All We Are Saying, Is Give Fish A Chance (on the Grill)
It’s time to close out the last unofficial weekend of summer with a cookout. There is nothing wrong with a good burger, but if you’ve grilled enough of America’s favorite food this summer to become an honorary member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, perhaps it time to try something different.
Due to its delicate nature, fish — especially the boneless fillet — can be a might tricky for the grilling novice, but it’s entirely doable. A fish basket or grate is an inexpensive way to guarantee success, but it can be done without any special equipment.
It’s best to use an oil-based marinade on fillets before cooking to make certain the fish does not dry out or stick to your grate or basket. Any flaky white fish will work in this recipe, but I like to use cod loin. Cut from the middle third of the fillet, it is shorter and thicker and a tad easier to handle.
- 2 Cod loin fillets
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice or white wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ Old Bays Seasoning or paprika
- 1 avocado cut in ½ inch pieces
- 1-2 tomatoes coarsely chopped in ½ inch pieces
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 1 - 4-ounce can of green chilies drained and chopped
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- salt to taste
- Press garlic clove with the salt, using the side of your knife to create a paste.
- Mix the garlic paste with lemon juice (or white wine vinegar), olive oil, parsley and black pepper.
- Rinse the fillets with cold water and blot dry with a paper towel.
- Spoon the marinade over both sides of the fish fillets.
- Cover and let rest in the refrigerator for thirty minutes to one hour, turning halfway through.
- Gently mixing all ingredients and leave at room temperature for flavors to develop.
- Preheat grill to high heat.
- Once hot, thoroughly coat the grate with cooking oil to prevent the fish from sticking. A folded paper towel dipped in cooking oil works well. (If you are using a fish basket, spray thoroughly with cooking spray, place the fish in the basket and fasten shut.)
- Grill fish until lightly brown and gently flip once. It should take about 5 to 7 minutes per side. Cook fish until opaque and no longer translucent.
- Serve with avocado relish.
How adventurous are you on the grill? —Karen