A fish grilling basket is a grilling tool which greatly simplifies the task of grilling fish. Since fish tends to stick or fall through the grilling grate when it is grilled, the device is intended to address both of these issues. In addition, fish grilling baskets can be used to serve grilled fish at the table, cutting down on the number of dishes generated at a barbecue. Many kitchen supply stores sell fish baskets, especially during the summer season when lots of cooks grill their food.
The basic design of the tool is simply a hinged metal basket which is designed to snugly hold fish as they are grilled. In some cases, a fish grilling basket may be shaped vaguely like a fish, designed to accommodate only one fish at a time. Others are larger, allowing cooks to grill cuts of fish, multiple fish, and a range of sizes of fish. Typically, a fish grilling basket also has a long cool grip handle, so that the cook can turn the basket on the grill or move it easily.
Since the fish is snugly snapped inside the basket, it will not slip through the wide bars of a barbecue grate and onto the coals. The fish may, however, still fall apart, so it is a good idea to pick firm, meaty cuts of fish like tuna steaks, for grilling. In addition, fish can stick slightly to a fish grilling basket, so both the fish and the basket should be oiled before cooking to reduce this problem.
Many fish grilling baskets also have feet, to lift the fish up so that it can easily drain after grilling. The feet also keep the basket stable on the table for serving. In some cases, the feet are designed to elevate the fish above the grill, too, making for a more indirect grilling method, which is suitable for more delicate fish. In this case, the feet will extend on both sides of the fish grilling basket, for even grilling on both sides of the fish.
When selecting a fish grilling basket, make sure to seek out a sturdy, well constructed basket which can be used and washed easily. Ideally, you should be able to submerge the whole basket for washing, and the finish should be solid enough to stand up to a firm scrubbing brush. You may also want to consider the size and configuration, so try to think about what kind of fish you grill, or would like to grill. Having a fish grilling basket around makes grilling fish much more enjoyable, and you may find yourself making a lot more grilled fish as a result.