17 Grilled Fish Recipes for Your Summer Rotation
Grilled fish has a reputation problem: people think it’s delicate, fussy, and destined to stick to the grates. It’s too bad, because when done right, fish is one of the fastest, most rewarding things you can cook on a grill.
From rich, meaty cuts like swordfish and salmon to more delicate fillets like snapper and flounder, fish thrives over high heat—developing a smoky char while staying tender and flaky inside. The key is a hot grill (gas, charcoal, or even an indoor grill pan), a little confidence, and a few reliable techniques. Need a crash course? Our guide to grilling fish will walk you through the fundamentals.
This collection brings together our favorite grilled fish recipes, organized from quick weeknight dinners to crowd-pleasing centerpieces. With quick-cooking fillets with streamlined marinades, sturdy fish steaks with bright herb finishes, and celebratory whole-fish dishes, grilled fish stops feeling like a special occasion dish and settles easily into your summer rotation.
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Taneka Morris, Prop Styling by Gerri K. Williams1/17Grilled Halibut With Basil-Shallot Butter
Photo by Emma Fishman, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou, Prop Styling by Elizabeth Jaime2/17Grilled Swordfish With Tomatoes
Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Susie Theodorou, prop styling by Amy Wilson4/17Grilled Red Snapper With Green Beans and Lime
Photograph by Emma Fishman, prop styling by Emma Ringness, food styling by Mieko Takahashi5/17Easiest Grilled Salmon
Photograph by Isa Zapata, food styling by Kendra Vaculin, prop styling by Gözde Eker6/17Grilled Party Salmon With Green Romesco
Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Susie Theodorou, prop styling by Amy Wilson7/17Grilled Salt-and-Pepper Black Bass with Curry Verde
Photo by Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriott, food styling by Andy Baraghani, prop styling by Kalen Kaminski8/17Grilled Red Mullet with Charred Onions and Pine Nuts
Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, prop styling by Amy Wilson9/17Grilled Spiced Snapper With Mango and Red Onion Salad
Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Susie Theodorou, prop styling by Amy Wilson11/17Grilled Swordfish With Tomatoes and Oregano
An Italian-leaning take on swordfish, with a summery marinade and toasted pine nuts for texture. Served over ripe tomatoes, it’s simple, structured, and deeply satisfying.
Photographs by Laura Murray, food styling by Simon Andrews, prop styling by Sophie Strangio12/17Grilled Flatfish With Spoon Sauce
Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Susie Theodorou, prop styling by Amy Wilson14/17Grilled Crispy-Skinned Salmon With Whole Lemon-Sesame Sauce
Rich salmon meets its match in a bright, nutty sauce made from whole lemon, sesame, and aromatics. The fish cooks quickly—just enough time to crisp the skin while keeping the flesh tender.
Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, prop styling by Amy Wilson16/17Grilled Swordfish With Charred Leeks and Citrus
Charred leeks are the sleeper hit here—grilled until deeply caramelized and meltingly tender. Combined with citrus and olives, they turn swordfish into something bright and layered.
