Simple Seasoned Grilled Fish

On even the busiest day, you can serve your family a home cooked dinner with this 5-minute Simple Seasoned Grilled Fish recipe! 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.

• Easy, quick weeknight meal
• Healthy lean protein
• Quick cleanup – one pan to wash

• Fish fillets (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 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.)

Preheat the Pan or Grill

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.

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.

👉 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.

Garnish and Serve

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?

• Baked Catfish with Herbs
• Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs
• Fried Catfish with Cheese Grits
• Pan Fried Fish with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
• Tilapia Veracruz
• Easy Classic Salmon Croquettes
• Quick and Easy Seafood Stew
• Best Baked Seafood Casserole

📖 Recipe

— This post was originally published on October 8, 2009. It has been updated with additional text and new photos.