Fire-Roasted Alaska Arctic Char on Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Fire-roasted Alaska Arctic char is an incredible dish that combines the mild, buttery flavor of Arctic char with the smoky richness of an open fire. Cooking the whole fish on an Arteflame grill gives it a perfect sear while keeping it moist and flavorful. With the reverse sear method, we lock in juices on the center grill grate at over 1,000°F and then move it to the flat top griddle to finish cooking. Let’s get started on this showstopping dish!

Ingredients

• 1 whole Arctic char (about 2-3 lbs), cleaned and scaled
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or dill)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for lighting the fire)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the grill and stack firewood over them.
3. Light the napkins and let the fire build up.
4. Allow the grill to heat for about 20 minutes until the cooktop is ready.

Step 2: Prep the Arctic Char

1. Pat the Arctic char dry with paper towels.
2. Rub melted butter inside and outside of the fish.
3. Stuff the cavity with minced garlic, lemon slices, and fresh herbs.
4. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Sear the Arctic Char

1. Place the Arctic char on the center grill grate for a strong initial sear.
2. Sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side to lock in the juices.

Step 4: Finish Cooking on the Flat Griddle

1. Move the fish to the flat top griddle to continue cooking evenly.
2. Let the fish cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
3. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—the internal temperature should be 130°F. Remove it from the grill at 115°F as it will keep cooking.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Let the fish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with additional fresh herbs and serve with extra lemon slices.

Tips

• Always sear the fish first to lock in the juices.
• Cook the fish skin-side down first for a perfect crispy texture.
• Use the Arteflame’s heat zones to control cooking speed and doneness.
• Remove the fish early as it continues cooking after leaving the grill.
• Pair with grilled vegetables or a side of warm, crusty bread.

Variations

• Spicy Cajun Char: Coat the Arctic char in Cajun seasoning and add sliced jalapeños inside the cavity.
• Garlic Parmesan Char: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the fish during the last few minutes and top with roasted garlic.
• Asian-Inspired Char: Brush the fish with a soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil glaze before grilling.
• Mediterranean Char: Stuff the fish with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
• Smoky BBQ Char: Use a smoky BBQ rub and baste with a honey-butter glaze for a sweet and smoky finish.

Conclusion

This fire-roasted Alaska Arctic char is a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy fresh seafood. Cooking it on the Arteflame grill enhances its natural taste while keeping it moist and juicy. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore one of the variations, this dish is sure to impress!

Best Pairings

• Grilled asparagus with lemon zest.
• Roasted sweet potatoes with smoked paprika.
• Butter-brushed grilled corn on the cob.
• A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
• Charred sourdough bread with garlic butter.