Quick and Easy Grilled Pike Steak with Zesty Herb Marinade
Nutritional value per serving
Calories220kcal
Carbs2gram
Fat10gram
Protein28gram
Ingredients
- Pike steaks (fresh or thawed)4 pieces
- Olive oil (extra virgin recommended for best flavor)2 tbsp
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best taste)2 tbsp
- Garlic (minced)2 cloves
- Fresh parsley (chopped)2 tbsp
- Fresh thyme (chopped)1 tbsp
- Salt1 tsp
- Black pepper (freshly ground)0.5 tsp
This quick and easy grilled pike steak recipe brings the delightful flavors of fresh fish with a zesty herb marinade that even beginner cooks can master. Pike steaks are meaty, firm, and hold up beautifully on the grill, making them an excellent choice for a healthy, protein-packed meal. This recipe requires simple, fresh ingredients and standard kitchen tools available to most home cooks. You will prepare a marinade that adds a burst of flavor, then grill the steaks to a safe internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) for moist, flaky, and delicious results. Total cost of ingredients is approximately $15, €13, £11, or ₹1,200 for four servings. Each serving contains about 220 kcal, making this dish suitable for paleo and low-carb diets. The recipe is easy and takes roughly 35 minutes from start to finish, including preparation and grilling time.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the Marinade
1In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped thyme, salt, and black pepper. This marinade will tenderize and add bright flavors to the pike steak.
Marinate the Pike Steaks
2Place the pike steaks in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the steaks, coating both sides. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes. This step helps infuse flavor and slightly tenderizes the fish.
Preheat the Grill
3Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 190-200°C). Ensure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Grill the Pike Steaks
4Place the pike steaks on the grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Use tongs to turn carefully. Pike steaks cook quickly and can become dry if overcooked.
Check Internal Temperature for Safety
5Use a food-safe meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the steak. The USDA recommends cooking fish to 63°C (145°F) for safe consumption. Once reached, remove from grill.
Rest and Serve
6Let the grilled pike steaks rest for 3 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the fish moist. Serve with your favorite sides and garnish.
Cooking Tips
-If you cannot find fresh thyme or parsley, dried herbs can be used but use half the amount as their flavor is more concentrated.
-Handle raw fish with clean utensils and wash hands thoroughly after touching to avoid cross-contamination.
-If you don't have a grill, you can use a grill pan on the stove or broil the steaks in the oven, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
-Avoid flipping the fish too often to prevent it from breaking apart. One flip midway through cooking is enough.
Equipment
- Grill (charcoal or gas)
- Meat thermometer
- Medium bowl
- Tongs
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons
- Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish for marinating
Shopping List
- [ ] Pike steaks (~4 pieces, approx. $10): Choose fresh, firm, and moist pike steaks with a fresh sea or lake smell.
- [ ] Olive oil (~$1.50 for 2 tbsp): Extra virgin olive oil provides the best flavor.
- [ ] Fresh lemons (~$0.50 each): Pick lemons that feel heavy for their size, indicating juiciness.
- [ ] Garlic (~$0.30 for 2 cloves): Fresh, firm, and unblemished bulbs ensure best flavor.
- [ ] Fresh parsley (~$1 for a bunch): Look for vibrant, crisp leaves.
- [ ] Fresh thyme (~$1 for a small bunch): Fresh sprigs have a fragrant aroma.
- [ ] Salt and black pepper (~$1 for small amounts): Freshly ground black pepper offers better taste.
Total estimated cost: $15.30
FAQ
How do I know when the pike steak is cooked properly?
The best way is to use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F). The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Can I marinate the pike steaks longer than 15 minutes?
Yes, you can marinate them up to 30 minutes to deepen the flavor, but avoid much longer as acid in lemon juice can begin to 'cook' the fish and change the texture.
Is it necessary to oil the grill?
Yes, lightly oiling the grill grates helps prevent the fish from sticking, making flipping easier and ensuring nice grill marks.
What sides go well with grilled pike steak?
Light sides like grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or steamed rice pair well without overpowering the delicate fish flavor.