How Long to Cook Fish Balls to Delight Barbecue Enthusiasts

By Avi Green October 15, 2023

When it comes to grilling, one of the most frequent questions we receive is 'how long to cook fish balls.' Whether you're new to barbecue or a seasoned pro, knowing the perfect cooking time for fish balls can make a big difference in your grilling game.

Why Choose Fish Balls?

Fish balls are a versatile and delicious option for any barbecue enthusiast. Unlike traditional meatballs, fish balls offer a unique texture and flavor that are perfect for a variety of dishes. Whether youre adding them to a seafood stew or grilling them on skewers, fish balls are sure to impress your guests.

Preparation Tips

Selecting Your Fish

The first step in creating mouth-watering fish balls is choosing the right type of fish. Opt for white fish like cod, haddock, or hake, as these varieties have a mild flavor that complements spices and herbs well.

Make sure you buy fresh, high-quality fish. The freshness of your fish can significantly affect the texture and taste of your fish balls.

Seasoning and Marinating

Bouncing flavors rely heavily on your seasoning choices. Typically, you'll want to mix finely minced garlic, ginger, and scallions into your fish mixture. A splash of soy sauce or some white pepper can also be just what you need for an extra layer of flavor.

Allow the mixture to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring that the flavors are well-developed and that the fish balls stay moist during grilling.

How Long to Cook Fish Balls

Grilling

For grilling fish balls, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the fish balls on the grill, ensuring they are not too close together. Grill them for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Dont forget to baste them with a bit of marinade or oil to keep them moist.

To read more about grilling techniques, visit this grilling guide.

Baking

If you prefer baking, preheat your oven to 375F (190C). Place the fish balls on a lined baking sheet and cook for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. They should be golden and firm to the touch when done.

For more on baking fish, check out this comprehensive baking guide.

Using the Instant Pot

You can also use an Instant Pot for a quicker alternative. Set your Instant Pot to 'Saut' mode and cook the fish balls for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are slightly browned. Then switch to 'Pressure Cook' mode and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Learn more tricks in our Instant Pot guide.

Serving Suggestions

Fish balls are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. You can toss them in a tangy {https://cfishct.com/blog/temperature-for-baked-fish/ dipping sauce] , serve them alongside grilled veggies, or add them to a spicy coconut curry. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.