Whole BBQ Fish
January 16, 2015
January 16, 2015
This post is sponsored by Barbeques Galore.
Summer and Barbeques (BBQ) go hand in hand, add an impending long weekend (Australia Day) and you will need to duck out to the balcony or backyard to check that your gas bottle is full and ready to go, or maybe think about getting yourself a BBQ if you do not yet own one.
We use our BBQ all year round on a regular basis. I particularly like it because it is primarily Mr Fresh’s domain – meaning that I prep the food and he cooks it. Mr Fresh has taken ownership of that cooking space (and no other) so I say let’s BBQ often!
I admit that I am a BBQ virgin. Until recently I had never ever, ever cooked on a BBQ myself. As I said, it is Mr Fresh’s domain. I had no idea how to turn it on, let along what to do once it was on, which setting to use, or which area of the BBQ to place the food etc. Mr Fresh gave me a quick run down of our BBQ in two minutes and I was cooking on it in no time while he stood by protectively….It was surprisingly easy, I think men make it more complicated than it actually is! Regardless of our personal cooking responsibilities, my point is that it is not a tricky appliance to operate, anyone can use one.
BBQ fish is one of our favorite BBQ meals. It is simple to prepare, very quick to cook, fresh and beautiful on the plate. It is also a convenient way to feed a crowd or to wow a dinner gathering. I love that there is no wastage of the fish when you buy a whole one. The only thing left from our meal was the head and skeleton, which can then be used to make a batch of stock. It is an economical way to purchase fish.
Ask the person at the fish shop to clean your fish (have it scaled and gutted) for you so that it is ready to cook when you get it home. I have included two preparation recipes for the fish as I could not decide which one we enjoyed the most.
**Note: the cook time will vary depending on the size of the fish that you are cooking. It is also based on using a bbq with a lid/cover.
The fish I cooked was Snapper. I used 3 x 650 gram Snappers to feed 5 adults and two children. Allow 300 grams per person when purchasing your whole fish. this will help you to select the correct size. This estimate is based on a few hungry men in the mix of dinner guests!
My dad was visiting us when we enjoyed this meal. In his opinion plain BBQ fish can not be beaten – a pinch of salt and a grind of pepper only to adorn it. In his words “adding lemon is almost too much”. He likes to experience the full flavor of the fresh fish, unmasked by other ingredients. For me – the chilli, lemon and herbs are necessary additions but it may just be because I love to see the fresh garden ingredients on my plate…
We recently added BBQ corn to our “must eat often” list. It is fabulously juicy and tasty. Just add the whole cobs in their husks to the top tray while the fish is cooking and turn every 5 minutes. They will be done in 15 minutes. Perfect to accompany your whole BBQ fish.
Enjoy the BBQ season.
How do you like your fish and what is your favorite food to cook on the BBQ? Are you a steak and sausages only fan or do you experiment?
Hi Krystie,
I have been enjoying your site. Thanks for the yummy recipes. I looked back over previous posts and ABSOLUTELY FELL IN LOVE with your mums incredible garden. I am especially interested in those tiles she used on the outdoor table and chairs. I have been searching years for similar tiles with no luck so was taken aback when I spotted these magnificent colours. Is there any chance you would be able to let me know where she got them from. huge ask I know but would be appreciated sooooo much. I do mosaic too and would love to use these in a piece I have envisioned for a long time. Thanks warmly PEtrice
Hi Petrice, thank you very much for your comments. My mum’s garden is truely stunning. It is a beautiful space to enjoy. The tiles that she used on those pieces were purchased by my dad at a local garage sale so I am afraid that they were a lucky find! Happy tile hunting and thanks so much for stopping by. Kyrstie.
Just gorgeous Kyrstie! Love your work.
thanks so much Lizzy. x