Grilled Rockfish

Where Can You Buy Rockfish?

Before I started grilling this fish, I had no idea that rockfish actually refers to several different fish species. You might find rockfish at your local seafood market labeled Pacific rockfish, Alaskan rockfish, rock cod, Pacific snapper, red snapper, or something similar. When in doubt, ask someone behind the seafood counter, and they’ll point out your options.

Recipe Ingredients

• Rockfish – Find rockfish at your local seafood market or behind the seafood counter at your favorite grocery store. If you can’t find any rockfish, other options that work well with this recipe include red snapper, sea bass, or grouper. 
• Butter – This will be the base for the rockfish marinade, but you can use olive oil instead if you prefer. 
• Lemon Juice – Because white fish and lemon juice are a match made in heaven. Fresh squeezed, if you please. 😉
• Seasonings – Minced garlic, basil, and parsley, along with some paprika and cayenne pepper, are the perfect blend of spices for this fish, IMO. 

How to Grill Rockfish

Marinate the Rockfish

1. Pat Dry – Pat the fish filets dry with paper towels, and then place them on a baking tray or plate. (Photo 1)
2. Salt & Pepper – Next, lightly season them with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
3. Make the Marinade – Then, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. If using olive oil, you can skip this step and mix all the marinade ingredients in a small bowl. (Photo 2)
4. Season – Add the garlic, stirring for about a minute, and be careful not to burn it. Then add the paprika, basil, parsley, and lemon juice. Mix well, then adjust seasonings to taste. (Photo 3)
5. Marinate fish on both sides, reserving some to brush on the fish towards the last few minutes of grilling. (Photo 4)

Grill the Rockfish

6. Prep the Grill – While the fish marinates, clean the grill grates thoroughly and lightly oil them to prevent the fish from sticking. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. (375-400°F). If using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly lit and glowing.
7. Grill the Fish – Place marinated fish filets directly on the preheated grill grates. Cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the filets. (Photo 5)
8. Flip It – Use a fish spatula or tongs to carefully flip the fillets halfway through the cooking time. (Photo 6)
9. Temperature Check -Rockfish is cooked when it becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should be 145°F/63°C. 
10. Serve – Remove the fish from the grill, garnish it with parsley, and serve. 

Recipe Variations

• Chinese Takeout Replacement – Marinate your grilled rockfish with soy sauce, sesame oil, minced ginger and garlic, a dash of honey, and a splash of rice vinegar. Serve it over a bed of rice and garnish it with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. 
• Cajun – Create a Cajun version of this recipe by patting copious amounts of Cajun seasoning all over the filets before grilling. Serve spicy Cajun filets up with some cool coleslaw to balance out the heat. 
• Tacos – Use grilled rockfish for fish tacos! Heat up some tortillas, finely dice some cilantro and onion, and break up the grilled fish with a fork before stuffing the tortillas. Oh! And don’t forget the spicy salsa. 😉

Tips and Tricks

• Wondering how to oil your grill grates? I like to dip a folded paper towel in cooking oil and use tongs to rub it across the grates.
• Rockfish holds up pretty well on the grill, but like any fish filet, it can break apart if you don’t handle it carefully. Avoid flipping the fish too often to prevent it from falling apart. You might also want to invest in a fish basket or spatula on the grill.
• Be careful not to overcook the fish. Overdo it by just a minute or two, and your fillets will get dried out and become much less appetizing. 💔

Make-Ahead Instructions

As with most grilled dishes, this rockfish tastes best freshly cooked. If you want to save some time, though, oil your grill and marinate the fish the day before. Seal up your marinated fish in the fridge in an airtight container and throw them on the grill the next day.

Serving and Storage Instructions

Serve up grilled rockfish filets fresh off the grill with the sides of your choice. If you have leftovers, they should stay good in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.

To reheat grilled rockfish, I recommend either heating them in a skillet on the stovetop for a few minutes at medium heat or low and slow in the oven – say, about 10 minutes at 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

FAQs

What Goes With Grilled Rockfish

Rockfish is super versatile and pairs well with tons of sides. Personally, I like to serve it with steamy white rice and some grilled pineapple and onions. But it would also go great with smoked sides like smoked baked potatoes and smoked asparagus. Don’t forget to give your guests something refreshing to drink, too, like this white sangria. 😋

More Tantalizing Grill Recipes to Try

1. Grilled Ribeye
2. Boneless Chicken Thighs
3. Salmon Burgers
4. Grilled Bread

Conclusion

And that’s a wrap for the tastiest grilled white fish you’ll ever try! Fire up the grill and let me know how you like rockfish. I’ll be waiting to hear what you think in the comments section below.