Introduction

Grilling seafood is one of the easiest ways to create flavorful meals with a smoky, fresh taste. Fish, shrimp, scallops, and other seafood can be prepared with simple ingredients such as lemon, garlic, olive oil, herbs, and spices.

Whether you’re planning a summer BBQ, family dinner, weekend cookout, or quick weeknight meal, grilled seafood offers plenty of delicious options. The key is choosing seafood that works well on the grill, preparing it properly, and avoiding overcooking.

In this guide, you’ll find 20 grilled seafood recipes featuring salmon, shrimp, tuna, cod, scallops, fish skewers, seafood tacos, and more.

1. Grilled Lemon Garlic Salmon

Grilled salmon is a classic seafood BBQ recipe.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley or dill
• Salt

Method

Brush the salmon lightly with olive oil.

Add lemon juice, garlic, pepper, and herbs.

Preheat the grill.

Place the salmon on the grill using an appropriate cooking surface.

Cook until the fish flakes easily and reaches a safe internal temperature.

Serve with grilled vegetables and lemon wedges.

2. Grilled Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp skewers cook quickly and are perfect for BBQ parties.

Clean and peel the shrimp.

Thread shrimp onto skewers.

Brush lightly with olive oil.

Season with garlic, paprika, lemon juice, and black pepper.

Grill while turning regularly.

Cook until the shrimp are opaque and fully cooked.

Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

3. Grilled Fish Tacos

Grilled fish tacos are fresh, colorful, and easy to customize.

Season suitable fish with:

• Paprika
• Cumin
• Garlic
• Lime juice
• Black pepper

Grill until the fish is fully cooked.

Flake the fish.

Serve in tortillas with cabbage, tomatoes, avocado, onion, and lime.

Add a suitable yogurt-based sauce if desired.

4. Grilled Tuna Steaks

Tuna steaks are ideal for grilling.

Brush tuna steaks lightly with olive oil.

Season with lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and black pepper.

Preheat the grill.

Cook according to your recipe and preferred level of doneness.

Serve with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.

5. Grilled Scallops with Lemon

Scallops can develop a delicious golden exterior on the grill.

Pat scallops dry.

Brush lightly with olive oil.

Season with garlic, lemon, pepper, and herbs.

Place on a suitable hot grill surface.

Cook until properly done.

Serve immediately with lemon wedges and vegetables.

6. Grilled Cod with Herbs

Cod is mild and pairs well with fresh herbs.

Brush cod fillets with olive oil.

Season with lemon juice, parsley, garlic, oregano, and pepper.

Use a suitable grill basket or surface to help prevent sticking.

Cook until the fish flakes easily and is safely cooked.

Serve with grilled vegetables.

7. Grilled Shrimp and Vegetable Skewers

Combine seafood and vegetables on one skewer.

Use shrimp, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes.

Brush lightly with olive oil.

Season with garlic, paprika, lemon, and herbs.

Grill while turning regularly.

Cook until the shrimp are fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

8. Grilled Salmon and Asparagus

This simple combination works well for a healthy dinner.

Season salmon with lemon, garlic, dill, and pepper.

Trim asparagus.

Brush both with a small amount of olive oil.

Grill until the salmon is safely cooked and asparagus is tender.

Serve together with lemon wedges.

9. Grilled Fish Sandwich

A grilled fish sandwich is a lighter alternative to a traditional burger.

Season a suitable fish fillet with paprika, garlic, lemon, and pepper.

Grill until fully cooked.

Place the fish on a toasted bun.

Add lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, and a suitable sauce.

Serve with salad or grilled vegetables.

10. Grilled Seafood Platter

A seafood platter is excellent for entertaining.

Choose suitable seafood such as:

• Salmon
• Shrimp
• Cod
• Scallops
• Other suitable shellfish

Season each item with lemon, garlic, olive oil, and herbs.

Grill each seafood item using an appropriate cooking method.

Arrange everything on a large serving platter.

Add grilled vegetables and fresh lemon wedges.

11. Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp tacos can be prepared quickly on the grill.

Season shrimp with paprika, cumin, garlic, lime juice, and black pepper.

Thread onto skewers.

Grill until opaque and fully cooked.

Remove from skewers.

Serve in tortillas with cabbage, avocado, tomato, onion, and lime.

12. Grilled Mediterranean Fish

Mediterranean-style grilled fish uses simple fresh flavors.

Season fish with:

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Black pepper

Grill until the fish flakes easily.

Serve with tomatoes, cucumber, olives, grilled vegetables, or salad.

13. Grilled Shrimp with Garlic Butter

Garlic butter adds rich flavor to grilled shrimp.

Clean the shrimp.

Prepare a mixture of melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and parsley.

Brush lightly over the shrimp.

Thread shrimp onto skewers.

Grill until fully cooked.

Brush with a little additional sauce before serving.

14. Grilled Fish and Vegetable Kebabs

Firm fish works well for seafood kebabs.

Cut fish into large pieces.

Add bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and tomatoes.

Season with olive oil, lemon, garlic, paprika, and herbs.

Thread onto skewers.

Grill carefully until the fish is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.

15. Grilled Salmon Burgers

Salmon can be used to create a flavorful seafood burger.

Prepare salmon according to a suitable burger recipe.

Shape the mixture into patties.

Preheat the grill.

Cook the patties carefully until fully cooked.

Serve on whole-grain buns with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and avocado.

16. Grilled Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers

Pineapple adds natural sweetness to grilled shrimp.

Thread shrimp and fresh pineapple pieces onto skewers.

Add bell peppers or onions if desired.

Season with lime juice, garlic, paprika, and pepper.

Grill while turning regularly.

Cook until the shrimp are opaque and fully cooked.

Serve warm.

17. Grilled Sardines with Lemon and Herbs

Sardines can be delicious when grilled fresh.

Clean the sardines appropriately.

Season with lemon juice, garlic, parsley, and black pepper.

Place carefully on a suitable grill surface.

Cook until properly done.

Serve with fresh salad and lemon wedges.

18. Grilled Seafood Foil Packets

Foil packets can help simplify outdoor cooking.

Place suitable seafood such as shrimp and fish on foil.

Add zucchini, peppers, onions, and tomatoes.

Season with garlic, lemon juice, herbs, and a small amount of olive oil.

Seal the packet appropriately.

Grill until the seafood and vegetables are fully cooked.

Open carefully because the packet will contain hot steam.

19. Grilled Lobster-Style Seafood

For special occasions, suitable lobster preparations can make an impressive grilled meal.

Prepare the seafood according to an appropriate recipe.

Brush with a small amount of butter or olive oil.

Add garlic, lemon, and herbs.

Grill using appropriate heat.

Cook until fully done.

Serve with lemon wedges and vegetables.

20. Grilled Mixed Seafood Skewers

A mixed seafood skewer is perfect for BBQ gatherings.

Use suitable combinations such as shrimp, firm fish, scallops, and vegetables.

Cut ingredients into pieces that can cook appropriately.

Season with olive oil, lemon, garlic, paprika, and herbs.

Thread onto skewers.

Grill while turning regularly.

Cook each seafood component safely and thoroughly.

Serve with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables.

Best Seafood Marinades for Grilling

Lemon Garlic Marinade

Combine:

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Parsley
• Black pepper
• Oregano

This marinade works well with shrimp, fish, and scallops.

Spicy Lime Marinade

Mix lime juice with olive oil, garlic, paprika, chili powder, cumin, and pepper.

Use it for shrimp and firm fish.

Herb Marinade

Combine olive oil with lemon juice, parsley, dill, oregano, thyme, and garlic.

This is especially good for salmon and white fish.

How to Prepare Seafood for the Grill

Pat seafood dry before seasoning.

Remove unwanted shells or bones as required by the recipe.

Brush lightly with oil.

Add seasonings shortly before grilling unless the recipe calls for longer marination.

Use skewers or a grill basket for small pieces.

Keep seafood refrigerated until you’re ready to cook it.

How to Prevent Fish From Sticking

Preheat the grill properly.

Use a clean cooking surface.

Lightly oil the seafood or grill surface when appropriate.

Allow the fish to develop a crust before attempting to turn it.

Use a suitable spatula designed for delicate foods.

Avoid moving the fish unnecessarily.

Best Seafood for Grilling

Some seafood varieties work particularly well on a grill.

Salmon

Firm, flavorful, and suitable for fillets.

Shrimp

Quick to cook and excellent on skewers.

Tuna

Firm texture makes it suitable for grilling.

Cod

Mild flavor, though a grill basket can help prevent it from breaking apart.

Scallops

Excellent for quick grilling when handled carefully.

Firm White Fish

Suitable firm fish can work well for tacos, kebabs, and foil packets.

Grilled Seafood Side Dishes

Complete your BBQ with:

• Grilled asparagus
• Corn
• Zucchini
• Bell peppers
• Green salad
• Cucumber salad
• Roasted potatoes
• Brown rice
• Quinoa
• Fresh fruit
• Whole-grain bread

Seafood Grilling Tips

Don’t Overcook Seafood

Seafood can quickly become dry or rubbery.

Use Appropriate Heat

Very high heat can burn the outside before the inside is safely cooked.

Turn Carefully

Use suitable grilling tools when turning delicate fish.

Check Internal Temperature

Use a food thermometer when appropriate to verify safe cooking.

Keep Seafood Cold Before Cooking

Store seafood properly until you’re ready to place it on the grill.

Grilled Seafood Food Safety

Keep raw seafood separate from ready-to-eat foods.

Use clean plates for cooked seafood.

Wash hands and utensils after handling raw seafood.

Keep seafood refrigerated until preparation.

Cook seafood to the appropriate safe internal temperature.

Avoid leaving cooked seafood at room temperature for extended periods.

Refrigerate leftovers promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What seafood is best for grilling?

Salmon, shrimp, tuna, scallops, and firm fish are popular grilling choices.

How do I stop fish from falling apart on the grill?

Use firm fish, a suitable grill basket, a clean and properly heated grill, and a suitable spatula. Avoid turning fish more than necessary.

Can shrimp be grilled without skewers?

Yes. A suitable grill basket or carefully managed grill surface can work well.

Should I marinate seafood before grilling?

Many seafood recipes benefit from short marinades, especially those using lemon, garlic, herbs, and olive oil. Follow the specific recipe because acidic marinades can affect delicate seafood if left too long.

What vegetables go well with grilled seafood?

Asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, corn, and mushrooms are excellent choices.

Conclusion

These 20 grilled seafood recipes provide plenty of options for BBQ parties, family dinners, summer cookouts, and easy weeknight meals. From lemon garlic salmon and shrimp skewers to fish tacos, grilled tuna, scallops, seafood kebabs, and mixed seafood platters, you can create flavorful meals with simple ingredients.

For the best results, choose seafood that suits grilling, prepare it carefully, use appropriate heat, and avoid overcooking. Lemon, garlic, olive oil, fresh herbs, and spices can add plenty of flavor without requiring complicated sauces.

With the right preparation and a few basic grilling techniques, you can enjoy delicious grilled fish, shrimp, scallops, and other seafood meals at home.