Barbecuing is not just for steaks and burgers anymore. More people are asking what seafood is good for a BBQ as they look to bring fresh, flavorful options to their grill. From flaky fish to juicy shellfish, the right seafood can bring variety and bold taste to any cookout. If you’ve ever wondered what seafood is good for a BBQ but weren’t sure where to start, this guide will walk you through your best options.
Seafood cooks quickly and soaks up smoky flavors beautifully, making it a great match for outdoor grilling. Knowing what seafood is good for a BBQ helps you choose cuts that won’t fall apart and flavors that work well with marinades or simple seasonings. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or planning a family dinner, adding seafood to the menu brings something special to the grill.
What Seafood is Good for BBQ?
If you’re planning a backyard cookout and wondering what seafood is good for a BBQ, start with options that are firm, flavorful, and easy to grill. Salmon is a top choice because its rich texture holds up on the grates and pairs well with a variety of marinades and spices. Tuna, halibut, and mahi mahi are also ideal for throwing on the grill, offering nice cuts that sear beautifully without falling apart.
Shrimp is another excellent pick when deciding what seafood is good for a BBQ. It cooks quickly, absorbs flavor well, and works great on skewers or in foil packs with fresh veggies. Lobster tails and scallops are also barbecue favorites that bring a touch of elegance to your meal. When selecting what seafood is good for a BBQ, think about how it will cook, what flavors you want to highlight, and how much time you want to spend at the grill.
5 Seafood for BBQ Recipes
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Grilled Blackened Salmon With Honey Marinade
If you’re trying to decide what is the best seafood for a BBQ, a sticky, blackened grilled salmon fillet is an unbeatable choice for a delicious summertime meal. The easy blackening seasoning uses pantry staples you likely have on hand and, combined with honey and a touch of olive oil, creates a sweet and smoky marinade for lean, wild-caught salmon. The sugars and paprika in the marinade caramelize beautifully over the grill’s direct heat, giving the salmon a delicious char. If you don’t have a grill, you can achieve similar results by placing the marinated salmon under a hot broiler for 4 to 6 minutes, depending on the fillet’s thickness.
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Grilled Halibut With Mango Pomegranate Salsa
Looking for a grilled halibut recipe that takes just about 20 minutes to prepare? Where do I sign up? If you’re wondering what is the best seafood for a BBQ, Alaskan halibut is a top choice. Its mild flavor pairs perfectly with a vibrant mango pomegranate salsa. Juicy mango blends with sweet bell peppers, red onion, tart pomegranate seeds, and a kick of spicy jalapeño, creating a mouthwatering combo alongside the flaky halibut.
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Lemon-Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers
If you’re wondering what is the best seafood for a BBQ, sidestriped shrimp skewers are an easy and delicious answer. Naturally buttery and sweet, these shrimp are tossed in a simple lemon butter sauce and seasoned with savory herbs and spices you likely already have: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Best of all, the skewers cook in less than 5 minutes on a hot grill, making them perfect for any summer cookout.
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Blackened Peach Mahi Mahi
When it comes to what is the best seafood for a BBQ, mahi mahi stands out as a flavorful, grill-friendly, and versatile choice. This simple recipe combines mahi mahi fillets with the bold Cajun kick of Omaha Steaks Blackened Seasoning and a sweet, smoky, spicy peach salsa for an irresistible flavor combination.
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Grilled Rockfish With Herby Zhug Hot Sauce
If you’re asking what is the best seafood for a BBQ, rockfish is a top contender thanks to its firm texture and bold flavor. This easy recipe works on a gas or charcoal grill, or even a stovetop grill pan, as long as your grates are clean, lightly oiled, and piping hot. A fish grilling basket can help prevent losing delicate fillets to the flames. The real standout is the zhug, a vibrant Yemeni hot sauce packed with herbs, serranos, lemon, and garlic that perfectly complements the grilled rockfish and might just become your new go-to condiment.
Where to Get Seafood for a BBQ
When it comes to planning a cookout, knowing what seafood is good for a BBQ is only part of the equation. You also need to find a reliable source that offers fresh, flavorful seafood that holds up well on the grill. Whether you want hearty fillets or quick-cooking shellfish, here are three trusted companies that specialize in seafood ideal for backyard barbecues.
- Omaha Steaks offers more than premium meats. Their seafood line includes options like wild-caught mahi-mahi, marinated salmon fillets, and bacon-wrapped scallops. If you are figuring out what seafood is good for a BBQ, these easy-to-grill selections are a great place to start.
- Wild Alaskan Company provides wild-caught, sustainably sourced fish from Alaskan waters. They specialize in salmon, halibut, and cod delivered on a subscription basis. Their high-quality fillets make it simple to decide what seafood is good for a BBQ.
- Vital Choice is known for flash-frozen wild seafood that retains its texture and flavor. Their offerings include wild shrimp, sablefish, and halibut that are perfect for grilling. For anyone still wondering what seafood is good for a BBQ, this selection is worth exploring.
Seafood for a BBQ: Tips and Tricks
Grilling seafood can be easier than it looks when you know what seafood is good for a BBQ and how to prepare it properly. Whether you’re new to grilling or a seasoned cook, a few simple tips can help you serve up tender, flavorful seafood without stress. Understanding what seafood is good for a BBQ will help you choose the right cuts and avoid common mistakes. Keep these tricks in mind before you fire up the grill:
- Choose firm fish like salmon, swordfish, or tuna that won’t fall apart
- Dry your seafood with paper towels before grilling to prevent sticking
- Brush the grill grates with oil or use a fish basket for easier flipping
- Use metal or soaked wooden skewers for shrimp, scallops, or chunks of fish
- Grill over medium-high heat and stay close to avoid overcooking
- Season simply with salt, pepper, citrus, or homemade marinades or seasonings that complement the seafood
- Let grilled seafood rest for a couple of minutes before serving
Knowing what seafood is good for a BBQ and how to treat it on the grill leads to better flavor, fewer mistakes, and more enjoyable meals. With just a little preparation and the right seafood, your next barbecue will be a hit.
Ready to Grill: Making Seafood BBQ a Flavorful Success
Now that you have a better idea of what seafood is good for a BBQ, it’s time to fire up the grill and try something new. With the right fish or shellfish, your next cookout can be both easy and impressive. Keep in mind that preparation, quality, and cooking time all play a role in getting great results. Understanding what seafood is good for a BBQ helps ensure that every bite is flavorful and cooked just right.
Whether you’re using a charcoal grill, gas setup, or even a portable grill at the beach, seafood is a winning choice for any barbecue setting. By knowing what seafood is good for a BBQ and where to buy it, you’ll be more confident in the kitchen and out by the grill. With a few helpful tips and the right ingredients, your next seafood barbecue is sure to be a success.
