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BBQ Seafood: Grilling Fish, Shrimp, and More
Table of Contents
- Fish
- Shellfish
3. How to Prepare Seafood for Grilling
- Choose Fresh Seafood
- Seasoning and Marinades
- Use the Right Grilling Method
4. Pro Tips for Grilling Seafood Perfectly
5. The Perfect BBQ Seafood Plate
- Sides
- Sauces & Toppings
6.
Bring Southern BBQ Seafood to Your Table
Why Grill Seafood?
Grilling seafood enhances its natural flavors while adding a hint of smokiness that complements Southern spices and marinades. Here’s why BBQ seafood deserves a spot on your grill:
- Quick Cooking Time – Unlike traditional BBQ meats, seafood cooks in minutes.
- Healthier Alternative – Seafood is packed with lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients.
- Incredible Flavor Absorption – Whether marinated, dry-rubbed, or basted, seafood soaks up smoky BBQ flavors beautifully.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – From casual cookouts to gourmet backyard feasts, grilled seafood is a versatile choice.
Best Seafood for the Grill
Not all seafood is created equal when it comes to grilling. Some varieties hold up better to direct heat, while others require a more delicate approach. Here are our top picks for BBQ seafood:
1. Fish
- Salmon – Rich, flavorful, and holds up well on the grill.
- Mahi-Mahi – Firm texture with a mild, slightly sweet taste.
- Snapper – Whole snapper or fillets grill beautifully.
- Tuna – Best seared on high heat for a delicious crust.
2. Shellfish
- Shrimp – Quick to cook and soaks up marinades effortlessly.
- Scallops – Sweet and tender, perfect for skewers.
- Lobster Tails – Grilled lobster tail with butter is a true delicacy.
- Oysters & Clams – Grill in the shell until they pop open, then add butter or hot sauce.
How to Prepare Seafood for Grilling
To get the best flavor and texture, proper preparation is key. Follow these steps to ensure your seafood is grill-ready:
1. Choose Fresh Seafood
Look for firm, bright-colored fish fillets with no fishy odor. If using frozen seafood, thaw it properly in the fridge before grilling.
2. Seasoning and Marinades
Southern BBQ is all about bold flavors. Here are a few seasoning ideas:
Classic Cajun Rub: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and black pepper.
Citrus-Herb Marinade: Lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley and thyme.
Sweet and Smoky BBQ Sauce: Brown sugar, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of honey.
3. Use the Right Grilling Method
Direct Heat: Best for shrimp, scallops, and quick-searing fish like tuna.
Indirect Heat: Ideal for whole fish or thicker fillets like salmon.
Skewers or Grill Baskets: Prevent delicate seafood from sticking or falling apart.
Pro Tips for Grilling Seafood Perfectly
Preheat the Grill – Always start with a hot, clean, and well-oiled grill to prevent sticking.
Keep the Skin On – For fish fillets, grilling with the skin adds flavor and prevents sticking.
Use a Fish Spatula – A thin, flexible spatula helps flip delicate fish without breaking it apart.
Don’t Overcook – Seafood cooks quickly; aim for an internal temperature of 130-145°F for fish and 120°F for shellfish.
Add Wood Chips for Smoke – Hickory, cherry, or pecan wood chips enhance the BBQ aroma.
The Perfect BBQ Seafood Plate
Pairing your grilled seafood with the right sides and sauces can take your meal to the next level. At This Is It! Southern Kitchen & Bar-B-Q, we believe in full-flavored, well-balanced plates. Here are some of our favorite BBQ seafood pairings:
Sides:
Southern Coleslaw
Cajun Rice
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Smoked Mac & Cheese
Garlic Butter Green Beans
Sauces & Toppings:
Lemon Garlic Butter
Spicy Remoulade Sauce
Honey BBQ Glaze
Mango Salsa
Creole Mustard Sauce
Bring Southern BBQ Seafood to Your Table
BBQ seafood brings a fresh, flavorful twist to traditional barbecue, and with the right techniques, you can create restaurant-quality grilled fish, shrimp, and shellfish at home. But if you want the ultimate Southern BBQ experience without the work, This Is It! Southern Kitchen & Bar-B-Q has you covered.
Visit one of our nine locations or order online at thisisitbbq.com to enjoy expertly prepared Southern seafood and BBQ favorites. Whether it’s our grilled shrimp, blackened fish, or a full seafood platter, we serve up the bold flavors you love, straight from our grill to your plate.
Craving the best Southern BBQ seafood? Let This Is It! Southern Kitchen & Bar-B-Q handle the grilling for you.
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