Cooking Fish Wings On Bbq: A Tasty Summer Treat

Fish wings are an underappreciated delicacy, often wasted when the fillet is removed. However, with the right preparation, they can be a delicious treat, especially when cooked on a barbecue. The wings are the sweet meat attached to the pectoral fin, just behind the gills, and each person will need 2-3 wings for a decent meal. There are several ways to prepare fish wings for the barbecue, including marinating them in olive oil, garlic, ginger, and spices, or simply seasoning them with salt and serving them with lemon wedges.

Characteristics of cooking fish wings on a BBQ

Fish wing preparation

First, you will need to source your fish wings. The wing is the bit of sweet meat attached to the pectoral fin, just behind the gills. It is often wasted once the fillet has been removed. Each person will need 2-3 wings for a decent feed, so unless you've had a good day fishing, it's best to get your fishmonger to source them for you.

Once you have your fish wings, you will need to prepare them for cooking. Start by washing and patting the wings dry. Then, use a pair of kitchen scissors or a heavy-duty cleaver to cut behind the gills and around the pectoral fin, working from the top of the fish to the bottom. You will need to cut through a few bones. Make sure there are no scales still attached to the skin, then rinse the wings well.

Next, it's time to season the wings. Place the wings in a large bowl and pour over olive oil, making sure all the wings are coated. Then, season the wings generously with salt. You can also add other seasonings or spices of your choice, such as a lime and chilli blend, to add extra flavour.

Finally, you will need to cook the wings. Preheat your barbecue grill to a high heat. Cook the wings, fin-side down first, for 2-3 minutes. Turn the wings over and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. The meat is not very thick, so it will cook quickly. Serve the wings with lemon wedges or your choice of sauce.

Marinating and seasoning

Firstly, prepare the fish wings by trimming any unwanted sinew or bones, if necessary. Leave the skin intact as it will help keep the wings moist during cooking. Rinse the wings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. It is important to ensure that the fish is dry before marinating, as this will help the seasoning adhere better and promote even cooking.

Next, create your marinade. In a large stainless steel or glass bowl, combine a generous amount of olive oil (about 50ml) with your choice of aromatics and spices. For example, you could use a blend of ginger, garlic, lemongrass, coriander, and chilli lime seasoning. The olive oil will help to carry the flavours and keep the fish moist, while the aromatics will infuse the wings with delicious flavours. Mix in some acid such as lemon or lime juice to help tenderise the fish and add a bright, tangy flavour. You can also add a splash of wine to the marinade for extra depth.

Place the fish wings in the bowl with the marinade and ensure they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavours to penetrate the fish. The longer you leave the fish to marinate, the more intense the flavour will be. However, be careful not to over-marinate, as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the delicate flesh of the fish if left for too long.

Once the fish wings have finished marinating, remove them from the bowl and season generously with salt and pepper, or your choice of seasoning blend. You can also add some extra spices or a dry rub at this stage for an extra flavour boost. Remember, seasoning just before cooking helps to create a delicious crust when the fish hits the barbecue.

Your fish wings are now ready for the barbecue! Remember to oil the grill to prevent sticking and cook the wings over medium to high heat for a few minutes on each side, being careful not to overcook them. Serve with your choice of sides and enjoy the delicious, flavour-packed fish wings!

Cooking methods

Preparation

First, you will need to source your fish wings. The wing is the bit of sweet meat attached to the pectoral fin, just behind the gills, and is often wasted after the fillet has been removed. You will need 2-3 wings per person for a decent feed, so unless you’ve had a good day’s fishing, it’s best to get your fishmonger to source them for you.

Once you have your fish wings, use a pair of kitchen scissors or a heavy-duty cleaver to cut behind the gills and around the pectoral fin, working from the top of the fish to the bottom – you will need to cut through a few bones. Make sure there are no scales still attached to the skin, then rinse well and pat dry.

Grilling

Preheat your barbeque grill over high heat until very hot. In a large bowl, coat the wings in olive oil and season well with salt. Toss to combine. Place the wings on the grill, fin-side down first, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Turn and cook on the other side for another 2-3 minutes. The meat is not very thick so they will cook quickly. Serve with lemon wedges.

Frying

In a stainless steel bowl, mix 50ml olive oil with ginger, garlic, lemongrass, coriander, fish sauce and wine. Add the wings and marinate for an hour. Heat 50ml olive oil to medium-high heat in a large frying pan. Quickly sear the wings fin-side down for one minute, then turn over. Place the pan in the oven at 180°C for 5 minutes, until just cooked, tender and moist. Remove the fish from the pan and debone.

Baking

Lay the fish wings in a single layer in a baking tray and sprinkle with a lime and chilli seasoning blend. Pour over lemon juice, cover tightly with aluminium foil, and bake in a moderate oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through. Test with a skewer.

Cooking times

The cooking time for fish wings on a BBQ depends on the type of fish and the method of preparation. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get perfect fish wings every time:

Preparation

Before cooking, you will need to prepare the fish wings. This includes washing and patting them dry. You may also choose to marinate the wings or add a seasoning.

Preheat the BBQ

For BBQ fish wings, it is essential to have a very hot grill. Preheat your barbeque grill over high heat.

Cooking

Place the fish wings on the preheated grill, with the fin side down first. For stripey trumpeter wings, cook the first side for 2-3 minutes. Turn the wings and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. This cooking time is due to the meat being relatively thin. For thicker fish wings, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly, but be careful not to overcook the fish.

Alternatively, for a more well-done texture, you can try searing the wings fin side down for one minute, then turning them over and placing them in the oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 5 minutes.

For baking in the oven, a moderate oven temperature is recommended. Cover the fish wings with aluminium foil and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the fish is cooked through. You can test whether the fish is cooked by using a skewer.

Serving

Fish wings are best served hot and fresh off the grill. You can serve them with lemon wedges or a sauce of your choice.

In summary, the cooking time for BBQ fish wings is typically around 4-6 minutes for a grill with high heat, or 5 minutes in the oven after a quick sear. For baking, the cooking time is longer, around 15-20 minutes in a moderate oven. Adjust the cooking time according to the thickness of the fish wings and your desired doneness.

Serving suggestions

Fish wings are a delicious, sustainable way to enjoy seafood, and grilling them on a barbecue is a fantastic way to cook them. There are a few ways to serve fish wings, depending on your preference and the type of fish you are using.

Firstly, you will want to ensure you have the right amount of fish wings per person. For a decent meal, each person will need around 2-3 fish wings, so it is important to plan accordingly. If you are using a larger fish, such as barramundi, snapper, or dhufish, you may be able to get more wings from a single fish. Smaller fish, like stripey trumpeter, will yield fewer wings, so you may need to source them from a fishmonger.

When it comes to serving grilled fish wings, there are a few options to consider. One simple and classic way is to serve them with lemon wedges. The citrus flavour of the lemon complements the sweetness of the fish meat very well. You can also try serving them with a side of coleslaw, which provides a crunchy and creamy contrast to the tender fish wings.

For those who like a bit of spice, adding a chilli lime seasoning to the fish wings before grilling is a great option. The chilli and lime flavours add a zesty kick to the dish, and you can serve these wings with a wedge of lime and a sprinkle of fresh chilli slices on top.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can try a more complex dish, such as dhufish wings with garlic and ginger. This recipe includes a marinade made with olive oil, ginger, garlic, lemongrass, coriander, fish sauce, and wine. The wings are then seared and cooked until tender, and served with a reduction of pan juices and sautéed snow peas. This dish offers an explosion of flavours and textures that is sure to impress.

Grilled fish wings are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Whether you keep it simple with lemon wedges or get creative with marinades and spices, your fish wings are sure to be a tasty treat, perfect for a light lunch or a summer barbecue.

Frequently asked questions