Authentic Swedish Charcoal Grilled Pike with Lemon Dill Butter

Swedish summers are defined by long days, cool breezes, and the irresistible aroma of open-fire cooking near the archipelago. This Swedish Charcoal Grilled Pike recipe captures the essence of that Nordic tradition, bringing a sophisticated yet rustic meal to your backyard. Pike, often an underrated freshwater catch, transforms when cooked over high heat; its firm white flesh takes on a delicate smokiness that pairs perfectly with the brightness of citrus and fresh herbs. The secret to elevating this humble fish lies in the compound butter—a rich, melting topping that seeps into the flaky meat, keeping it moist and bursting with flavor.

Using an Arteflame grill for this recipe is ideal because the plancha-style griddle provides an even, searing heat that prevents the delicate fillets from falling apart, which can happen on standard grates. Whether you caught the pike yourself or sourced it from a local fishmonger, this dish is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly spectacular. It is a meal that demands to be eaten outdoors, surrounded by friends and family.

Ingredients

For the Pike

• 2 lbs fresh Northern Pike fillets (skin-on preferred for grilling)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
• Sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges (for garnish)

For the Lemon Dill Butter

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
• 1/2 tsp sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Dill Butter

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and salt.
2. Mash the ingredients together with a fork until they are thoroughly incorporated and the butter is smooth.
3. Transfer the butter mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Roll it into a log shape and twist the ends to seal.
4. Place the butter log in the refrigerator to firm up while you prepare the grill and fish. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Step 2: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Start a wood or charcoal fire in the center of your Arteflame grill. Let it burn down until the center grates are hot and the outer plancha ring reaches medium-high heat.
2. Allow the cooktop to heat up evenly. You want a temperature where water droplets sizzle and evaporate instantly upon contact.
3. Lightly oil the flat steel cooktop where you plan to place the fish to ensure a non-stick surface.

Step 3: Prepare the Pike Fillets

1. Rinse the pike fillets under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for getting a good sear.
2. Brush both sides of the fillets generously with olive oil or melted butter.
3. Season liberally with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Simplicity is key here to let the natural flavor of the fish shine.

Step 4: Grill the Pike

1. Place the fillets skin-side down on the hot flat iron griddle of the Arteflame. The skin helps hold the fish together and protects the meat from overcooking.
2. Grill for about 4 to 5 minutes on the skin side. You should see the flesh turning opaque and white around the edges.
3. Carefully flip the fillets using a wide metal spatula. Grill the flesh side for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook, as pike is lean and can dry out.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Remove the fish from the grill and transfer to a warm serving platter.
2. Immediately slice rounds of the chilled Lemon Dill Butter and place them on top of the hot fillets.
3. Watch as the butter melts, creating a rich, herbaceous sauce that coats the fish. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.

Tips

Pike is known for having "Y-bones," which can be tricky to navigate. If you aren't comfortable deboning them raw, you can grill the fillets and carefully remove the bones as you eat, as the meat will pull away from them easily once cooked. When grilling on the Arteflame, manage your heat zones effectively; keep the fish closer to the center for a hard sear, then move it to the cooler outer edge if you need to cook it through without burning the skin. Always ensure your griddle is well-seasoned and hot before the fish touches the steel—this creates the Maillard reaction that gives the fish its appetizing golden-brown crust. If you don't have time to chill the butter into a log, you can simply spoon the soft compound butter directly onto the hot fish; the flavor profile remains the same, even if the presentation is slightly more rustic.

Variations

While the classic Swedish combination of dill and lemon is hard to beat, this recipe is quite versatile. If you cannot find pike, this method works exceptionally well with other firm white fish like Walleye, Zander, or even Cod. You can also alter the compound butter to suit different palates. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the butter. If dill isn't your favorite herb, try substituting it with fresh chives or parsley for a different kind of garden-fresh flavor. Another popular Scandinavian variation involves adding a teaspoon of drained, chopped capers to the butter for a salty, briny burst that cuts through the richness of the fat.

• The Spicy Swede: Add chili flakes and smoked paprika to the butter.
• Walleye Swap: Use Walleye fillets if Pike is unavailable.
• Garlic Herb Bomb: Double the garlic and add chives and parsley.
• Caper Butter: Add chopped capers to the butter mix for added brine.
• Whole Fish: Grill a whole cleaned pike instead of fillets (adjust cooking time).

Best pairings

To keep the meal authentically Swedish, simplicity is your best friend when choosing sides. The most traditional pairing is boiled new potatoes tossed with fresh dill and a little melted butter; the starch soaks up the lemon dill sauce beautifully. Grilled vegetables are also a natural companion since you already have the Arteflame fired up. Asparagus spears, lightly oiled and salted, cook quickly on the flat top and add a nice crunch. For a lighter option, a crisp cucumber salad with a vinegar and sugar dressing (Pressgurka) provides a refreshing contrast to the smoky fish. Beverage-wise, a crisp, dry white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a light Swedish lager complements the dish without overpowering the delicate fish.

• Boiled new potatoes with dill.
• Grilled asparagus or zucchini ribbons.
• Swedish cucumber salad (Pressgurka).
• Crisp white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio).
• Light lager or Pilsner beer.

Conclusion

Mastering this Swedish Charcoal Grilled Pike recipe is about more than just cooking dinner; it is about embracing a lifestyle that values fresh ingredients and the joy of outdoor cooking. The combination of smoky char, tender fish, and the rich, zesty bite of lemon dill butter creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and elegant. It is a dish that honors the catch and brings a taste of the Scandinavian coast to your table. Whether you are a seasoned angler or just a lover of good seafood, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite on your Arteflame grill. Gather your friends, pour a drink, and enjoy the simple luxury of good food cooked over fire.