Simple Seasoned Grilled Fish (2024)

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ByLana Stuart Published: January 31, 2023October 6, 2023 Last Updated: October 6, 2023

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4.99 from 65 votes

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On even the busiest day, you can serve your family a home cooked dinner with this 5-minute Simple Seasoned Grilled Fish recipe! Pair these lightly seasoned and grilled fish fillets with your choice of steamed vegetables for a quick and easy weeknight meal!

When you’re in a rush or just don’t feel like doing much for dinner, grilled fish is a perfect choice. Making this recipe using a skillet, a grill pan, or an indoor grill such as the George Foreman and some tasty fish seasoning takes no time at all but it sure does taste like you spent hours prepping.

This fish is delicious when served with steamed broccoli on the side. Or if you have a little more time, try it with my Pan Fried Parmesan Zucchini or Roasted Asparagus and a light Peach and Blueberry Parfait for dessert.

Now, this recipe for Simple Seasoned Grilled Fish is hardly a recipe at all. It’s really more of a method.

This basic technique can be used with almost any meat for a very quick main dish. You could change the seasoning and use it with boneless chicken breasts or boneless pork chops. Whatever you like.

Recipe Quick View

Cuisine: American
Cooking Method: Stovetop or Griddle
Total Time: 5 Minutes

Servings: 4
Primary Ingredient(s): Fish fillets, seasoning, olive oil, lemon
Skill Level: Easy

Why I Recommend This Recipe

Easy, quick weeknight meal
Healthy lean protein
Quick cleanup – one pan to wash

Ingredient Notes

This post contains affiliate links. Lana’s Cooking is reader-supported and earns a tiny commission at no extra cost to you when you shop from our links.

Fish fillets — This recipe works with any mild-tasting white fleshed fish; I often make it with sole but it also works with flounder, tilapia, and even wild caught fish such as redfish. You’ll have best results with flat, thin fillets. I’ve been asked several times about using frozen fish fillets in this recipe. Of course, fresh is always best, but you can try frozen fillets. You will need to let them thaw completely, then drain them and pat dry before proceeding with the recipe.
Olive oil — I use extra virgin, but whatever you have on hand is fine.
Old Bay Seasoning — A great combination of flavorings for any seafood. I highly recommend it.
Paprika — Gives color and a subtle extra flavor.
Lemon — The perfect finish for any cooked fish, in my opinion.
Parsley — Strictly optional for garnish. Use it if you have it.

The complete ingredient list with detailed measurements is included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Simple Seasoned Grilled Fish

Preheat the Pan or Grill

Start by preheating your pan or grill. Place the grill pan, skillet, or saute pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat and let it warm while you prep the fish fillets. If you’re using an indoor electric grill, go ahead and heat it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Season the Fish

STEP 1. Brush one side of the fish fillets lightly with olive oil.

STEP 2. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, Old Bay, and paprika.

👉 PRO TIP: I’ve given measurements in the recipe for olive oil and seasonings, but as with most recipes you’ll need to use your own judgment. If your fillets are larger, you’ll need more oil, etc. If you like your fish more highly seasoned, go with a sprinkle more of the Old Bay.

Cook the Fillets

STEP 3. Place the fillets on the pan or grill with the seasoned side down.

STEP 4. Brush the second side with olive oil and sprinkle with additional seasonings.

👉 PRO TIP: If using an indoor grill, place the fillets on the preheated grill and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For the George Foreman grill, it takes approximately 4 minutes.

STEP 5. Cook the fillets for about 2 minutes. Use a wide spatula to turn the fillets over and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Garnish and Serve

STEP 6. Transfer the cooked fillets to a plate. Sprinkle with chopped parsley (optional) and drizzle with lemon juice.

That’s it. The whole recipe. Five minutes from start to finish! Now, who doesn’t have time to cook dinner?

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Questions About Simple Seasoned Grilled Fish

Can I use frozen fish fillets in this recipe?

This is the number one question I’m asked about this recipe. Of course, fresh is always best, but you can try frozen fillets. You will need to let them thaw completely, then drain them and pat dry before proceeding with the recipe. It will never taste the same as fresh, but will work in a pinch.

How do you keep the fish from sticking to the pan or grill?

The olive oil you brush onto the fish fillets should prevent them from sticking to your pan or grill. To be extra sure, you can use a non-stick pan and coat it with cooking spray just before placing the fish onto it.

Can I use salmon in this recipe?

You can use salmon in this recipe, but you’ll have to allow for a bit longer cooking time since salmon fillets are typically thicker. Salmon generally takes about 8 minutes of cooking time per inch of thickness.

Is grilled fish healthy?

Grilled fish is a very healthy option. Fish in general is high in protein and low in fat. It’s also loaded withthose good for you Omega-3 fatty acids.

Questions? I’m happy to help!

If you have more questions about the recipe, or if you’ve made it and would like to leave a comment, scroll down to leave your thoughts, questions, and/or rating!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

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Simple Seasoned Grilled Fish

Serve your family a home cooked dinner any weeknight with this easy 5-minute Simple Seasoned Grilled Fish recipe!

4.99 from 65 votes

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Course: Main Dishes

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 1 minute minute

Cook Time: 4 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 150kcal

Author: Lana Stuart

Ingredients

▢ 16 ounces fish fillets (four 4-ounce fillets, see notes)
▢ 4 teaspoons olive oil
▢ 1/2 teaspoon salt
▢ 1/2 teaspoon pepper
▢ 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
▢ 1/2 teaspoon paprika
▢ ½ lemon
▢ chopped parsley for garnish, optional

Instructions

Start by preheating your pan or grill. Place the grill pan, skillet, or saute pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat and let it warm while you prep the fish fillets. If you're using an indoor electric grill, go ahead and heat it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Brush one side of the fish fillets lightly with olive oil.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper, Old Bay, and paprika.
Place the fillets on the pan or grill with the seasoned side down.
Brush the second side with olive oil and sprinkle with additional seasonings.
Cook the fillets for about 2 minutes. Use a wide spatula to turn the fillets over and cook an additional 2 minutes. (Note: If using an indoor grill, place the fillets on the preheated grill and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions. For the George Foreman grill, it takes approximately 4 minutes.)
Transfer the cooked fillets to a plate. Sprinkle with chopped parsley (optional) and drizzle with lemon juice.

Notes

This recipe works with any mild-tasting white fleshed fish; I often make it with sole but it also works with flounder, tilapia, and even wild caught fish such as redfish. You’ll have the best results with flat, thin fillets.
The olive oil should prevent the fish from sticking to your pan or grill. If you want to be extra sure, you can use a non-stick pan and coat it with cooking spray just before placing the fish onto it.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.

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— This post was originally published on October 8, 2009. It has been updated with additional text and new photos.

Lana Stuart

Lana Stuart is the cook, writer, and founder of Lana’s Cooking. Lana has been cooking since she was tall enough to reach the stove and started this blog in 2009 to share her delicious home cooking recipes. You'll find about 700 recipes here so there's sure to be something your family will like!
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