If you’ve never tried grilled shark, you’re in for a treat. Shark meat is a firm, meaty fish that rivals swordfish or tuna on the grill. This grilled shark recipe pairs the mild yet rich shark fillets with a luscious herbed butter featuring fresh parsley, rosemary, thyme, and chives. The result is an elegant dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.
What Kind of Shark Are You Eating?
In U.S. markets, you’ll typically find Mako, Thresher, or Blacktip Shark. Mako shark is the most prized for its mild, steak-like flavor and firm texture. Shark fillets offer a dense, meaty bite that’s more reminiscent of swordfish or beef than typical seafood. Mako shark stands out for its subtle sweetness and clean, ocean-fresh taste, making it perfect for the grill.
When shopping for shark steaks, buy from reputable seafood markets that prioritize sustainable sourcing. Since many shark populations face threats from overfishing, verify that your fillet comes from a responsibly managed fishery.
How Does Grilled Shark Taste?
Unlike lighter fish such as cod or tilapia, grilled shark fillets deliver a firmer texture and richer taste. Proper cooking keeps them juicy and tender, offering a slightly sweet, umami-rich flavor. While lean, shark meat contains just enough natural oils to maintain moisture on the grill.
The herbed butter in this recipe elevates the mild, meaty shark fillet with richness and depth. Combining lemon zest, garlic, and fresh herbs creates bright Mediterranean flavors that make this dish perfect for seafood enthusiasts seeking something new on the grill.
The Best Way to Cook Shark Steaks
Since shark fillets can dry out if overcooked, the key to grilling shark lies in moderate heat and precise timing. A simple marinade of extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, and paprika enhances the natural flavors and keeps the fish perfectly moist. Just a few minutes of searing per side creates a beautiful char while sealing in the juices.
Topping the fillets with herbed butter straight off the grill transforms the dish as the butter slowly melts into the fish, creating a silky, aromatic sauce. You’ll end up with a restaurant-quality seafood dish that’s weeknight-friendly and impressive enough for serving guests.
What to Serve with Grilled Shark
Complete this grilled seafood recipe with these complementary sides:
- Garlic roasted potatoes or a wild rice pilaf
- Grilled asparagus or sautéed spinach
- A bright citrus salad to cut through the richness
This shark steak recipe offers an exciting yet approachable way to explore grilling different types of seafood. Whether you enjoy bold flavors, high-protein meals, or trying new fish varieties, these grilled shark fillets deliver something special. If swordfish, tuna, or even grilled chicken are your go-to dishes, you’ll definitely enjoy this one!
Most importantly, remember to choose sustainably sourced shark meat to help preserve our ocean ecosystems.
Grilled Shark with Herbed Butter
2
servings10
minutes40
minutes50
minutesGrilled shark fillets are a bold, meaty seafood option with a rich, slightly sweet flavor, perfectly complemented by a fragrant herbed butter. This easy yet elevated dish brings out the best in shark meat, creating a tender, flavorful bite with every forkful.
Ingredients
- For the Shark
2 (6-8 oz) shark fillets
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
for serving, lemon wedges
- For the Herbed Butter
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon parsley, freshly chopped
1 teaspoon rosemary, freshly chopped
1 teaspoon thyme, freshly chopped
1 teaspoon chives, freshly chopped
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions
- Marinate the Shark Fillets:
Whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Coat the shark fillets in the marinade and let them sit for 30 minutes at room temperature. - Prepare the Herbed Butter:
Mix the softened butter with parsley, rosemary, thyme, chives, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Place the butter mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap, roll it into a log, and refrigerate until firm, 30-45 minutes. - Grill the Shark:
Preheat a grill over medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grates. Grill the shark fillets for 3-4 minutes per side. - Serve:
Immediately top each fillet with a slice of herbed butter, allowing it to melt into the fish. Serve with lemon wedges and a side of your choice, like roasted garlic mashed potatoes or charred vegetables.