Grilled Sheepshead: A Delightful Fish Recipe

Are you looking for a simple and delicious fish recipe to impress your family and friends? Look no further! Our grilled sheepshead recipe will give you a flaky, sweet fish that will leave everyone wanting more. Known as the “poor man’s lobster,” this lovely fish is moist, tender, and easy to prepare. In just under 10 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering grilled sheepshead topped with garlic butter using a blazing hot cast-iron skillet.

🍽️ Why This Works

• Naturally juicy: Sheepshead fish has a high healthy-fat content, resulting in a moist and tender texture.
• Fast and easy: With a simple seasoning and minimal cooking time, your fish will be ready in a flash.
• Best way to cook sheepshead fish: The simplicity of this recipe allows the moisture and flavor of the fish to shine through. Cooking it in a hot cast-iron skillet with basic ingredients creates a delicious outcome.

🐟 Ingredients

📝 Ingredient Notes

• Sheepshead: A flaky and tender fish with a sweet flavor reminiscent of shellfish.
• Olive Oil: Prevents the sheepshead fish from sticking to the skillet during grilling.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Garlic Butter: A compound butter made from garlic, butter, dried parsley, and lemon wedges. It takes the grilled sheepshead over the top. Freshly minced garlic is recommended for the best results.

What is sheepshead fish?

Sheepshead fish is a saltwater fish commonly found in coastal waters along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, with the highest concentration off the Florida coast. It can grow up to 30″ in length, with a typical size ranging from 10-20″. Sheepshead has a high moisture and fat content, and its flavor is similar to shellfish. It is also known as drum fish or poor man’s lobster.

Where can I buy sheepshead?

While sheepshead is usually caught fresh rather than bought, you can find it in some local seafood markets along the Atlantic coast.

⏲️ Equipment and Tools

• Cast Iron Skillet: Using a cast iron skillet on the grill is ideal as it gets beautifully hot and creates a perfect sear. It allows you to cook delicate fish like sheepshead without worrying about sticking or falling apart.

🔥 Instructions

1. Step One: Heat up your grill with a cast iron skillet in place. Meanwhile, fillet the fish if needed, rinse to remove any debris, and pat it dry.
2. Step Two: Season the fish with salt and pepper to your taste.
3. Step Three: In a microwave-safe container, melt the butter and add minced garlic and dried parsley.
4. Step Four: Once the grill and skillet reach 500ºF, reduce the grill temperature to 425ºF. Place olive oil in the skillet.
5. Step Five: Put the fish on the hot skillet and close the grill. Grill the fish for two to three minutes per side.
6. Step Six: Flip the fish one last time and grill for an additional one to three minutes. The fish should appear white, flaky, and have a crispy golden exterior.
7. Step Seven: Pour the garlic butter over the fillets, remove from the grill, and extinguish the charcoal coals.

❗ Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Watch for the sides of the fish to turn white and pull away from the cast iron before flipping. This indicates that it’s time to flip. Don’t flip too early.
• The fish should have a golden brown color on both sides with a delicious crispy exterior achieved by the hot cast iron.
• Remember to preheat and heat the cast iron skillet in the grill to ensure a beautifully crisp result.

If it’s raining and you need to bring the cooking inside, you can still enjoy the deliciousness of sheepshead. Follow the same method but cook it on the stove. Heat the cast iron in the oven at 500 degrees and place it on the stove’s burner. Heat the stove to medium-high heat, add olive oil to the cast iron, and cook the sheepshead for 2-3 minutes on each side. Flip and finish cooking for an additional 1-3 minutes. Top with the garlic butter.

🧑‍🍳 Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for one or two days. If you have excess cooked fillets, freeze them and use within one or two months.

Leftover sheepshead can be reheated in a skillet or used in various dishes like dips, soups, salads, scrambled eggs, or omelets.

You can also clean and freeze the sheepshead you catch. Vacuum-seal or wrap and seal it in airtight containers for freezing. It will remain fresh for several months.

Meal Prep

Prepare ahead of time by cleaning and filleting the sheepshead, especially if you’re grilling for a crowd. Rinse the cleaned fish, pat it dry, and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to grill.

Measure the garlic and parsley directly into a glass measuring cup with the required amount of butter. Set it aside until the fish is almost finished grilling. Delegating the task of melting the butter to a child or guest will make it quick and effortless.

For any extra sheepshead, clean, fillet, and freeze it. Use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed packaging to ensure freshness.

Additions and Substitutions

While sheepshead fish is a must-try, you can apply this same method and recipe to your favorite fish if sheepshead is unavailable. Add extra seasonings or use your preferred dry rub to experiment with flavors. Keep in mind that sheepshead has a sweet flavor that pairs well with complementary tastes. Here are a few flavor combinations we recommend for grilled sheepshead:

• Lemon Butter Sauce
• Lime and Cilantro with a little heat
• Garlic and Ginger with Brown Sugar
• Old Bay Seasoning with added marjoram and rosemary
• Cinnamon and Oregano
• Taco Seasoning
• Teriyaki Sauce

Serving Suggestions

Complete your meal by serving sheepshead fish alongside grilled potatoes or rice, cheddar biscuits, grilled beer corn on the cob, coleslaw, potato salad, mushroom risotto, or grilled veggies like zucchini or broccolini.

❓ Recipe FAQ

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Remember, when it comes to grilling sheepshead, simplicity and quality ingredients are key. Enjoy this delightful fish recipe and let the flavors of the fish shine through with every bite.