Grilled Orange Roughy Recipe – Easy, Healthy & Flavorful

Grilling fish can be a delightful culinary adventure, bringing out flavors that are both rich and nuanced. Among the myriad options available, orange roughy stands out as a particularly appealing choice. Its mild flavor and firm texture make it ideal for grilling, offering a canvas that readily absorbs marinades and seasonings. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve deep into the world of grilled orange roughy, exploring its nutritional benefits, selection tips, preparation techniques, and much more.​

Understanding Orange Roughy

Orange roughy is a deep-sea fish known for its delicate flavor and flaky texture. It’s an excellent choice for those who prefer a less “fishy” taste. Additionally, it’s a low-fat source of high-quality protein, making it a healthy option for various diets. According to NutritionValue.org, a 3-ounce (85g) serving of raw orange roughy contains approximately:​

  • Calories: 65​
  • Protein: 14g​
  • Carbohydrates: 0g​

This nutritional profile makes it an excellent choice for those aiming to maintain a balanced diet.​

Selecting Quality Orange Roughy

When choosing orange roughy fillets, consider the following tips to ensure freshness:

  • Appearance: Look for fillets that are firm, moist, and have a translucent appearance. Avoid any that appear dry or have discoloration.​
  • Smell: Fresh fish should have a mild, ocean-like scent. A strong, fishy odor indicates that the fish is past its prime.​Killing Thyme

Preparing the Grill to Prevent Sticking

One common challenge when grilling fish is preventing it from sticking to the grill grates. Through trial and error, I’ve found the following steps to be effective:​

  1. Clean the Grill Grates: Ensure your grill grates are clean from any residue. This prevents sticking and promotes even cooking.​
  2. Oil the Grates: After cleaning, apply a high smoke-point oil (like canola or grapeseed oil) to the grates using a brush or paper towel. This creates a non-stick surface.​
  3. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). A properly heated grill sears the fish upon contact, reducing the chances of sticking.​
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For more detailed tips on preventing fish from sticking to the grill, you can refer to The Kitchn’s guide.​

Grilled orange roughy fillet on a white square plate with lemon slices and herbs
Perfectly grilled orange roughy fillet, served with fresh lemon wedges and herbs for a light, nutritious meal.

Grilled Orange Roughy Recipe

Now, let’s dive into the recipe. This grilled orange roughy is seasoned with fresh herbs and citrus, enhancing its natural flavors.​

Ingredients

  • 4 orange roughy fillets (about 6 ounces each)​
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil​
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon​
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced​
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped​
  • 1 teaspoon salt​
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper​
  • Lemon wedges, for serving​

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped dill, salt, and pepper.​
  2. Marinate the Fish: Place the orange roughy fillets in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the fillets, ensuring they are well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.​
  3. Preheat the Grill: While the fish is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C).​
  4. Grill the Fish: Remove the fillets from the marinade and place them on the preheated grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).​
  5. Serve: Transfer the grilled fillets to a serving platter. Garnish with additional fresh dill and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.​

Note: Grilling times may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets. Always check for doneness before serving.​

Serving Suggestions

This grilled orange roughy pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few recommendations:​

  • Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus complement the mild flavor of the fish.​
  • Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing touch.​
  • Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted baby potatoes seasoned with herbs make for a hearty side.​
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Tips for Perfect Grilled Fish

Achieving perfectly grilled fish requires attention to detail. Here are some additional tips:​

  • Avoid Overcooking: Fish cooks quickly. Keep a close eye to prevent it from becoming dry.​
  • Use a Fish Spatula: A thin, flexible fish spatula makes flipping delicate fillets easier.​
  • Let It Rest: Allow the grilled fish to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain its juices and enhances flavor.

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🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is orange roughy a good fish to grill?

Yes, orange roughy is a fantastic fish for grilling. Its firm texture holds up well on the grill, making it less likely to fall apart. With the right marinade and temperature, it delivers a beautifully flaky and flavorful result without sticking.

What does orange roughy taste like?

Orange roughy has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a delicate, buttery texture. It’s not overly “fishy,” making it perfect for those who prefer a subtler seafood taste. It takes on marinades and seasoning exceptionally well, making it versatile for a variety of dishes.

Is orange roughy fish good to eat?

Absolutely! Orange roughy is low in fat, rich in protein, and offers essential nutrients like selenium and B vitamins. It’s a clean, lean option for those seeking a heart-healthy protein. Just be mindful to source it sustainably due to concerns about overfishing.

Is orange roughy fish any good?

Definitely. Its light flavor, flaky texture, and adaptability make it a top choice for family meals and healthy diets. Whether baked, grilled, or pan-seared, orange roughy shines in simple, wholesome recipes — just like the one in this post.

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Grilled Orange Roughy Recipe – Easy, Healthy & Flavorful

This grilled orange roughy recipe is light, healthy, and bursting with citrus-herb flavor. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, it’s flaky, flavorful, and done in under 20 minutes! Ideal for moms, families, and anyone who loves clean eating without sacrificing taste.

  • Author: Chef Maxime
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Evening Eats
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 orange roughy fillets (about 6 oz each)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon

  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Lemon wedges, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.

  2. Coat the orange roughy fillets in the marinade. Let sit in the fridge for 20–30 minutes.

  3. Preheat grill to medium-high (about 400°F / 200°C). Lightly oil the grates.

  4. Grill the fillets for 3–4 minutes per side, until fish flakes easily and reaches 145°F.

  5. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can substitute orange roughy with tilapia or cod.

  • Great with quinoa, grilled veggies, or a fresh salad.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fillet (6 oz)
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sodium: 240 mg
  • Fat: 8 g Saturated Fat: 1.5 g Unsaturated Fat: 6 g Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g Fiber: 0 g Sugar: 0 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: grilled orange roughy, healthy fish recipe, quick seafood dinner, low fat fish, easy grilled fish

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