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(Family Features) Whether you’re a seasoned grilling expert or new to backyard barbecuing, expanding your menu with seafood offers a fun, flavorful way to bring life to outdoor entertaining.
Grilling fish is different than traditional fare like burgers and steaks, however. One method capturing the attention of chefs and amateur barbecue enthusiasts alike is electric grilling. With technology innovations that enable higher heat and more precise control, along with easy-to-use, guided cooking delivered via smartphone apps, grilling seafood can be simpler than ever.
Master the art of grilled seafood with these tips from Trimell Hawkins, executive chef and culinary adviser to Current Backyard.
Not all fish are the same. There’s a common misconception that all fish can be grilled, but not all fish is created equally. Avoid flaky fish (like trout) and instead turn to a firm fish when grilling, such as branzini in this Grilled Whole Branzini with Fresh Herb Sauce recipe from celebrity chef Alton Brown.
Moisture is not your friend. While you’re likely aiming for a fresh, moist flavor when eating fish, that doesn’t mean it should be wet when it goes on the grill. For beautiful, crisp skin and grill marks, pat fish dry to absorb the moisture before grilling.
Temperature is key.
There’s a sweet spot for grilling fish, whether it’s 400 F for thinner fish or slightly above 400 F for thicker cuts, which is why electric grilling is gaining steam. An option like the Current Backyard Electric Grill precisely monitors and controls temperature at the grate level, ensuring accurate cooking where it truly matters, unlike gas grills measuring chamber heat or charcoal grills requiring guesswork.
Ready to cook in 10 minutes, it’s a convenient solution that plugs into a standard 110-volt outlet, meaning there’s no heavy propane tanks or messy charcoal standing between you and delicious grilled seafood. Plus, electric grilling reduces fire risks, harmful fumes and cleanup time.
There’s a “right” way to cook fish. If you’re cooking fish with skin, cook the skin side down first as it’s more forgiving and durable than the inside. This gives the finished dish more stability and structure, lessening the chances of the fish falling apart.
Be careful with sugar. Sugary marinades require keeping a close watch on the grill since sugar can burn. If cooked properly, sugars help create a crispy Maillard reaction while acting as a tenderizer, too.
Find more recipes and electric grilling advice at CurrentBackyard.com.
