October 31st, 2024

Cooking while out on the water can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you’ve got a fresh catch ready to be turned into a delicious meal. With the right equipment and a bit of preparation, you can whip up tasty dishes that will satisfy any crew. In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential cooking setups and some of our favourite recipes to make your fresh seafood shine. Whether you’re grilling on deck or searing fish in a compact galley, these tools and tips will help you create meals worth remembering!

Choose Your Galley Setup: Pros & Cons

Portable Gas Stoves

These are compact and easy to use, making them a popular choice for small boats or when you need to cook in a confined space.

  • Pros: Lightweight, easy to store and great for one-pan meals or boiling water.
  • Cons: Limited to small pots and pans, plus you’ll need to secure it to prevent movement in rough seas.

Safety Tip: Make sure to keep the stove secured, especially in rough waters, and use non-slip mats to avoid accidents.

Built-In Marine Stoves

Larger boats often have built-in gimbaled stoves, which remain stable even when the boat is rocking. These stoves often run on propane or alcohol.

  • Pros: More stable, allowing you to cook with larger pots. Gimbals keep the stove level – even in choppy waters.
  • Cons: Requires a dedicated space and propane must be stored safely. Alcohol stoves may take longer to heat up.

Safety Tip: Always check gas lines for leaks and ensure proper ventilation when cooking indoors.

Grill (Rail-Mounted Or Portable)

Rail-mounted grills attach to the railing of the boat and are great for grilling your fresh catch right on deck. Some portable versions are designed for easy setup and storage.

  • Pros: Great for grilling fish and veggies, easy cleanup and it keeps cooking smells outside.
  • Cons: Only suitable for grilling; wind and weather can make it tricky to use. You need to monitor propane or charcoal usage.

Maintaining Your Cooking Equipment At Sea

Prevent Rust: The saltwater environment can cause equipment to rust or corrode more quickly. INOX MX3FG provides an anti-corrosive layer on metal surfaces, protecting kitchen tools, appliances and fixtures from the harsh marine environment. Its ability to displace water and prevent corrosion makes it ideal for protecting utensils, grills and even stainless steel counters. It’s safe for incidental food contact, so it can be used without worry of contaminating food.

Loosen Stiff Parts: Hinges, grill knobs and racks are constantly exposed to moisture, salt and heat, leading to rust and stiffness. Lubricate them frequently with INOX MX3FG so they move smoothly, especially when frequently opening and closing grills or portable stoves during meal prep.

Tips For Filleting A Fish Onboard

Filleting fish onboard a boat requires precision and care, especially in a small, moving space. Here are a few tips to make the process easier:

  1. Safety First: Use a sharp fillet knife with a non-slip handle to maintain control and always cut away from yourself. Ensure the surface you’re working on is stable.
  2. Clean Your Fish Quickly: Start by removing the scales or skin (depending on the fish type) and gut the fish as soon as possible after catching it to preserve freshness.
  3. Cut Efficiently: Make a shallow cut behind the gills, then run your knife along the backbone from head to tail in a smooth motion. Flip the fillet over to remove any remaining bones.
  4. Keep It Cool: Once filleted, store your fish in an insulated cooler to keep it fresh until you’re ready to cook.

Delicious Recipes To Try At Sea

1. Grilled Fish With Lemon & Herbs (One-Pan Recipe)

This is a classic and easy recipe that uses fresh fish, lemon and a few herbs.

Ingredients:

  • Fresh fish fillets (snapper, mahi-mahi or similar)
  • 1 lemon (sliced)
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme or rosemary)
  • Salt and pepper
  • Aluminium foil

Steps:

  1. Preheat your grill or a portable stove to medium heat.
  2. Drizzle olive oil over the fish fillets, then sprinkle with salt, pepper and chopped herbs.
  3. Place lemon slices on top of the fillets.
  4. Wrap each fillet in aluminium foil, sealing it well.
  5. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish is flaky.
  6. Serve with any pre-prepped sides like rice or salad.

2. Fish Tacos (Quick & Easy)

Fish tacos are light and perfect for a quick meal while at sea.

Ingredients:

  • Fresh white fish (snapper, cod or halibut)
  • Tortillas (corn or flour)
  • Cabbage (pre-shredded or sliced)
  • 1 lime
  • Hot sauce or salsa
  • Sour cream or yoghourt
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Pre-made spice rub (optional)

Steps:

  1. Season the fish with salt, pepper and any available spices.
  2. Heat olive oil in a pan and cook the fish for about 3-4 minutes on each side until fully cooked and flaky.
  3. Warm the tortillas in the same pan for about 30 seconds each.
  4. Assemble tacos by placing pieces of fish, cabbage and a drizzle of sour cream or yoghurt on each tortilla.
  5. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos and add hot sauce for extra flavour.

3. Fish Chowder (Comforting & Hearty)

This one-pot recipe is perfect for cooler nights at sea and can be made with minimal ingredients.

Ingredients:

  • Fresh fish (cut into chunks)
  • 2 potatoes (pre-cooked and diced)
  • 1 onion (pre-chopped)
  • 2 cups fish stock or water with a stock cube
  • 1 can of corn (drained)
  • 1 cup of milk or cream (optional)
  • Olive oil or butter
  • Salt and pepper
  • Bay leaf (optional)

Steps:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter, and sauté the onion until soft.
  2. Add the diced potatoes and fish stock, bringing it to a simmer.
  3. Add the fish chunks, corn and bay leaf, and cook for about 10 minutes until the fish is fully cooked.
  4. Stir in the milk or cream (if using) and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Serve hot with pre-made bread or crackers.

Stay Ready & Cook On With INOX

Cooking at sea doesn’t have to be complicated! With a few simple recipes, the right cooking setup and regular maintenance using INOX MX3FG, you can keep your galley running smoothly while enjoying delicious meals. We’d love to hear about your go-to sea-faring recipes—share them in the comments below!

And don’t forget to stock up on INOX MX3FG at your local retailer to protect your cooking equipment from rust and keep everything running smoothly during your adventures. Safe sailing and happy cooking!

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