Fish might not be your first choice for a summer barbecue, but when you learn about its health benefits, you’ll soon add it to your favorites list.
Fish is a traditional grilled ingredient, thanks to a wide availability around the world.
Even if you live miles from a fishing spot, you can guarantee that you’ll find fresh frozen fish in your local supermarket or specialty grocer.
Grilling is one of the healthiest ways to cook fish. Let’s take a look at the reasons why.
What Makes Fish a Healthy Grilling Alternative?
Fish fillets are easy to cook and typically cook faster than dogs, burgers, and steaks.
Fish is high in protein and low in unhealthy fat.
Most varieties are high in Omega 3 fatty acids, which are the type that you should want to incorporate into your diet.
Omega 3 acids help to support brain function and development.
By grilling fish instead of the more popular alternatives, you can lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Some studies even show that Omega 3 acids can help to protect against cancer, arthritis, depression, and dementia.
You can get Omega 3 from supplements, but fish is a much better alternative because you’ll enjoy the wonderful flavor with plenty of clean protein.
Fish is healthy for the reasons stated above, and cooking on a grill is the best way to incorporate fish into your diet.
Unlike frying, you won’t introduce cooking oil and the calories that come with it.
Grilling is fast and efficient, and it will produce a more flavorful meal that your whole family can enjoy.
If you’ve never enjoyed fish hot off the grill, we have some tips to make your first experience a success.
How to Bring Out The Best Flavor in Grilled Fish
Tuna, snapper, and salmon are the best varieties to cook on the grill.
- Tuna steaks are delicious on the grill. You don’t need to marinate tuna to get an amazing flavor. A basic salt and pepper rub will work well. Grill thick tuna steaks so that the outsides are seared, leaving a delicious pink interior. The tenderness and rich flavor of tuna make it perfect as a substitute for beef steak.
- Snapper is a fresh and light fish. It is perfect for an acidic marinade based on lemon. Combine lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Bathe the fish in the juice for 15 minutes before grilling at a high temperature, flipping the fish once as its color starts to change to white.
- Salmon responds well to high temperatures on the grill. You only need a couple of minutes on each side of the fish to cook it perfectly. You can cook salmon with just salt and pepper. For a more complex flavor, combine scallions, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce into a marinade and bathe the fish for an hour before grilling.
Use fish next time you’re grilling, and enjoy the light and healthy flavor that you’ve been missing out on.
Whether you’re trying to reduce the fat in your diet, or if you simply want to try something new, fish is an ingredient that you shouldn’t ignore.