With its firm texture, buttery melt-in-your-mouth flavor, and succulent taste, cobia is one of the most-loved whitefish among seafood enthusiasts. Often referred to as lemonfish or black kingfish, cobia can be prepared in a variety of ways so you can enjoy its delicate flavor. In this guide, we will take you through the steps of cooking cobia on the grill like a pro, ensuring your fish is perfectly grilled and packed with flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1. Cobia fillet
2. Olive oil or your preferred cooking oil
3. Lemon wedges (for garnish)
4. Seasonings (such as salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or spices)
5. Some vegetables

Equipment

1. Grill
2. Grill brush
3. Tongs
4. Basting brush
5. Aluminum foil (for easier grilling and cleaning)

Preparation

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, around 375–400°F (190–204°C). Make sure the grates are clean to prevent the fish from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cobia Fillets

While the grill is heating up, prepare your cobia fillets. Pat them dry with a paper towel, which will help the fish cook evenly and develop a nice crust. You can also brush the fillets with olive oil to prevent it from sticking and add a light coating of your preferred seasonings for flavor. Common choices include salt, pepper, and herbs like dill, thyme, or rosemary.

Step 3: Oil the Grill Grates

To further prevent sticking, use tongs and a folded paper towel dipped in cooking oil to oil the grill grates. This step also helps create appealing grill marks on the cobia.

Step 4: Grill the Cobia

Place the prepared cobia fillets on the grill, skin-side down. You can also lay aluminum foil on the grill grates to make flipping and cleaning easier. Close the grill lid and let the fish cook for about 4–6 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.

After the first side is done cooking, gently flip the fillets using a spatula. Be careful not to tear the fish, as cobia can be quite delicate. Close the lid and grill the other side for an additional 4–6 minutes.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

The cobia is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Be careful not to overcook it, as cobia can become dry if left on the grill for too long.

Step 6: Serve

Once the cobia is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful dish. Garnish your grilled cobia with fresh lemon wedges.

Step 7: Prepare a Side Dish

Cobia’s light taste pairs beautifully with the smokiness of grilled vegetables. You can grill asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, or any combination of your favorite veggies. Drizzle them with olive oil; season with salt, pepper, and herbs; and grill until tender.

You can explore more cobia recipes from renowned chefs on our website. At Open Blue, we offer cobia fillets for sale, and they are perfect for incorporating this healthy whitefish into your everyday dishes. Explore our complete range of Open Blue Cobia cuts here or contact us for more information about how to buy cobia for your operation.