How to Keep Fish from Sticking to the Grill

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Grill Tip

Three salmon fillets with grill marks cooking on a barbecue grill. The fish is lightly seasoned and appears to be in the process of grilling over an open flame.

I am a bit overdue for a kitchen tip, but I think this one will more than make-up for that. I have read articles about the perfect spatula or fish chamber used to flip fish on a grill. I have read tips about cooking fish on a sheet of tin foil directly on the grill. I have even heard people vow that they will never cook fish on the grill due to the recurring problem of fish sticking to the blankety-blanking grill! However, once you use this simple method, you won’t need any special tools. You can cook fish on the grill again and you can do so with a Tibetan sense of calm.

The secret weapon– a Russet potato! That’s right, a cut Russet potato is all you need. Just before you are ready to place the fish on the grill, give the grill grates a really good rubbin’ with the cut side of a potato. I know you are thinking, “How in the world is this going to keep the fish from sticking?!” You see, the starch from the potato creates a film that prevents the fish from sticking. Brilliant!

A metal tong is holding a whole potato on a grill over hot coals, preparing it for cooking.

Now, if you want to try out this new method– stay tuned for the grilled salmon recipe. It’s a simple and delicious take on preparing a perfect, pink piece of fish.
Oh, don’t waste that potato either. Finish cooking it on the grill or trim off the grilled end and throw it in a pot of water and simmer until just cooked through. Then use it in meatballs, mashed potatoes, hash browns, or potato pancakes.