Grilled Haddock with Lemon Butter (Connecticut Style)

Introduction

There is something undeniably comforting about the simplicity of New England coastal cuisine, and this Connecticut-style grilled haddock is the perfect example. Unlike complex recipes that mask the natural flavor of the catch, this method relies on the holy trinity of seafood preparation: high-quality butter, fresh lemon, and a touch of garlic. When cooking on an Arteflame grill, you elevate this dish from a standard weeknight dinner to a culinary experience. The wood-fired heat imparts a subtle smokiness that you simply cannot replicate in a kitchen oven, while the solid steel cooktop ensures the delicate fish sears beautifully without sticking or falling through the grates.

Haddock is a wonderful white fish known for its mild sweetness and flaky texture, making it an ideal canvas for the rich, warm lemon butter sauce. In this recipe, we embrace the “Connecticut Style” philosophy often associated with lobster rolls—skipping the heavy batters or mayonnaise in favor of a warm, melted butter bath that soaks into every flake. Whether you are hosting a summer backyard gathering or looking for a healthy, protein-packed meal, this grilled haddock recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your backyard.

Ingredients

The Fish

• 4 fresh Haddock fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for coating the fish)
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika (for color and subtle warmth)

The Lemon Butter Sauce

• 1/2 cup salted butter (1 stick)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Start your Arteflame grill by building a wood fire in the center basket. Allow the fire to burn down for about 20 minutes until you have a bed of hot coals and the steel cooktop is searing hot.
2. Aim for a medium-high heat zone on the flat top griddle (roughly 350°F to 400°F). Lightly oil the cooktop surface with vegetable oil or a grill spray to season it before cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Haddock

1. Pat the haddock fillets completely dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for getting a good sear rather than steaming the fish.
2. Brush both sides of the fillets with olive oil.
3. Season generously with sea salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter

1. Place a small cast-iron sauce pot or a heat-safe metal bowl directly on the flat cooktop surface of the Arteflame.
2. Add the butter and let it melt completely.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Remove the pot to a cooler area of the grill (the outer edge) and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Keep warm.

Step 4: Grill the Fish

1. Place the seasoned haddock fillets directly onto the hot flat cooktop ring.
2. Let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes. You will know it is time to flip when the fish releases easily from the metal and has a golden-brown crust.
3. Carefully flip the fillets using a wide metal spatula. Cook for another 2-3 minutes on the second side until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. While the fish is finishing its last minute of cooking, spoon a generous amount of the warm lemon garlic butter over the fillets.
2. Remove the fish from the grill and transfer to a serving platter.
3. Pour any remaining sauce from the pot over the fish and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.

Tips

Cooking delicate white fish like haddock can be intimidating for some grillers because it is prone to breaking apart. However, the Arteflame plancha-style cooktop solves this problem effortlessly. The key to success is patience; do not try to move the fish until a crust has formed. If the fish sticks, it simply isn't ready to flip yet. Additionally, because the Arteflame has different heat zones, you can sear the fish closer to the center and then slide it to the outer edge to finish cooking gently if the fillets are particularly thick. This prevents the outside from drying out before the center is cooked.

For the freshest flavor, try to buy haddock that was caught locally or within 24 hours. If haddock is unavailable at your local fishmonger, this recipe works equally well with cod, halibut, or even pollock. Always ensure your butter is high quality—since this is a Connecticut-style recipe, the flavor of the butter is just as important as the fish itself. Using a high-fat European-style butter can add an extra layer of creaminess to the final dish.

Variations

While the classic lemon butter version is a crowd-pleaser, haddock is a versatile fish that adapts well to various flavor profiles. You can easily modify this recipe to suit your palate or theme by swapping out a few herbs or spices. Here are a few ways to mix things up:

• Cajun Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to the butter sauce for a spicy, blackened-style flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Style: Stir chopped capers, kalamata olives, and a splash of white wine into the butter sauce while it simmers on the grill.
• Herb Garden: Replace the parsley with fresh dill and chives for a more aromatic, garden-fresh taste that pairs lovely with spring vegetables.
• Garlic Lover's Dream: Roast whole garlic cloves on the grill surface, mash them into a paste, and mix into the butter for a deeper, roasted garlic flavor.
• Asian Fusion: Swap the lemon and paprika for a glaze made of soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, and scallions.

Best pairings

A light, flaky fish like haddock deserves sides that complement its texture without overpowering its delicate flavor. Since you already have the Arteflame fired up, it makes sense to cook your side dishes right alongside the main course. The smokiness from the grill ties the whole meal together seamlessly. For beverages, you want something with high acidity to cut through the richness of the butter sauce.

• Grilled Asparagus: Toss spears in olive oil and salt, and grill them on the flat top until tender-crisp. The char marks add great flavor.
• Smashed Potatoes: Pre-boil small potatoes, smash them flat, and crisp them up in duck fat or butter on the Arteflame griddle.
• Corn on the Cob: Grill corn in the husk on the outer edge, then shuck and roll in the lemon butter sauce.
• Drink Pairing: A crisp, cold Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly. For beer lovers, a light pilsner or wheat beer works best.

Conclusion

Mastering grilled haddock on the Arteflame is easier than you might think and yields results that are far superior to pan-frying or baking. The combination of the searing heat from the steel cooktop and the savory richness of the Connecticut-style lemon butter creates a dish that is both sophisticated and satisfyingly simple. It captures the essence of coastal dining—fresh ingredients prepared with care over an open fire.

Whether you are a seasoned pitmaster or new to flat-top grilling, this recipe is a foolproof way to enjoy seafood. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but elegant enough for a dinner party. So, light up the fire, melt that butter, and get ready to enjoy one of the finest white fish meals you will ever taste.