Grilling Fish and Shellfish: A Guide to Different Methods

by | Jan 13, 2023

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Ingredients

Whether a novice or a seasoned griller, adding fish and shellfish to your grilled meal can take it up a notch.

But how do you make sure that your seafood is cooked just right? Knowing the pros and cons of different grilling methods will help you achieve the perfect balance between flavour and texture.

Let’s break down what you need to know before grilling seafood.

 

Charcoal Grilling

Charcoal grills are great for getting that smoky flavour in your fish and shellfish dishes. The high heat of these grills also helps keep the fish from sticking to the grate, so you don’t have to worry about losing any delicious seafood goodness. Plus, charcoal grills are relatively easy to clean up after use.

However, charcoal grills do require more time and effort than other types of grills because they need time to heat up before use.

Additionally, if not monitored carefully, these high-heat grills can cause some foods to burn quickly, so careful attention must be paid while cooking with this type of grill.

 

Gas Grilling

Gas grills are ideal for those who want convenience without sacrificing flavour. These grills heat up quickly, in as little as 10 minutes, and provide steady heat throughout the cooking duration. This helps ensure even cooking no matter where your food is placed on the grill.

Gas grills are also incredibly easy to clean due to their removable parts and non-stick surfaces.

One downside of gas grilling is that it removes some of the smokiness that comes with charcoal-grilled dishes. Those who want an intense smoky flavour may want more when using gas for their seafood recipes.

This issue can be remedied by purchasing special wood chips or pellets specifically designed for gas cookers or utilising pre-smoked products such as smoked salmon or smoked oysters.

 

Electric Grilling 

Electric grills are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and ease of use; all you have to do is plug them in and turn on the switch! Plus, electric models come in many sizes ranging from small countertop units all the way up to large outdoor models that rival traditional charcoal or gas options in size and cooking abilities (temperature control).

Electric models also provide an even heating pattern across each surface area, ensuring an even cook throughout each piece of seafood every single time. Lastly, electric models are much easier on your wallet and the environment since they don’t require any fuel sources (charcoal or propane).

The main downside with electric models is that they don’t offer the same smokiness as charcoal or gas models; however, this issue can easily be remedied by purchasing special wood chips made specifically for electric cookers or using pre-smoked products like smoked salmon or smoked oysters instead.

Additionally, electric models tend to take longer than other types when heating up, so plan accordingly when setting your cooking timeline.

 

Conclusion

Choosing the right grill for fish and shellfish can initially seem daunting, but with a bit of knowledge about each option’s pros and cons, it’s simple.

No matter what type you choose, having a good understanding of each will help ensure success when it comes to dinner.

So get out there, grab some fresh seafood ingredients from Harley & John’s Seafood – then fire up whichever type fits best into your lifestyle.