Grilled Orange Roughy

Grills aren’t just for burgers and steaks. Fish such as orange roughy tastes delicious when grilled, and it’s easy to prepare too. Our grilled orange roughy recipe takes just 20 minutes—including prep time. Red snapper, catfish and trout would work just as well, and be equally tasty, in this recipe. You may just find that grilling is your favorite way to prepare fish!

Ingredients for Grilled Orange Roughy

•  Lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a citrusy note and helps eliminate fishy odors. It also serves as a liquid to help baste the fish fillets.
• Butter: Melted butter pairs with the lemon juice to serve as the liquid that helps the seasonings stick to the fish.
• Seasonings: Thyme, lemon zest, salt, paprika and garlic powder unite to create a flavorful coating on the surface of the fish fillets.
• Orange roughy, red snapper, catfish or trout fillets: Any of these fish varieties may be used on the grill in this recipe. Choose whichever you prefer, or pick whichever type looks the freshest at the market.

Directions

Step 1: Season the fish

In a small shallow bowl, combine the lemon juice, butter, thyme, lemon zest, salt, paprika and garlic powder. Dip both sides of the fillets into the lemon mixture.

Step 2: Grill the fish

Lightly oil the grill rack. Grill the fish, covered, over medium-high heat (or broil it 4 inches from the heat) for 5 to 10 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Grilled Orange Roughy Variations

• Add orange: Change the liquid up a bit, and replace most of the lemon juice with orange juice and a splash of soy sauce. This citrus orange roughy recipe uses an orange soy dip before the fish goes into the oven.
• Serve it with garlic lemon butter: A garlic lemon butter spread on bread or melted and drizzled over the fish is another nice way to enjoy this dish.
• Add Cajun spices: Sprinkle your favorite Cajun spice blend over the fish before grilling it, or make your own Creole seasoning mix with garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano and black pepper.

How to Store Grilled Orange Roughy

As soon as the fish cools, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for three to four days.

Can you freeze grilled orange roughy?

This dish is a great option when you buy a bunch of fish on sale—just cook a large batch and freeze some for later. Once the orange roughy cools, transfer it to a zippered freezer bag, press out the excess air, then seal the bag and place it in the freezer. Writing the date on the bag will come in handy later, when you find it in the freezer. Use the frozen fish within two months, and thaw it in the refrigerator the night before you plan to heat it up again.

Grilled Orange Roughy Tips

What should I serve with grilled orange roughy?

Orange roughy on the grill pairs nicely with a salad, a colorful couscous or your choice of sauteed veggies. Baked orange roughy and rice is also a good option. Serve your fish with lemon, lime or orange slices for an added pop of color and to squeeze over the fish before eating it.

How can I tell if the fish is ready?

A meat thermometer is a safe way to ensure the fish is ready to remove from the grill. Insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the fish. The fillet is done cooking if the thermometer reads 145°F or greater.

What other fish can I grill?

Many different types of fish can be cooked on the grill, so it’s fun to try your favorites this way. Fish that is firm and thick will be excellent grilled. Try salmon, tuna, swordfish steaks or mahi mahi.