This Traeger Grilled Rockfish Recipe is an easy, healthy way to enjoy fresh white fish. While the recipe uses rockfish, you can substitute any firm white fish. Bake it on a Traeger or in a conventional oven to get gentle, wood-fired flavor and a flaky, tender result.
Traeger Grilled Rockfish Recipe
Spring and warm weather are perfect for swapping heavy winter meals for lighter fare. This recipe is built for those days when you want something fresh, fast, and simple that lets you spend more time outside and less time in the kitchen. The fish is seasoned lightly with dill, lemon, and butter so the natural flavor can shine. It’s quick to prepare and cooks in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
What other kinds of fish would work with this recipe?
Although this version uses rockfish, the method works with many firm white fish: cod, haddock, halibut, sea bass, pollock, or snapper are all excellent choices. The simple seasoning—dill, salt, pepper, lemon, and a touch of butter—complements delicate white fish without overpowering it. If you grill directly over the heat, use a foil pan, fish grilling basket, or a perforated grilling tray to prevent the fillets from sticking or falling through the grates.
What is rockfish?
Rockfish describes a group of many species, most commonly found in the North Pacific. They have lean, mild, slightly sweet flesh with a medium-firm texture that holds up well to baking, grilling, or pan-searing. The name comes from their tendency to live around rocky reefs and structure. Rockfish are a popular local catch in the Pacific Northwest and work well in straightforward recipes like this one.
If you enjoy rockfish, try preparing it several ways: wood-fired on a pellet grill, baked with simple aromatics, or lightly pan-seared for a crisp exterior and moist interior.
How to buy the freshest fish at the market
Choose fish with firm, clean-looking flesh. Fillets should be free of bruises or discolored patches and should bounce back if you press them gently. Fresh fish has a mild, briny scent rather than a strong “fishy” odor. If buying whole fish, clear eyes and bright gills are good signs of freshness. Buying from a trusted fishmonger or reputable market will also improve your chances of getting top-quality fillets.
Can this recipe be cooked in the oven?
Yes. This recipe translates easily to a conventional oven if you don’t have a pellet grill. Cooking times vary with fillet thickness and oven temperature. At 425°F the fish will generally take 12–15 minutes; at 375°F plan for about 15–20 minutes. Use visual cues and a thermometer rather than relying solely on time since factors like fillet thickness and temperature fluctuations affect doneness.
How to tell when fish is done
Fish cooks quickly and can turn from perfect to overdone in minutes. Two reliable methods will help you get consistent results:
The fork test
Look for the flesh to turn opaque. Insert a fork into the thickest part at a 45° angle and twist gently. Properly cooked fish will flake easily; if it resists flaking and appears translucent in the center, it needs more time.
Digital meat thermometer
For safety and consistency, cook fish to an internal temperature of 145°F. Use the thermometer in the thickest part of the fillet to check doneness. Combining the fork test with a quick temperature check is the best approach until you learn how the fish looks and feels when perfectly cooked.
Best sides to serve with rockfish
Light, fresh sides pair best with delicate white fish. Consider grilled or roasted vegetables, simple starches, and bright salads. Ideas that complement this recipe:
- Smoked or roasted smashed potatoes
- Grilled asparagus or charred green beans
- Creamy corn and potato chowder with wild rice
- Loaded baked potato salad or tuna salad for a heartier option
A cold relish tray with pickles, olives, pickled asparagus, or a mix of vegetables is also a nice way to include more vegetables and add variety to the plate.
Drinks to serve
White wine is a classic match for white fish—Sauvignon Blanc and other crisp, acidic whites work especially well. For cocktails, light, citrus-forward drinks like a margarita or a white wine spritzer keep the meal bright. If you prefer mixed drinks, a homemade sour mix can be used with your favorite whiskey or brandy for a balanced cocktail.
Desserts that pair well
Citrus-based desserts are an excellent finish after a seafood meal. Something like a lemon-orange meringue pie or a light sorbet keeps the meal feeling fresh. Fresh fruit or a fruit salad also offers a refreshing, simple end to the meal.
Fish dinners are quick, healthy, and satisfying—perfect for warm evenings when you want a flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and share with family or friends.
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Traeger Rockfish
This simple Traeger grilled rockfish recipe highlights fresh fillets, lemon, dill, and a touch of butter. It cooks quickly and lets the natural flavor of the fish shine through.
10 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes
Ingredients
- 6 rockfish fillets (or other firm white fish)
- 1 lemon, sliced
- ¾ teaspoon Himalayan or sea salt
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 6 tablespoons butter (one pat per fillet)
Instructions
- Preheat your Traeger grill to 375°F (or preheat a conventional oven to 375°F if baking).
- Arrange the fillets in a grill-safe baking dish or an ovenproof pan. Season both sides with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and dill.
- Top each fillet with a pat of butter and a couple of lemon slices.
- Place the dish on the grill, close the lid, and cook about 20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily and is opaque through the center. In a 375°F oven expect similar timing; at 425°F cook for 12–15 minutes depending on thickness.
- Remove from the heat and let rest 3–5 minutes before serving. Check internal temperature if desired—145°F at the thickest part indicates done.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6
Serving Size: 1 fillet
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 270
Total Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 98mg
Sodium: 381mg
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 28g