Zesty Grilled Pike Fillet with Fresh Lemon
Nutritional value per serving
Calories250kcal
Carbs2gram
Fat6gram
Protein30gram
Ingredients
- Fresh pike fillets (skin-on is fine)400 g
- Fresh lemon juice (approximately 1 lemon)2 tbsp
- Olive oil1 tbsp
- Garlic, minced1 clove
- Salt (preferably sea salt)1 tsp
- Black pepper, freshly ground0.5 tsp
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)1 tbsp
This easy grilled pike fillet recipe with lemon is perfect for home cooks looking for a healthy, delicious, and quick meal. Pike is a lean white fish with a mild flavor that grills beautifully. The fresh lemon adds a delightful zest that enhances its natural taste. This recipe is beginner-friendly and includes all the food safety tips you need to prepare your fish safely and deliciously. The total estimated ingredient cost is approximately $12 USD, €11, £9, and ₹900. The dish contains about 250 calories per serving, is suitable for a gluten-free diet, and takes around 30 minutes from start to finish including prep and cooking. The recipe difficulty is easy, perfect for cooks with basic skills and common kitchen tools.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the marinade
1In a small bowl, mix the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This marinade will infuse the pike with bright, fresh flavors.
Marinate the pike fillets
2Place the pike fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Turn the fillets to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Marinating tenderizes and flavors the fish.
Preheat the grill
3Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F or 190-205°C). Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.
Grill the pike fillets
4Place the fillets skin-side down on the grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on the first side, then carefully flip and grill for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. Total cooking time should be about 8-9 minutes depending on fillet thickness.
Check for doneness and safe temperature
5Ensure the internal temperature of the fish reaches 63°C (145°F) as recommended by food safety guidelines. The flesh should be opaque and separate easily with a fork. Use a food thermometer inserted into the thickest part to confirm the safe internal temperature.
Let the fish rest and serve
6Remove the fillets from the grill and let them rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra lemon slices if desired before serving.
Cooking Tips
-If you do not have a grill, you can cook the pike fillets in a grill pan or under a broiler, adjusting cook times accordingly.
-Use tongs and a fish spatula to carefully flip the fillets to prevent breaking the delicate flesh.
-Always wash your hands and utensils after handling raw fish to avoid cross-contamination.
-Marinate fish no longer than 30 minutes, as the acid in the lemon juice can start to 'cook' the fish and alter texture if left too long.
Equipment Needed
- Grill (gas or charcoal) or grill pan
- Tongs or fish spatula
- Food thermometer (recommended for safety)
- Small mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Shopping List
- [ ] Fresh pike fillets (~400g, around $10) - Choose fillets that look moist with firm flesh and no strong fishy odor.
- [ ] Fresh lemons (1-2 pieces, about $1) - Pick heavy lemons with bright skin for juiciness.
- [ ] Olive oil (small bottle or from home pantry) - Use extra virgin for best flavor.
- [ ] Garlic (1 clove, about $0.10) - Fresh garlic cloves are better than pre-minced.
- [ ] Salt (sea salt preferred) - Essential for seasoning.
- [ ] Black pepper (freshly ground preferable)
- [ ] Fresh parsley (optional) - Choose bright green, crisp leaves.
Total approximate cost: $12 (will vary by location).
FAQ
Can I use frozen pike fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen fillets. Thaw them fully in the refrigerator overnight before marinating and grilling to ensure even cooking.
What if I don't have a food thermometer?
You can check doneness by seeing if the fish flakes easily with a fork and the flesh looks opaque without translucent parts. However, a thermometer is best for food safety.
Can I marinate the pike fillets longer than 15 minutes?
It’s best not to marinate longer than 30 minutes because the acid from the lemon can start 'cooking' the fish and change its texture.
What are some good side dishes to serve with grilled pike?
Steamed vegetables, rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad pair wonderfully with grilled pike and lemon.