Test Kitchen tips: Fish grilling basket

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Fish can be finicky on the barbecue, what with its delicate meat and sticky skin that stubbornly refuses to release from the rack once it’s cooking. A grilling basket simplifies everything. Nestle the fish in the basket -- depending on its size and shape, a basket can hold up to several fish, as well as fillets and steaks -- and throw the basket on the grill, then flip the fish as desired. Because the fish is in the basket, it won’t stick to the grill though you’ll still get all the benefits of cooking over an open flame.

And while the name might make it sound like this is a single-use tool, a basket can be handy for a variety of grilling needs; depending on its size and shape, baskets can also hold burgers and chicken, as well as vegetables and mushrooms, even fruit. (Do keep in mind that you’ll want to clean the basket between uses so flavors don’t carry from one food to another.)

Fish grilling baskets are available at cooking supply stores, as well as online, and a basic one should set you back no more than $10 to $20.

If you have any kitchen tips or questions you’d like me to explore, leave a comment below or email me at noelle.carter@latimes.com.

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-- Noelle Carter
Twitter/noellecarter