Best Caribbean Coral Fish Barbecue | Grilled Tropical Seafood Recipe

Bring the sunshine of the Caribbean straight to your plate with this Caribbean Coral Fish Barbecue, a flavorful tropical seafood dish that’s smoky, zesty, and bursting with island spices. Perfect for summer cookouts or a taste of the tropics any time of year, this grilled coral fish recipe will transport you to a beachside barbecue with every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Caribbean Coral Fish Barbecue

This recipe celebrates everything that makes Caribbean cuisine irresistible, bold spices, fresh herbs, citrusy marinades, and a touch of sweetness. The coral fish is marinated in lime juice, garlic, thyme, and a blend of island seasonings, then grilled until golden and flaky. A drizzle of honey-lime glaze finishes it off, adding a glossy, sweet, and tangy balance to the smoky flavors.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential minerals, making it a healthy choice for seafood lovers. Pair it with sides like coconut rice or mango salsa, and you’ve got a complete tropical feast.

Caribbean cooking is all about vibrant flavor and joyful simplicity, fresh ingredients, big aromas, and a strong connection to nature. Each bite of this grilled coral fish captures that authentic island energy, reminding you of seaside picnics, gentle breezes, and the rhythm of island life.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Caribbean Coral Fish Barbecue with:

🌴 Coconut rice and black beans for a creamy, savory base
🥭 Spicy mango salsa to add color and sweetness
🍍 Grilled pineapple rings for a tropical caramelized finish
🌽 Charred corn with lime butter for that perfect summer side

If you want to turn it into a full Caribbean meal, serve it alongside a cold glass of ginger beer or rum punch. The sweet, citrusy notes balance perfectly with the smoky, spiced fish.

Chef’s Tips for Perfect Results

Use fresh fish for the best texture and flavor.
For extra smoky depth, grill over charcoal instead of gas.
Add a splash of rum to your honey-lime glaze for an authentic Caribbean twist.
Adjust spice levels by adding or reducing chili flakes.
Always let your fish rest for 2 minutes after grilling, it helps the flavors settle.

Health Benefits of Caribbean Coral Fish Barbecue

This meal isn’t just delicious, it’s incredibly good for your body. Coral fish (and similar tropical species) are naturally high in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health, reduce inflammation, and promote brain function. The fresh lime juice provides vitamin C, helping strengthen your immune system, while thyme and garlic add antioxidants that protect your cells from stress.

Because this recipe uses minimal oil and relies on grilling instead of frying, it’s low in fat and high in lean protein. That makes it an excellent option for anyone following a balanced or Mediterranean-style diet.

You can also make it part of your weekly meal prep, grill extra fillets and serve them over salads, wraps, or quinoa bowls during the week. The flavor stays fresh and vibrant even when reheated.

Learn More & Related Recipes

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Caribbean Coral Fish Barbecue

Course: Grill, Main CourseCuisine: Caribbean, TropicalDifficulty: Medium

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Marination Time

hour

Calories

320

kcal

Cooking time

minutes

This recipe celebrates everything that makes Caribbean cuisine irresistible, bold spices, fresh herbs, citrusy marinades and a touch of sweetness.

Ingredients

For the Fish Marinade:
2 whole coral fish (cleaned and scaled) or 4 fillets
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh thyme
2 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp allspice
½ tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp brown sugar
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Barbecue Glaze:
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp chili flakes (optional for extra heat)
1 tbsp lime zest
1 tbsp butter (for brushing while grilling)
To Serve:
Fresh lime wedges
Grilled pineapple slices
Coconut rice or fried plantains (optional sides)

Directions

Prepare the marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, thyme, paprika, allspice, cayenne, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
Marinate the fish:
Coat the coral fish thoroughly with the marinade, inside and out if using whole fish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
Preheat the grill:
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Brush lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
Grill the fish:
Place the marinated fish on the grill. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until the fish is charred outside and flaky inside.
Brush with glaze:
In the last few minutes of grilling, brush the fish with the soy-honey-lime glaze for a shiny, flavorful finish.
Serve:
Transfer to a platter, garnish with lime wedges and grilled pineapple, and serve with coconut rice or roasted vegetables.

Notes

Kid-Friendly Note
For a milder version, reduce or skip the cayenne pepper and chili flakes. Kids will love the sweet glaze and soft, flaky fish paired with rice or plantains.