Even on the busiest days, this 5-minute Simple Seasoned Grilled Fish recipe makes it easy to serve a home-cooked dinner to your family. Pair these lightly seasoned and grilled fish fillets with your choice of steamed vegetables for a quick and easy weeknight meal!
When you’re in a rush or just don’t feel like doing much for dinner, grilled fish is a perfect choice. Making this recipe using a skillet, a grill pan, or an indoor grill such as the George Foreman, and some tasty fish seasoning takes no time at all, but it sure does taste like you spent hours prepping.
This fish is delicious when served with steamed broccoli on the side. Or if you have a little more time, try it with my Pan Fried Parmesan Zucchini or Roasted Asparagus and a light Peach and Blueberry Parfait for dessert.
Now, this recipe for Simple Seasoned Grilled Fish is hardly a recipe at all. It’s really more of a method.
This basic technique can be used with almost any meat for a very quick main dish. You could change the seasoning and use it with boneless chicken breasts or boneless pork chops. Whatever you like.
Recipe Snapshot: Simple Seasoned Grilled Fish
Cuisine: American
Cooking Method: Stovetop, Griddle, or Grill
Total Time: 5 Minutes
Servings: 4
Primary Ingredient(s): Fish fillets, seasoning, olive oil, lemon
Skill Level: Easy
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING …
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I’m a chef, so I wander off recipes frequently. I consider them suggestions, yet yours was quite excellent. I hardly wandered from the letter of the recipe, and it was consequently amazing, as my guest will attest.”
— Andy Laier
What Makes This Recipe Special
This is less of a recipe and more of a reliable process. A quick brush with olive oil and a sprinkle of seasonings are all it takes to bring out the fish’s natural flavor.
Because the fillets cook quickly at high heat, dinner is on the table in just a few minutes. It’s a lean, straightforward main dish that feels light but still satisfying. And with only one pan to wash, cleanup is as easy as the cooking.
When you need something fast, dependable, and healthy, this is a method you can turn to again and again.
Ingredient Notes
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- Fish fillets — This recipe works with any mild-tasting white-fleshed fish. I often make it with sole, but it also works well with flounder, tilapia, or wild-caught fish like redfish. You’ll have the best results with flat, thin fillets. I’ve been asked several times about using frozen fish fillets in this recipe. Of course, fresh is always best, but you can try frozen fillets. You will need to let them thaw completely, then drain them and pat dry before proceeding with the recipe.
- Olive oil — I use extra virgin, but whatever you have on hand is fine.
- Old Bay Seasoning — A great combination of flavorings for any seafood. I highly recommend it.
- Paprika — Gives color and a subtle extra flavor.
- Lemon — The perfect finish for any cooked fish, in my opinion.
- Parsley — Strictly optional for garnish. Use it if you have it.
The complete ingredient list with detailed measurements is included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Simple Seasoned Grilled Fish
Preheat the Pan or Grill
Begin by preheating your pan or grill. Place a grill pan, skillet, or sauté pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat, allowing it to warm while you prepare the fish fillets. Or, if you’re using an indoor electric grill, go ahead and heat it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Season the Fish
STEP 1. Brush one side of the fish fillets lightly with olive oil.
STEP 2. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, Old Bay, and paprika.
Pro Tip
I’ve given measurements in the recipe for olive oil and seasonings, but as with most recipes, you’ll need to use your own judgment. If your fillets are larger, you’ll need more oil, etc. If you like your fish more highly seasoned, go with a sprinkle more of the Old Bay.
Cook the Fillets
STEP 3. Place the fillets on the pan or grill with the seasoned side down.
STEP 4. Brush the second side with olive oil and sprinkle with additional seasonings.
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Pro Tip
If using an indoor grill, place the fillets on the preheated grill and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For the George Foreman grill, it takes approximately 4 minutes.
STEP 5. Cook the fillets for about 2 minutes. Use a wide spatula to turn the fillets over and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
STEP 6. Transfer the cooked fillets to a plate. Sprinkle with chopped parsley (optional) and drizzle with lemon juice.
That’s it. The whole recipe. Five minutes from start to finish! Now, who doesn’t have time to cook dinner?
Questions About Simple Seasoned Grilled Fish
This is the number one question I’m asked about this recipe. Of course, fresh is always best, but you can try frozen fillets. You will need to let them thaw completely, then drain them and pat dry before proceeding with the recipe. It won’t taste quite the same as fresh, but it’ll work in a pinch.
The olive oil you brush onto the fish fillets should prevent them from sticking to your pan or grill. To be extra sure, you can use a non-stick pan and coat it with cooking spray just before placing the fish onto it.
You can use salmon in this recipe, but you’ll have to allow for a bit longer cooking time since salmon fillets are typically thicker. Salmon generally takes about 8 minutes of cooking time per inch of thickness.
According to reputable sources, grilled fish is a very healthy option. Fish in general is high in protein and low in fat. It’s also loaded with those good for you Omega-3 fatty acids.
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Have a question or thought to share?
If you have a question about the recipe or if you’ve made it and want to share how it turned out, I would truly enjoy hearing from you. Just scroll down to leave a comment or add your star rating.
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Recipe
Simple Seasoned Grilled Fish
Ingredients
- 16 ounces fish fillets (four 4-ounce fillets, see notes)
- 4 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- ½ lemon
- chopped parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Start by preheating your pan or grill. Place the grill pan, skillet, or saute pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat and let it warm while you prep the fish fillets. If you're using an indoor electric grill, go ahead and heat it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Brush one side of the fish fillets lightly with olive oil.16 ounces fish fillets, 4 teaspoons olive oil
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper, Old Bay, and paprika.1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Place the fillets on the pan or grill with the seasoned side down.
- Brush the second side with olive oil and sprinkle with additional seasonings.
- Cook the fillets for about 2 minutes. Use a wide spatula to turn the fillets over and cook an additional 2 minutes. (Note: If using an indoor grill, place the fillets on the preheated grill and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions. For the George Foreman grill, it takes approximately 4 minutes.)
- Transfer the cooked fillets to a plate. Sprinkle with chopped parsley (optional) and drizzle with lemon juice.½ lemon, chopped parsley
Notes
- This recipe works with any mild-tasting white fleshed fish; I often make it with sole but it also works with flounder, tilapia, and even wild caught fish such as redfish. You’ll have the best results with flat, thin fillets.
- The olive oil should prevent the fish from sticking to your pan or grill. If you want to be extra sure, you can use a non-stick pan and coat it with cooking spray just before placing the fish onto it.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.
Awesome! My boyfriend is a big fan of Old Bay seasoning, and these seasonings I actually had in stock. I used frozen pollock and it was fantastic! Thank you for this excellent recipe. Simple easy and fast and delicious.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Do you think that this would work with salmon?
I haven’t tried it with salmon, but I do think it would be great. If you try it, let me know what you think!
Simple yet delish.
Thank you! Glad you like it.
Hi Lana from Reg in Tasmania,
Aah, Thank You for this.
I wasn’t sure how to cook a fish I’d never used before (Bassa?).
I made it for my Carer, Linda. (She’s an Angel!)
She loves it!!
Thanks, Regards and Good Health,
Reg
So happy you (and Linda!) enjoyed the recipe.