Smoky Grilled Pike Steak BBQ: A Delightful Fish Feast
Nutritional value per serving
Calories220kcal
Carbs0gram
Fat5gram
Protein35gram
Ingredients
- Pike steak (fresh or thawed)4 pieces
- Extra virgin olive oil2 tbsp
- Fresh lemon juice2 tbsp
- Garlic cloves (minced)2 pieces
- Salt (preferably sea salt)1 tsp
- Black pepper (freshly ground)1 tsp
- Fresh parsley (chopped)2 tbsp
This grilled pike steak BBQ recipe offers a simple yet delicious way to enjoy the mild, firm-textured pike fish. The recipe uses straightforward ingredients and a quick grilling method for a flavor-packed, healthy meal. With an easy prep and cook time totaling around 30 minutes, you can enjoy a smoky BBQ fish experience even as a beginner. Total cost of ingredients roughly: $12 USD, €11, £9, ₹900. The dish is low in fat, moderate in protein, and fits well within a balanced diet. Cooking difficulty is easy, suitable for home cooks with basic kitchen tools. Safe food handling practices are emphasized to ensure your fish is grilled perfectly and healthily.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the marinade
1In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This marinade will enhance the pike's flavor and keep it moist during grilling.
Marinate the pike steaks
2Place pike steaks in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Turn the fish gently to coat well. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature. Avoid marinating over 30 minutes as acidic lemon juice can start cooking fish.
Preheat and oil the grill
3Heat your BBQ grill to medium-high heat (around 190-230°C or 375-450°F). Use a brush or a towel dipped in oil to grease the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Grill the pike steaks
4Place the pike steaks on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, carefully flipping once. The pike steaks will develop a golden-brown crust and grill marks. The fish is cooked when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Check internal temperature
5Use a food-safe instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. Safe internal temperature for cooked fish is 63°C (145°F). Once reached, remove from grill.
Serve and garnish
6Transfer the grilled pike steaks to serving plates, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately for best taste.
Cooking Tips
-If you don't have fresh lemon juice, bottled lemon juice works but might slightly change flavor.
-To avoid fish sticking to the grill, ensure the grill grates are clean and well oiled, and fish is dry before marinating.
-To keep fish moist, avoid overcooking – check doneness early when grilling the second side.
-You can substitute pike steak with other firm white fish steaks like swordfish or salmon.
Equipment
- BBQ grill or grill pan
- Instant-read food thermometer
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs or fish spatula
- Brush or oil-soaked paper towel for greasing grill
Shopping List
- [ ] Pike steak (approx. 4 pieces): around $8-$10 USD. Choose fresh, firm, moist fish with no strong fishy smell.
- [ ] Extra virgin olive oil (bottle): around $5 USD. Pick a good quality for better flavor.
- [ ] Fresh lemons (2): approx. $1. Select heavy, juicy lemons.
- [ ] Garlic (2 cloves): approx. $0.30. Fresh garlic with firm bulbs is best.
- [ ] Salt (sea or kosher): approx. $1. Use coarse salt for seasoning.
- [ ] Black pepper (ground or peppercorns to grind): approx. $1. Freshly ground pepper gives best aroma.
- [ ] Fresh parsley bunch: approx. $1. Look for bright green leaves without yellowing.
Total approximate cost: $12-$14 USD.
FAQ
How do I know when the pike steak is fully cooked?
The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Using a food thermometer, the internal temperature should be at least 63°C (145°F) to be safe to eat.
Can I use frozen pike steaks for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the steaks completely in the refrigerator before marinating and grilling to ensure even cooking.
Is it necessary to marinate the pike steak?
Marinating adds flavor and moisture, but you can grill plain seasoned fish if preferred. Marinate for no more than 30 minutes to avoid the acid 'cooking' the fish.
What should I do to prevent the fish from sticking to the grill?
Ensure the grill grates are clean and hot before placing the fish. Lightly oil the grates and pat fish dry before marinating to reduce sticking.