Grilling

Grilling adds depth of flavor to delicate meats like fish and other seafood. Whether you use a gas or charcoal grill, this cooking method is an easy way to give home cooked meals robust flavors. To preserve and enhance the likes of fish and seafood, you can coat them with oil to seal their natural flavors. For delicate fish or thin fillets, wrap fish in cornhusks, banana leaves, or aluminum foil — or place them on top of the foil. Place parchment paper in between the fish and the foil to help prevent sticking.

When choosing a fish for barbecuing, it’s important to consider how firm or sturdy it is. It’s best to choose a firm, hearty fish like salmon, swordfish, tuna, snapper, mahi mahi, and milkfish.

When grilling fillets, buy those that have skin on one side, and no bones on the other. The skin will protect the fish from the grill. When you’re ready to cook, brush a little plain cooking oil on the grill and set it 4-6 inches from the source of heat. Arrange the fish so that they have equal access to the heat source. Be sure to put the fish only when the barbecue grill is hot enough. This will prevent the fish from sticking to the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning only once.

Roasting fish is easy and doesn’t demand focused attention.

Brush the fish thoroughly with oil, inside and out. Using an oil with a high smoke point, generously brush the outside of the fish with oil on both sides. Also, briefly brush some oil on the inner cavity of the fish.

Stuff the cavity with your aromatics such as fresh herbs, lemon slices, and garlic. Be sure to stuff the garlic all the way into the cavity of the fish, otherwise, it may burn if left exposed. Choose a heavy roasting or baking dish so that it doesn’t buckle during cooking. To minimize cleaning chores, line the dish with aluminum foil.

Nearly all roasting recipes use 400° to 450°F oven. The high heat colors the top surface of the fish and cooks the flesh quickly without drying it out. If the oven has the convection feature, the cooking time will be about 15 percent shorter.