When it comes to seafood, shad is a hidden gem that deserves more attention.
This flavorful fish is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. If you’re looking for a new and exciting fish recipe to try, you’re in luck.
We’ll guide you through a mouthwatering grilled shad fish recipe that will impress your taste buds and your guests
Name | Shad Fish Recipe |
Cuisine | North American |
Prep Time | 15 minutes |
Cooking Time | 12 minutes |
Total Time | 25-27 minutes |
Servings | 4 |
Yield | 2 grilled shad fish (about 1-2 pounds each) |
Ingredients
- 2 whole shad fish, cleaned and gutted (about 1-2 pounds each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges and fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Fish:
Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Rinse the shad fish under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels. Make sure they are clean inside and out.
2. Season the Fish:
Drizzle olive oil over the fish, both inside and out.
Sprinkle minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper generously over the fish.
Place lemon slices inside the cavity of the fish, as well as on top.
3. Grill the Shad Fish:
Place the seasoned shad fish directly on the grill grates.
Grill for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fish. The flesh should easily flake with a fork, and the skin should become crispy and charred.
Be careful when flipping the fish to avoid it falling apart. You can use a grill basket or a large spatula to assist with flipping.
4. Serve:
Carefully remove the grilled shad from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.
Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro.
5. Enjoy:
Serve your grilled shad fish hot and enjoy the wonderful flavors and textures.
This grilled shad fish recipe is not only incredibly tasty but also a healthy choice. Shad is a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health, and it’s relatively low in calories. The combination of garlic, thyme, and lemon infuses the fish with a zesty and aromatic flavor that will make it a favorite at your dinner table.
Feel free to pair your grilled shad fish with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or some fluffy quinoa. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy your culinary adventure with shad fish, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular item on your menu!
Estimated Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 0.5g
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Potassium: 490mg
- Vitamin A: 5% DV
- Vitamin C: 30% DV
- Calcium: 4% DV
- Iron: 6% DV
10 Simple Shad Fish Recipes
Shad, a flavorful fish often overlooked, can be transformed into a mouthwatering dish with this simple recipe. Start by marinating shad fillets in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Grill them until they’re tender and serve with a zesty salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. This recipe promises a delightful burst of flavors in every bite, making shad a true culinary delight.
1. Shad Piccata
Shad piccata is a quick and tangy dish. Season shad fillets with salt and pepper, dredge in flour, and pan-fry in olive oil until golden brown. Remove from the pan and make a simple sauce with lemon juice, capers, and butter. Pour the sauce over the shad fillets and serve with a side of pasta or steamed vegetables.

2. Baked Shad with Herbs
For a healthy option, try baked shad with herbs. Lay shad fillets on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with herbs like thyme, rosemary, and basil. Bake until the fish flakes easily. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before serving.

3. Shad Tacos
Shad tacos are a fun twist on fish tacos. Season shad fillets with a mixture of chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Grill or pan-fry the shad until cooked through. Serve in warm tortillas with shredded cabbage, salsa, and a squeeze of lime.

4. Shad and Spinach Salad
Create a healthy salad by grilling shad and serving it over a bed of fresh spinach. Top with sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

5. Lemon-Garlic Shad Skewers
Cut shad fillets into chunks and marinate them in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Thread the marinated shad onto skewers and grill until lightly charred. These skewers make for a tasty and easy-to-eat appetizer.

6. Shad and Potato Hash
Create a hearty breakfast or brunch dish with shad and potato hash. Dice shad fillets and sauté them with diced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers until everything is golden and tender. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

7. Shad Ceviche
Shad ceviche is a refreshing and light appetizer. Cut shad into small pieces and marinate it in lime juice, red onion, cilantro, and diced tomatoes. Let it sit in the refrigerator for a couple of hours to “cook” in the citrus juices.

8. Shad and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Slice shad fillets into thin strips and stir-fry them with a mix of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. Toss with a savory stir-fry sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey.

9. Shad Chowder
Make a creamy shad chowder by simmering shad chunks in a broth made from fish stock, potatoes, onions, and celery. Add cream, corn, and a dash of paprika for a comforting and flavorful soup.

10. Shad and Mango Salsa
Top grilled shad fillets with a vibrant mango salsa made with diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. The fruity salsa pairs wonderfully with the mild flavor of shad, creating a delicious fusion of tastes.

Feel free to adjust these recipes to suit your taste preferences and enjoy exploring the diverse ways to prepare shad!