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Bringing the Mediterranean flavour to the table with a successful summer fish barbecue is very easy if you know these 5 tips for cooking great food without risking burns or over-stuffed fish flesh. Here is everything you need to know and the steps to follow for a perfect fish grill, from choosing the fish and marinating it, to the side dishes and the wine to choose!
Choosing fish for grilling
Not all fish are meant to end up on the grill: some don't have the right texture, so it is better to opt for strong fish with tough skin to avoid them falling apart halfway through cooking or sticking to the grill. Before grilling, prepare the right shopping list! Salmon, mackerel, tuna, swordfish, sea bass, sea bream and shellfish: these are the ideal fish to grill and will be the stars of your BBQ.
Shellfish such as prawns, king prawns and langoustines lend themselves to grilling. It is best to avoid fish that are too small and shellfish: the former tend to fall apart, the latter to become easily chewy. If you cannot resist the temptation of squid and cuttlefish, choose small specimens and cook them lightly.
Marinating ideas for the fish BBQ
When you are about to organise a seafood BBQ, it is certainly a good practice to marinate the fish to prevent it from charring once it comes into contact with the hot grill, but that's not all: by marinating, the succulence and taste of the fish is increased. Prepare simple marinades for your Mediterranean grill, following the basic rule: 1 part fat component, 2 parts acid component, salt and seasoning.
Try a classic marinade with extra virgin olive oil, lemon, salt, parsley, sage and two basil leaves, or a Ligurian pesto marinade with a few squirts of lemon juice and balsamic vinegar, or a white wine and citrus marinade made with wine, orange and lemon peel, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. The infusion time does not have to be very long: the fish with the marinade can rest in the fridge from half an hour to 2 hours, depending on the size of the fish. Remember to store fish and marinade in the fridge and to dry the fish before putting it on the grill!
Cooking time: how can you tell if the grilled fish is ready?
Before you start cooking the fish, make sure the grill is free of previous residue and, once the grill gets hot enough, consider using baking paper or a cast-iron griddle if you are worried about the fish sticking. As far as cooking time is concerned, for whole fish (such as sea bass, for example) just look at the colour: it is cooked when it is golden brown.
Remember to turn the fillets and slices using a spatula, so as not to puncture the flesh. Same procedure for crustaceans: medium-sized prawns and shrimps cook in 2 - 3 minutes per side. Always prefer the direct cooking method for fish and always dry the slices before placing them on the grill: any oily marinade residue on the coals will cause flare-ups, which, however quick, will damage your delicacies.
The ideal side dishes for grilled seafood
To accompany grilled fish, prefer grilled vegetables flavoured with extra virgin olive oil, garlic and mint, fresh salads such as citrus and fennel, or a light pinzimonio of mixed vegetables. This last solution is also the most versatile: you can offer rich assortments, choosing the most suitable vegetables to accompany your chosen fish such as courgettes, asparagus, green beans and peppers.
Aubergine fillets with herbs are excellent with the most delicate, aromatic and spicy fish; a hearty side dish of mushrooms should not be underestimated at ! Grilled mushrooms in particular add a special touch, maintaining an intriguing balance of flavours with the main courses.
Which wine to choose for your fish grill?
White or rosé? We suggest some perfect wine labels to pair with fish for your next barbecue!
Among the white wines, the ideal ones to successfully accompany a fish grill are Chardonnay, Vermentino, Garda DOC Bianco and Cortese Piemonte DOC: they go well with fish and vegetables, thanks to their smoothness and freshness.
If, on the other hand, you prefer to opt for rosé wines, the Esclusivo Etichetta Oro Rosato Puglia IGT, the Raggiante Rosato and the Loris Vino Rosato are the wine labels to choose: with their pleasantness and balanced acidity they are perfect to pair with both grilled fish and vegetable side dishes, enhancing their flavours.
Now that you know the tricks for a perfect fish barbecue, you just have to follow them and surprise your diners with the best seafood BBQ ever, together with Giordano Wines!