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6 best fish dishes for BBQ season, from tuna steak to prawn skewers
Plus cooking tips to get it spot on every time
Tested by Callum BlackFood and Drink Testing Manager
Fish might not be the first thing that springs to mind for BBQ season, but a meaty, beautifully cooked fillet can seriously elevate your spread – especially if you’re hosting.
From tuna steaks to prawn skewers, our annual BBQ Taste Test has found the best fish and shellfish for cooking over the coals. And because sunshine is never guaranteed in the UK, we’ve also included oven-ready and pan-fried options, so you’re covered whatever the weather.
We focused our search on pre-marinated or flavoured fish with herbs, spices and sauces to keep prep to a minimum. So, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a glass of wine in the sun. Serve with fresh salads, dips and warm flatbreads for an easy taste of summer.
Best BBQ fish to buy 2026
In a hurry to fire up the barbie? These are our top picks at a glance but keep scrolling for our full reviews.
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How to cook fish on the BBQ
New to grilling fish? We spoke to pitmaster, podcaster and BBQ influencer Big Nath for his top tips.“Fish is quick – it takes minutes, not ages,” he says. “Get the grill hot, clean and oiled, or use a basket if you’re worried about sticking. Don’t overcook it; as soon as it flakes, it’s done.
“Smoking works great, but keep it light and short. Whole fish takes longer – the same rules apply. Keep it simple!”
How we test BBQ fish
Our tasting panel sampled 10 fish and shellfish meal solutions from the leading supermarkets and brands in our quest to find the best for summer.
Each was cooked according to the packet instructions and blinded to avoid brand bias. Testers were looking for tender, delicately charred ingredients with aromatic and well-balanced seasoning.
Read on for the best buys to add to your BBQ line-up this summer.
Hook, Line & Sinker Smoked Garlic Butter Cornish Hake 240g
Hook, Line & Sinker Smoked Garlic Butter Cornish Hake 240g
Score: 86/100
This MSC-certified, sustainable hake comes with smoky garlic butter pats for an effortless supper. An excellent alternative to cod, the flavoursome, meaty fish cooks quickly, retaining a moist bite, while the refreshingly short ingredients list allows the quality catch to really shine.
Sainsbury's Soy & Garlic Albacore Tuna Steaks 222g
Sainsbury's Soy & Garlic Albacore Tuna Steaks 222g
Score: 82/100
The addition of soy and garlic boosts the flavour of these meaty tuna steaks, making them ideal for the BBQ. Testers found the fish moist and substantial, while the well-executed glaze was a real standout.
M&S Cook Menu Chilli, Lime & Coriander Seabass Fillets 215g
M&S Cook Menu Chilli, Lime & Coriander Seabass Fillets 215g
Score: 79/100
If the weather isn’t playing ball, this oven cook option will save the day. The fragrant chilli, lime and coriander adds a little heat, while the bright citrus enhances the fish, without overpowering. It’s a great match for traditional BBQ sides, without the need to fire up the grill.
Iceland Salmon Fillets with Garlic & Lemon Butter 280g
Iceland Salmon Fillets with Garlic & Lemon Butter 280g
Score: 77/100
Salmon fillets work a treat on the BBQ, and this convenient pack comes with a bright, zesty garlic and lemon butter pat for the final baste. This enhances the succulent texture, ensuring each bite is super juicy. A classic but a goodie, you can’t go wrong with this frozen solution for a quick, flavourful meal the whole family will enjoy.
Tesco Firepit Mango Coconut Lime Fish Skewers 300g
Tesco Firepit Mango Coconut Lime Fish Skewers 300g
Score: 76/100
Keep these frozen skewers on hand for sunny days. Tender chunks of basa are coated in a bold coconut and lime marinade, adding a touch of mild heat to each bite. Aromatic and vibrant, they’re a fun option if you fancy trying something a little different this summer.
Waitrose No.1 BBQ Prawn Skewers with Chilli & Coriander Dressing 264g
Waitrose No.1 BBQ Prawn Skewers with Chilli & Coriander Dressing 264g
Score: 70/100
Before you throw another shrimp on the barbie, consider these sophisticated skewers instead. The chilli-flecked king prawns are generously sized, with a chilli and coriander dressing to drizzle over in the final minutes. An easy, crowd-pleasing option with a vibrant kick.
More Taste Approved treats
Stacey looks after all food and drink reviews — from coffee pods and veg boxes, to natural wine and tequila. Stacey is also founder of Crummbs, where she’s written nearly 2,000 restaurant and hotel reviews since 2013. Prior to this, Stacey wrote hundreds of in-depth buying guides for the Independent, i newspaper and BBC Good Food, as well as reviewing restaurants and interviewing celebrities in her column at Balance Magazine. Stacey has also appeared in BAFTA-nominated BBC documentary Blood, Sweat & Takeaways, where she investigated South East Asia's food production industry, appearing on both Newsnight and BBC World Service to share her findings. Regularly checking out the latest restaurants, bars and product launches, Stacey also loves experimenting with recipes at home, and is a WSET-certified wine and spirits expert, with over 10 years of experience in the business. You can follow Stacey on Instagram @crummbs_uk
Callum is our Food and Drink Testing Manager and has been part of the world of professional catering for 10 years, from cheffing to food manufacturing. While working in manufacturing he specialised in bespoke product and menu development for several start-ups and well-known brands such as Wrap It Up! and HOP Vietnamese. He holds the WSET Level 2 in wine, a Level 3 in spirits and has a particular interest in agave spirits.
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