How Long to Cook Foil Wrapped Fish on Grill for Perfect BBQ
Written By James Morgan
If youre a barbecue enthusiast looking to take your outdoor cooking game to the next level, grilling fish in foil is an excellent choice. Its a foolproof method that intensifies the flavors, keeps the fish moist, and makes cleanup a breeze. But just how long should you cook foil wrapped fish on the grill to get that perfect, mouth-watering result? In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about grilling foil-wrapped fish, from timing and temperature to seasoning tips.
Why Grill Fish in Foil?
Fish can be delicate, and cooking it directly on the grill can sometimes lead to sticking, breaking, or drying out. Wrapping fish in aluminum foil offers multiple benefits:
- Moisture Retention: The foil helps to trap steam, ensuring your fish stays moist and flavorful.
- Easy Clean-Up: No more scraping fish bits off your grill grates. The foil keeps everything contained.
- Versatile Cooking: You can easily add herbs, seasonings, and even vegetables inside the foil packet for a complete meal.
Step-by-Step Guide: How Long to Cook Foil Wrapped Fish on the Grill
1. Choosing the Right Type of Fish
While you can grill almost any type of fish in foil, some work better than others. Popular choices include salmon, tilapia, trout, and cod. These types of fish have a firm texture that holds up well to grilling.
2. Preparing Your Fish
Seasoning: A simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper often suffices. However, you can go the extra mile by adding herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro, and spices such as paprika or cumin.
Adding Vegetables: Including sliced vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini along with your fish can make your meal more nutritious and flavorful.
3. Wrapping Your Fish
Once seasoned, place your fish on a large piece of aluminum foil. Fold over the edges and seal them tightly to create a packet. Make sure the foil is well-sealed to trap the steam, but dont wrap it too tightly around the fish.
4. Grilling Time and Temperature
Preheating the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-450F (190-230C). If youre using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are hot and covered with white ash before you start cooking.
Cooking Time: As a general rule, fish should be grilled for about 10 minutes per inch of thickness. For foil-wrapped fish, add an additional 3-5 minutes to ensure its thoroughly cooked. Heres a quick guide:
- Salmon fillets: 15-20 minutes
- Tilapia fillets: 10-15 minutes
- Trout fillets: 15-20 minutes
- Cod fillets: 15-20 minutes
Checking for Doneness
Insert a fork into the thickest part of the fish and twist gently. If the fish flakes easily and is opaque throughout, its done. You can also use a meat thermometer; fish should reach an internal temperature of 145F (63C) for safety.
Additional Tips and Tricks
Feel free to experiment with different marinades, herbs, and spices to find your perfect flavor combination. Also, remember that you can grill fish with other methods as well. Learn more about cooking fish in different styles at Cooking Fish on Grill.
For a more in-depth guide on grilling fish, you can check out these fantastic resources:
FAQs on Grilling Foil Wrapped Fish
Q: How long to cook foil wrapped fish on grill?
A: Fish should be grilled for about 10 minutes per inch of thickness. For foil-wrapped fish, add an additional 3-5 minutes to ensure it's thoroughly cooked.
Q: Should I preheat the grill before cooking foil-wrapped fish?
A: Yes, preheating the grill to medium-high heat (375-450F or 190-230C) is essential for even cooking.
Q: What are some good seasonings for grilled fish?
A: A simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper works great. Additionally, you can add herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro, and spices such as paprika or cumin for more flavor.
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