Maybe you purchased your Pit Boss grill because you wanted to eat healthier and eat more fish? Most people use their smokers to make Boston butts, steaks, and hamburgers. If you’ve ever wondered can you cook fish on a Pit Boss pellet grill, you’re about to find out the different ways you can prepare fish.
Can You Cook Fish on A Pit Boss Pellet Grill?
You can smoke, grill, bake, sear, reheat, and prepare fish using several methods in your Pit Boss pellet grill. That said, when cooking fish on the pellet grill, ensure you’re using the right fish for the cooking method.
If you’ve never cooked fish on your Pit Boss, this article will discuss the various cooking methods, best pellets for fish, and the best types of fish for different cooking methods.
For a more in-depth guide check out this article on how to grill fish on a Pit Boss pellet grill.
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Pit Boss Cooking Methods
To better understand why you can prepare fish on a pellet grill, you first need to understand the various cooking methods available with the Pit Boss.
The Pit Boss makes it easy to:
- Grill
- Char-Grill
- Braise
- Roast
- Bake
- Sear
- Smoke
- Roast
Types of Fish You Can Cook on a Pit Boss
Before you preheat the Pit Boss, it’s important to understand not all fish are created equally. Some types of fish will work best when smoking, while others will be sturdier and hold up better on the open flame.
Below, you’ll find the best fish for grilling, smoking, and searing.
Best Fish for Grilling
When grilling, avoid delicate fishes such as flounder, tilapia, or sole. These types have a tendency to become flakey and will fall apart and fall through the grates.
Choose firm, hearty fish such as the following:
- Tuna
- Swordfish
- Salmon
- Mahi Mahi
- Snapper
Pro Tip: Use cedar plants for grilling lighter fish like tilapia, so it doesn’t fall apart on the grill.
Best Fish for Smoking
Maybe you prefer your fish with a more smokey flavor with the famous smoke ring? If so, choose fattier fish, as it will absorb the smoke better.
The best fish for smoking on a Pit Boss pellet grill are:
- Mackerel
- Rockfish
- Mahi Mahi
- Halibut
- Sturgeon
If you’re a seafood lover, oysters, clams, mussels, crab, and shrimp are also great for smoking on a Pit Boss.
Best Fish for Baking
Pellet grills make it easy to bake your foods, even desserts! When baking your fish, consider the following types of fish:
- Halibut
- Tilapia
- Snapper
- Atlantic Salmon
Different Ways To Prepare Fish On A Pit Boss
Now that you know you can grill fish on your Pit Boss, let’s look at the different ways you can prepare it.
Method | Description |
Blackened | Coated with cajun seasoning and seared at very high heat. |
Baking | Cooking over indirect heat at a temperature of 350℉ to 425 degrees. |
Smoked | Set the pellet grill to smoke and let it smoke at 225℉ or below for 2-3 hours until you like the texture. |
Saute | Cooking the fish in a cast-iron skillet over indirect heat. |
A Pit Boss pellet grill works just like the convection oven in your kitchen. The only difference is, you’re cooking outside instead of inside.
Many people say that pellet grills are not actually grills. It is an electric outdoor convection oven and smoker hybrid that makes it easy to cook all kinds of foods.
Best Pit Boss Pellets for Fish
One of the primary reasons people invest in a pellet grill is the ability to use different flavored hardwood pellets that give food a flavor unlike the typical gas or charcoal grills.
Choosing the right pellets comes down to preference and personal taste. However, when smoking delicate meat like fish, not all hardwood is created equally. Avoid strong aromas such as Pecan, or Hickory, as they can overpower the fish.
Instead, consider some of the lighter, fruitier hardwood flavors such as Cherry, Alder, or Mesquite.
If you prefer the pellets with powerful aromas, try mixing them with some of the lighter flavored pellets when cooking delicate meats like fish.
Whenever I grill tuna or salmon, I use either the Competition blend or the Apple, as those are the two flavors I usually have on hand.
What Temperature Do You Cook Fish At?
The temperature will vary depending on how you prepare your fish. Below is a table of the temperatures you to set your grill, based on the cooking method.
Cooking Method | Temperature |
Smoke | Below 225℉ |
Sear | 500℉ |
Grilled | 300℉ – 350℉ |
Bake | 350℉ |
The temperature settings will vary, depending on your pellet grill and the thickness of the fish.
It’s best to monitor the fish using a meat thermometer to ensure you don’t overcook or undercook the fish.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Fish On A Pit Boss?
Grilling and searing fish can take anywhere from 8-15 minutes. While smoking over a low and slow setting can take 2-4 hours or more. The time it takes to prepare the fish will depend on the thickness, and how well you like it cooked.
That said, the FoodSafety.gov website recommends seafood and fish be cooked to a safe internal temperature of 145℉. Cooking the fish properly kills the parasites and bacteria that can cause people to become ill.
Ensure you’re using a good meat thermometer to help you monitor the temperature. If you prefer eating your fish raw, you can get the famous smoke ring in about 3 minutes.
Final Word
You can cook fish in a variety of ways on a Pit Boss or any pellet grill. If you prefer your fish smoked, consider fattier fish, as they absorb more smoke flavor.
When it comes to cooking fish, there is no right or wrong way to prepare it. Like anything else, it takes practice to become good at it.
The next time you’re at the supermarket, pick up some wild caught tuna and throw it on the grill.
You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to prepare dinner in less than an hour!
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