Grilled pike steak garnished with lemon slices and herbs on a plate

Zesty Grilled Pike Steak with Fresh Lemon

Name: Zesty Grilled Pike Steak with Fresh Lemon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 400 g Pike steak (fresh and firm); 1 piece Fresh lemon (use both zest and juice); 2 tbsp Olive oil (extra virgin preferred); 1 tsp Minced garlic (fresh if possible); 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (finely chopped); 1 tsp Salt (to taste, preferably sea salt); 0.5 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground)

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easy

15 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories250kcal

Carbs2gram

Fat5gram

Protein30gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Pike steak (fresh and firm)400 g
Fresh lemon (use both zest and juice)1 piece
Olive oil (extra virgin preferred)2 tbsp
Minced garlic (fresh if possible)1 tsp
Fresh parsley (finely chopped)1 tbsp
Salt (to taste, preferably sea salt)1 tsp
Black pepper (freshly ground)0.5 tsp

This grilled pike steak recipe with a fresh lemon marinade is perfect for a simple, healthy, and flavorful meal. Pike steak, a mild freshwater fish, pairs beautifully with the zest and juice of lemon, giving it a bright and savory flavor. This recipe is straightforward, beginner-friendly, and ensures your pike is cooked safely to a tender and flaky perfection. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $12, €11, £9, and ₹900. Each serving contains about 250 kcal, making it suitable for low-fat and low-carb diets. The recipe is easy in complexity and takes under 30 minutes from start to finish, ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dining.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the lemon marinade

1In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, juice of the lemon, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.

Marinate the pike steak

2Place the pike steak in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the fish, ensuring it is well coated. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. This step enhances flavor and helps keep the fish moist.

Preheat the grill

3Preheat your grill (gas or charcoal) to medium-high heat, around 200°C (400°F). Clean the grill grates and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.

Grill the pike steak

4Place the marinated pike steak on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on thickness. Use a spatula to turn the steak carefully to avoid breaking the delicate fish.

Check for doneness and food safety

5Cook until the internal temperature of the pike reaches 63°C (145°F) using a food thermometer inserted at the thickest part. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork, indicating it is safely cooked.

Serve

6Remove the pike steak from the grill and let it rest for 2 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for extra zest and presentation.

Cooking Tips

-If you don’t have a food thermometer, check that the fish flakes easily and is no longer translucent.

-Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw fish and other ingredients.

-For a smoky flavor, add wood chips to the grill, but ensure fish does not overcook.

-You can substitute parsley with dill or cilantro for a different herb flavor.

Equipment Needed

Grill (gas or charcoal)
Tongs or spatula
Small bowl
Measuring spoons
Food thermometer
Knife and cutting board

Grocery Shopping List

[ ] Pike steak, 400g (~$8/€7/£6/₹600): Choose firm, fresh fish from the seafood counter.
[ ] Lemon, 1 piece (~$0.5/€0.5/£0.4/₹40): Select bright yellow, firm lemons with a fresh citrus aroma.
[ ] Olive oil, extra virgin (~$1 for 2 tbsp/€1/£0.8/₹80): Look for good-quality, cold-pressed olive oil.
[ ] Fresh garlic, 1 clove (~$0.2/€0.2/£0.2/₹15): Choose firm, unblemished garlic bulbs.
[ ] Fresh parsley, small bunch (~$1/€0.8/£0.7/₹70): Pick parsley that is vibrant green without yellow or wilted leaves.
[ ] Salt and black pepper (ensure you have these basics at home).

Total approximate cost: $12 / €11 / £9 / ₹900

FAQ

Can I use frozen pike steak for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen pike steak, but make sure it is fully thawed in the refrigerator before marinating and grilling. Also, pat it dry to remove excess moisture.

What if I don’t have a grill?

You can cook the marinated pike steak in a grill pan or a regular non-stick skillet on the stove over medium heat.

How do I know when the fish is safe to eat?

Use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F). Alternatively, the fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.