Are you a fish lover and wondering how you can grill fish on your sailboat? Then this article is written just for you! After a lovely day of sailing, nothing compares to firing up the grill! Seafood and fish are one of the food choices for grilling on your sailboat, and more suitable while sailing on the sea. From simple cod fillets to shrimp, redfish, seabass, oysters, and more are, they’re all perfect for cooking over hot coals. You can either buy fish from the countries and places you’re visiting or even catch your own. With the right gear and access to the sea, you can catch fish or seafood and cook up a great meal!

Grilling Equipment

In the same way that we grill on land, you can also grill on a sailboat. Boat grills come in three basic forms: Electric, gas, and charcoal. If you have a reliable source of AC power onboard, like from a generator, then an electric grill is possible too. Electric grills are a permanent and safe installation, though costly. Gas or propane is less costly, yet less safe. Apart from the heat, propane is heavier than air, so don’t ever use a gas grill above a companionway or an open locker. Charcoal is the traditional method of grilling the fish but also has some disadvantages. The charcoal must be carried to the sailboat and need to be kept dry. Also, it has to be lit and allowed to heat up before you start cooking.

The type of grill you’re going to choose for your sailboat depends mostly on your budget. In addition, how frequently you’re going to be grilling. Consider also the size of your sailboat because there’s no point in having a large grill if the sailboat lacks storage space. There are a lot of manufacturers that sell storage bags which can be a handy accessory. With storage bags, you can prevent grease and soot marks from transferring from the grill to the sailboat. So, if your sailboat is equipped with a grill (Magma or Weber are popular manufacturers), and some basic ingredients needed for the cooking process, then you’re ready to go! Firstly, determine the way in which you’re going to cook the fish. Is it simple fillets, steaks, or grilling it as a whole? Last but not least, the cooking equipment you have onboard also affects the cooking method.

The perfect boat grill is one that can either be placed on rod holders or on your boat’s rails and that way it is over the sea and easier to clean. For example, this one from Amazon is an excellent choice because it is both affordable and versatile. However, do look around on Amazon because there are many marine grill options that would fit your needs.

Cooking Methods

If you’re cooking fillets, drizzle over the fish, with olive oil and spices such as oregano, parsley, and thyme. Cook on a grill over medium heat until it’s skin is brown and crispy. Cook fish steaks the same way using oil to keep the fish meat from sticking to the grill. Either way, wait until the fish begins to brown on one side before flipping it otherwise it will tear apart or stick. However, whole fish must be prepared differently to ensure every bit of meat is perfectly cooked. Before cooking it, make sure to sprinkle the inner cavity with salt, pepper, and other herbs. Add more flavor by putting herbs (like parsley) and lemon slices. Add some olive oil, and then place the fish on the grill. Whole fish are mouthwatering when prepared on the grill.

Best Way to Cook Fresh Caught Fish

After cleaning the fish, it is time to prepare it for cooking. The way you’re preparing it depends on the cooking process. Some prefer to cut the fish into fillets, while others prefer steaks. As mentioned before, you can also grill the whole fish, though the fins have to be removed beforehand. Just cut away all the fins with a knife in order to remove the sharp bones, so that they don’t cause a problem. Once you have prepared the fish, it can be placed in the fridge or freezer for later.

If you have a cooler, you can put the fish inside in order to keep it fresh for a few days, as long as it’s well-sealed and has the ice changed regularly. Furthermore, in case that you’re grilling on an electric or gas grill, be sure to soak wood chips for at least 30 minutes before placing them in a smoker box and then directly on the cooking grate.

Fish Cooking Recipes For Boaters

Fish Fillets Grilled on Dry Woodchips

• Place on the grill some dry wood chips in a foil packet with holes cut in the top.
• Sprinkle fish fillets with olive oil.
• Add some salt, pepper, parsley, lemon slices, and oregano.
• Add some garlic to make it tastier.
• Place fish fillets on a tray on the grill, once the wood chips start smoking.
• Grill until the center of the thickest part of the filet is cooked. Use a fork and break a small piece to taste it. Check if it’s well-cooked and crispy.

Tuna or Salmon Steaks

• Place the steaks in packets of aluminum foil.
• Add some salt, pepper, butter, and diced canned tomatoes.
• Saute the steaks with white wine, thyme, and parsley.
• Allow 8-10 minutes of grill time per inch of fish. So, if your fish is two inches in thickness, grill each side for about six to eight minutes.

Grilled Red Mullet or Snappers with Onions and Nuts

• Chop onions and garlic.
• Make a marinade of lemon juice, salt, pepper, oregano, olive oil, parsley, and nuts (you can use pine nuts or peanuts).
• Place the whole fish on the grill with or without its skin.
• Leave for approximately 7 minutes and turn the fish over, from both sides.
• Place onions, garlic, and the marinade on top. Leave for 15 to 20 minutes.
• The flesh has to be flaky and opaque down to the bone. You need 3 minutes more for mullet and 8 minutes for snapper.
• Place a metal spatula underneath the fish, then lift and gently roll over onto the other side.
• If you can easily slice through the thickest part of the flesh with a knife, then your meal is ready!

Summary

Grilling fish on your sailboat requires an easy cooking process that can be done anywhere. Furthermore, a meal of grilled fish accompanied by salad is tasty and highly nutritious. There’s no need to be deprived of all meals that your home kitchen offers. You can grill the fish that you’ve caught from the sea or the one you’ve bought from a seaside town, as fillets, steaks or as a whole. Whether you have an electric, gas or charcoal grill, the cooking process is quick and the result will certainly be mouthwatering!