How to Grill Whole Fish

Grilling a whole fish adds a unique smoky flavor, adding an arugula salad provides a refreshing and vibrant contrast. So, roll with me as I take you through the steps of preparing this delicious grilled red snapper with arugula salad.

Step 1: Preparing the Grill

First things first, I always go for the best when it comes to grilling, which is why I use Cowboy brand natural briquettes. To get the fire going, I rely on my trusty Cowboy fire starters. After lighting up the charcoal, I let it heat up for about 15 minutes until it's ready to go.

Step 2: Preparing the Red Snapper

Now, let's talk about the star of the show—the red snapper. I've got a three-pound red snapper that's already been gutted, scaled, and had its fins removed. This makes the prep work a breeze. To prevent the fish from sticking to the grill, I generously coat it with some avocado oil. Then, I season it inside and out with salt and pepper, keeping it simple yet flavorful.

Step 3: Adding Flavors

To enhance the flavors of the red snapper, I insert slices of lemon and a few sprigs of thyme into its cavity. This adds a delightful citrusy aroma and a subtle hint of herbs to the fish.

Step 4: Grilling the Red Snapper

Once my grill reaches medium-high heat, it's time to grill the red snapper. I carefully place it directly over the coals. I let it cook for about six to seven minutes per side, making sure to flip it only when it easily releases from the grate. This ensures a perfectly grilled exterior and tender, flaky flesh inside.

Step 5: Preparing the Arugula Salad

While the fish is grilling, I prepare a refreshing arugula salad. In a bowl, I combine fresh arugula, the juice of half a lemon, a fourth of a cup of olive oil, and some shaved Parmesan cheese. The resulting salad is vibrant, zesty, and serves as the perfect bed for the grilled red snapper.

Step 6: Plating and Serving

With the fish cooked to perfection, it's time to plate and serve. I place the grilled red snapper on top of the bed of arugula salad, allowing the flavors to meld together. A squeeze of grilled lemon juice adds a tangy kick that complements the fish and salad beautifully.

Conclusion

Grilling a whole red snapper is an incredible way to elevate your summer grilling game. In this blog article, I've shared my firsthand experience and steps for grilling a red snapper to perfection, along with creating a vibrant arugula salad. The tender, smoky fish paired with the refreshing salad and tangy grilled lemon is a nice explosion of flavors. So, pick up a red snapper, some greens, and get grilling!