Grilled Redfish Recipe: How to Make Cajun Grilled Redfish
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Oct 29, 2024 • 2 min read
Redfish filets are quick to prepare on the grill and make for a flavorful meal. Learn how to make grilled redfish with a lemon, garlic, and parsley marinade.
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What Is Grilled Redfish?
Grilled redfish is marinated redfish cooked on a grill. Redfish is the common name for multiple fish species, including red drum, channel drum, spot tail bass, and similar fish found in the Gulf Coast and the Atlantic Ocean. Redfish is a relatively lean fish with mild, slightly sweet flavor and medium-firm, flaky texture. Redfish is common in Cajun restaurants in New Orleans, Louisiana.
How to Grill Redfish in 5 Steps
Follow these easy steps to make perfect grilled redfish:
- 1. Clean the grill. Redfish have a delicate flavor profile, so it’s essential to cook the fish on a clean surface to prevent unwanted flavors. When it’s time to cook, brush the grill grates with a high-heat neutral oil to keep the redfish from sticking to the grill.
- 2. Dry the redfish. Pat the redfish dry before cooking to ensure it develops a crispy skin and gets browned on the flesh side. (This is also a vital step in grilling scallops and other seafood.) For added crispiness, you can score the fish skin.
- 3. Prepare any toppings. Redfish cook quickly, so it’s essential to have everything ready for serving before you cook the fish. To add flavor, you can marinate the redfish steaks in a fresh lemon juice and herb dressing for up to thirty minutes before cooking. If you don’t have lemon, you can substitute it with other acids like lime juice or a splash of vinegar. For extra umami, try adding some soy sauce to the marinade.
- 4. Grill the redfish. Season the fish with salt and pepper just before grilling. Sear the redfish on the grill for about four minutes per side.
- 5. Check for doneness. You will know redfish is done when it is browned in spots on the outside and still slightly pink on the inside. A thermometer will read 145 degrees Fahrenheit when inserted at the thickest point.
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Cajun Grilled Redfish Recipe
makes
prep time
10 mintotal time
20 mincook time
10 minIngredients
- 1
Preheat a charcoal or gas grill over medium-high heat. Alternatively, preheat a grill pan over high heat.
- 2
Pat the redfish dry with paper towels.
- 3
Season the filets with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- 4
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Season the marinade with salt and pepper to taste.
- 5
Add the redfish to the marinade and toss to coat. Set the fish on a baking sheet in the refrigerator to marinate for up to 30 minutes.
- 6
Brush the grill grates with neutral oil.
- 7
Transfer the redfish to the grill, skin-side down. Cook the redfish, flipping halfway with tongs until the fish steaks have grill marks and are just cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side.
- 8
Transfer the redfish to a serving platter and garnish the filets with fresh parsley and green onions.
Note: The total time does not include 30 minutes of inactive time.
Become a better chef with the MasterClass Annual Membership. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Aaron Franklin, Yotam Ottolenghi, Gabriela Cámara, Niki Nakayama, Chef Thomas Keller, Dominique Ansel, Gordon Ramsay, Alice Waters, and more.