide spatula or grill basket to keep delicate fillets intact.
- Thicker cuts like grouper or halibut hold up well directly on grates.
- Don’t overcook — fish continues cooking slightly after removal.
This Grilled Lemon Garlic Fresh Catch recipe is the definition of fresh, simple, and satisfying. It’s a healthy grilling option that lets the natural flavor of your fish shine through with a bright, zesty twist. Ideal for cookouts, camping, or a beachside meal, this is the seafood grilling recipe you’ll come back to again and again.