You might think that grilling fish is something best saved for grilling experts only. It can be difficult and tedious work, after all. But it doesn’t have to be! There are easy techniques that making grilling fish easy and quick.

How quick, you ask? Try three minutes quick.

This technique from Food52 sears your fish to perfection using “plancha-like” grilling style. But you don’t have to go out and buy a plancha grill to get all the smokey flavor and quick grilling that you desire.

The trick? It’s all in your cast iron skillet! Using your skillet and your regular grill, you can replicate this plancha grill-style without breaking a sweat.

First things first, season your fish. This technique works with haddock, cod, grouper – your average fish fillets. The best thickness is between 1/2 inch to an inch thick.

We would definitely suggest seasonings with salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice. However, if there are other seasonings you prefer on your fillet, go for it.

While you’re seasoning your fish, take your cast iron skillet and put it on your outdoor grill while it’s pre-heating. When the grill hits 550 degrees Fahrenheit (this takes about 10 minutes if you don’t have a way of telling how hot your grill is), it’s time to pour on a little cooking oil into your skillet.

Gently lower your fillet into the hot oil in the skillet and close your grill. Set a timer for three minutes and let the magic happen!

When you open your grill back up, you’ll find your fish beautifully seared and in record time. Amazing.

If you have a charcoal grill, you’ll have more of a smokey, campfire-like flavor, but no worries if you only have a gas grill. Even with a gas grill, you’ll still have some amazing flavor trapped in your fillet from the faux-plancha technique you used!

What do you think of this simple grilling trick? Share your thoughts on the method in the comments section below.