Grilled Lake Michigan Whitefish Illinois Style

Introduction

Grilled fresh-caught Lake Michigan Whitefish is a Midwest delicacy, and with the Arteflame grill, you can achieve perfectly grilled, flavorful fillets every time. By using the high-heat center grill grate to sear the fillets and finishing them on the flat-top griddle, you lock in juices while achieving a delicate, smoky finish. Seasoned with fresh herbs, butter, and lemon, this whitefish is a must-try dish for any seafood lover.

Ingredients

• 2 fresh Lake Michigan whitefish fillets
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Vegetable oil (for lighting the grill)
• Firewood (for the Arteflame grill)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the oiled napkins inside the center of the grill.
3. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins.
4. Light the paper napkins and allow the wood to catch fire.
5. Wait approximately 20 minutes for the grill to reach cooking temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the ingredients

1. Melt the butter in a small bowl.
2. Mix the melted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped dill, sea salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Sear the whitefish fillets

1. Place the fillets on the center grill grate over high heat (1,000°F).
2. Sear for 30 seconds to 1 minute per side to create a flavorful crust.

Step 4: Finish cooking on the Arteflame flat-top griddle

1. Move the fillets to the flat cooktop towards the outer edge for gentle cooking.
2. Brush with the herb butter mixture.
3. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 135°F.

Step 5: Rest and serve

1. Remove the fillets from the grill when the internal temperature is 120°F.
2. Let them rest for 5 minutes, allowing them to reach the final temperature of 135°F.
3. Garnish with lemon slices and serve immediately.

Tips

• Always preheat your Arteflame grill properly to ensure even cooking.
• For extra flavor, add a few wood chips to the fire for a mild smoky aroma.
• Brush the fillets with butter frequently to keep them moist.
• Use a fish spatula to gently handle the delicate whitefish fillets.

Variations

1. Spicy Cajun Whitefish: Season with Cajun spices and serve with charred corn salsa.
2. Garlic Parmesan Whitefish: Add grated parmesan and crushed garlic to the butter mix.
3. Asian-Inspired Whitefish: Marinate in soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil before grilling.
4. Herb-Crusted Whitefish: Coat in fresh thyme, oregano, and rosemary before searing.
5. Mediterranean Whitefish: Serve with grilled tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese.

Conclusion

Using the Arteflame grill to sear and finish these fresh-caught Lake Michigan whitefish fillets creates a restaurant-quality dish at home. With the perfect balance of herbs, butter, and smoky grilled flavor, this whitefish pairs well with a variety of sides and drinks. Try one of the variations to add a unique twist to your meal.

Best pairings

• Grilled asparagus or zucchini
• Roasted baby potatoes with garlic butter
• Crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc
• Fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette
• Grilled garlic bread