Mastering Grilled Seafood: From Shrimp to Salmon

Seafood on the grill is a game-changer for summer cookouts. With the right techniques, you can achieve restaurant-quality results at home.

Why Grill Seafood?

• Quick cooking times
• Beautiful char marks
• Smoky flavor enhancement
• Healthy cooking method
• Impressive presentation

Temperature Guide for Grilled Seafood

Salmon: The Crowd Pleaser

Skin-On Technique

1. Pat salmon completely dry
2. Oil the fish, not the grill
3. Place skin-side down first
4. Don't move for 4-5 minutes
5. Flip only once

Cedar Plank Method

1. Soak plank for 2+ hours
2. Place salmon on plank
3. Grill over indirect heat
4. No flipping needed

Perfect Grilled Shrimp

Preparation

• Use large or jumbo shrimp (easier to handle)
• Peel but leave tails on
• Devein for cleaner presentation

Skewer Tips

• Use two parallel skewers to prevent spinning
• Metal skewers work better than wooden
• Leave small gaps between shrimp

Marinade Time

• Maximum 30 minutes for acidic marinades
• Longer for oil-based marinades

Grilled Scallops

Buying Tips

• Look for "dry" scallops (not treated with phosphates)
• Should smell like the ocean, not fishy
• Size: U-10 means 10 per pound

Grilling Steps

1. Pat extremely dry (moisture = no sear)
2. Season simply: salt, pepper, olive oil
3. Grill over highest heat
4. 2-3 minutes per side maximum
5. Look for golden crust, opaque center

Whole Fish on the Grill

Best Fish for Grilling Whole

• Branzino
• Red snapper
• Trout
• Mackerel

Technique

1. Score the sides (3-4 diagonal cuts)
2. Stuff cavity with herbs and lemon
3. Oil generously
4. Use a fish basket or heavy-duty foil
5. 10-12 minutes per inch of thickness

Lobster Tails

Preparation

1. Cut shell lengthwise on top
2. Lift meat slightly while keeping attached
3. Brush with garlic butter

Grilling

1. Start shell-side down (5 minutes)
2. Flip and baste with butter
3. Cook until opaque (3-4 more minutes)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Preheating

Seafood needs a hot, clean grill to prevent sticking.

2. Moving Too Soon

Let the protein release naturally before flipping.

3. Overcooking

Seafood cooks fast—use a timer!

4. Not Drying

Moisture is the enemy of a good sear.

5. Too Much Marinade

Pat off excess before grilling.

Essential Sauces for Grilled Seafood

Plan Your Seafood BBQ

Use BBQ Menu AI to create a complete seafood grilling menu with perfect timing for all your dishes!

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What's your favorite seafood to grill? Let us know in the comments!