How to Store Fresh Fish and Later Barbecue It Perfectly

The taste of freshly grilled fish is matchless, but if you don’t store it correctly the results of your grilling can turn into a nightmare. Fish is delicate, so if you manhandle, it can ruin both the texture and flavour. Fortunately, with proper storage and right grilling techniques, you can transform your fresh catch into a grilled masterpiece!

Storing & prepping

Fresh fish need to be stored under temperature control, so –

If you catch fish, get it on ice at 32°F (0°C).

If you bought a fish from the market, store it in fridge. Take a plate full of crushed ice and place the fish on it, even sprinkle some ice on top before covering it with a plastic wrap loosely.

If you are not grilling within a couple of days, freeze it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap covered with aluminium foil. Set the freezer temperature at 0°F (-18°C) or lower. It will seal the flavour and prevent freezer burn.

On the barbecue day, thaw fish properly – Move it from the freezer to the fridge the night before. You can even submerge the sealed fish in cold water for an hour, if you are in a hurry! No hot water or microwave because it can ruin the texture.

Once the fish is defrosted, take some paper towels and pat it dry. Now, season it with your favourite ingredients including spices and herbs. Allow it to rest for more than twenty minutes before putting it on the grill.

The perfect grill

For true barbecue enthusiasts, the Kamado Joe Big Joe 2 is a game-changer. It mimic the traditional Kamado ceramic grills including thick walls capable to keep the heat stable, ensuring an evenly grilled fish with the signature smoky flavour. Moisture is sealed well inside, so there are no concerns about your fish drying out.

It has a flexible system that allows you to cook at different heat zones, making it easy to sear thick fillets while gently cooking the delicate ones. Its air-tight design makes temperature control easy, so you get a perfectly grilled fish every single time.

Must-have accessories

To take your fish grilling to another level, check out BBQs 2U online retail store for the best accessories.

A good fish basket prevents the delicate fillets from sticking and falling apart.

A grill mat helps to keep smaller seafood like shrimps and scallops from slipping through the grates.

A cast iron searing plate offers that perfect grill marks effortlessly.

Invest in the right tools and make grilling perfect every time.

Grilling like a pro

You have seasoned the fish, so while it is resting fire up your grill.

Preheat the grill for 400°F (200°C), suitable for direct grilling.

Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.

If you are grilling fillets, place it skin-side down and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness.

If it is whole fish, stuff it with fresh herbs and lemon slices. Grill it for 10 to 15 minutes before flipping every time with a spatula.

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. When it reaches 145°F (63°C), it means your fish is ready and will taste delicious.

Time to enjoy your efforts

After your remove the perfectly grilled fish, never be in a haste to slice it. Give it some rest and allow the juices to flow inside. Now, sprinkle some fresh lemon juice and serve it with your favourite side dishes.

These steps will ensure your fish stays fresh and will taste flavorful when grilled strategically later!