52 Seafood Recipes That Scream 'Summer'

Pick your favorite fish or shellfish and put a seasonal spin on it with these delicious recipes.

May 03, 2023

By: Food Network Kitchen

Related To:

Photo By: Matt

Photo By: Matt Armendariz

Photo By: Matt

Photo By: Matt Armendariz

Photo By: Tara Donne

Photo By: Matt Armendariz

Photo By: Matt

Photo By: Kana Okada ©Kana Okada, 2014

Photo By: Matt Armendariz

Photo By: Matt

Photo By: Con Poulos ©Con Poulos

Photo By: Kat Teutsch

Photo By: yia thao

Photo By: Teri Lyn Fisher

Summer Seafood Ideas for Everyone

Warm weather and seafood go hand in hand. Whether you make a no-cook dish like bright and tangy ceviche or fire up the grill for marinated shrimp or perfectly charred salmon, seafood always feels light-yet-satisfying—which is perfect for hot, sunny days. You’ve got a lot of choices when it comes to grilled fish and seafood: family-favorite fish tacos, company-worthy seared scallops and more. So, how do you choose when there are so many delicious options? Work your way through this roundup, starting with a dish inspired by the flavors of a classic shrimp boil. We've included andouille, potatoes, corn, Old Bay and garlic—and upped the ante by simmering everything in an all-butter sauce. Serve family-style with toasted crusty bread for dipping so you don’t miss out on any of the delicious sauce.

Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Corn in a Butter Bath

Grilled Swordfish with Lemon, Mint and Basil

Giada's lemon, mint and basil dressing is bright and refreshing — just the thing to dress up swordfish's meaty flavor.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Swordfish with Lemon, Mint and Basil

Salmon Kushiyaki

This rendition of kushiyaki — the catch-all term for the popular Japanese technique of grilling skewered foods — is a play on a surf and turf, combining salmon with earthy shiitake mushrooms, for a dose of umami. Here the fish is first marinated in a mirin, sake, and miso mixture; the same mixture is also brushed on the skewers during cooking for a burnished glaze. Finish the skewers in the traditional way with a generous shake of furikake or shichimi togarashi, take your pick!

Get the Recipe: Salmon Kushiyaki

Tilapia and Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

Mild tilapia and shrimp get a real kick from a marinade of lime juice and fresh herbs. A crisp, spicy cabbage slaw makes the perfect topper. Because tilapia fillets are thicker on one side than the other, they're hard to cook evenly. Try splitting them through the center seam so they can go on the grill separately.

Get the Recipe: Tilapia and Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

Grilled Shrimp Scampi in a Foil Packet

Here's a super-fast, simple and summery version of shrimp scampi — with no chasing your shrimp around the grill or dropping them through the grates. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!

Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Scampi in a Foil Packet

Grilled Salmon Sandwiches

Ina Garten builds her sandwiches high by stacking a bed of mesclun greens and a thick cut of grilled salmon between two brioche buns. For a creamy finish, coat each side of the bun with her homemade sour cream-dill sauce.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Salmon Sandwiches

Cumin-Grilled Sea Scallops with Chickpea Salad

Bobby's easy grilled scallops recipe emphasizes two of summer grilling's best attributes: the lightness of ingredients and the freshness of flavors.

Get the Recipe: Cumin Grilled Sea Scallops with Chickpea Salad and Red Pepper-Tahini Vinaigrette

Buttery Lobster Rolls

Lobster rolls don't have to be a luxury. This recipe gets them from the kitchen to your table in under an hour.

Get the Recipe: Buttery Lobster Rolls

Fish Skewers with Basil Chimichurri

Any firm white fish will work for Melissa d'Arabian's fish skewers. Serve them with a fresh basil and parsley dipping sauce that makes great use of in-season herbs.

Get the Recipe: Fish Skewers with Basil Chimichurri

Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon

Using a cedar plank to grill salmon is an effortless way to add enormous flavor to your dish. The fish takes on a lovely smokiness, stays wonderfully moist and the skin doesn't stick to the grates. We spiced ours up with a maple-ginger marinade and whipped up a quick side salad for a tasty, incredibly easy weeknight meal.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon

Crawfish Boil

Alton Brown puts together a quintessential summer meal by boiling crawfish in a heavily spiced broth along with fresh corn, hearty red potatoes and smoky andouille sausage.

Get the Recipe: Crawfish Boil

Shrimp Scampi Zoodles

Zucchini noodles stand in for pasta in this low-carb shrimp scampi makeover. And you may not even need a spiralizer (the special gadget that makes veggies into curlicues). Check your supermarket produce section; some stores sell spiral-cut zucchini.

Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Zoodles

Grilled Tuna with Basil Pesto

Use only salt and pepper to season Giada De Laurentiis' tuna steaks before searing until rare on a hot grill. Top with homemade pesto.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Tuna With Basil Pesto

Giada's Grilled Salmon with Citrus Salsa Verde

Giada serves grilled salmon with a light and refreshing salty-sweet salsa.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Salmon with Citrus Salsa Verde

Cooler Shrimp Boil

The same insulation that keeps your beers icy inside a cooler can hold heat too. And thus, the seafood boil cooked in a cooler was born.

Get the Recipe: Cooler Shrimp Boil

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Salad

This shrimp-and-veggie-packed pasta salad proves that scampi doesn't have to be warm; the garlic-wine sauce also works beautifully when its chilled. To speed up the cooking, add the vegetables to the boiling pasta when it's just short of done. You'll find yourself using that trick over and over again.

Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Pasta Salad

Barbecued Mahi Mahi with Yellow Pepper-Cilantro Pesto

Mahi mahi is a great fish to grill because it's firm and flaky at the same time. Bobby Flay adds brown sugar to his rub to help balance the spices as well as give the finished fish a caramelized top.

Get the Recipe: Barbecued Mahi Mahi with Yellow Pepper-Cilantro Pesto

Grilled Herb Shrimp

Marinate your shrimp in advance with lots of fresh herbs and mustard. It'll save you time when you're cooking for a crowd.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Herb Shrimp

Grilled Frozen Salmon in Grape Leaves

Grape leaves are the secret to grilling salmon from frozen. They keep the fish from sticking to the grill — plus, they're edible. Other bonuses of this quick method: The marinade freezes in place on the frozen fillets, making them easy to wrap and infusing them with flavor on the grill. And the half-cooked pieces stay firm so they're easy to turn. Round out the meal with rice and a salad.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Frozen Salmon in Grape Leaves

Salmon with Brown Sugar and Mustard Glaze

Bobby treats grilled salmon fillets to his sweet ginger glaze with Dijon mustard for some heat.

Get the Recipe: Salmon with Brown Sugar and Mustard Glaze

Grilled Lobster Smothered in Basil Butter

Bobby puts together an impressive summer seafood spread by slathering homemade basil butter over split grilled lobsters.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Lobster Smothered in Basil Butter

BLT Lobster Rolls

Take Maine-style lobster rolls to new heights by topping each with a slice of bacon. The sweet, tender lobster meat and the crisp, savory bacon complement each other so well, this recipe will become your new normal.

Get the Recipe: BLT Lobster Rolls

Grilled Side of Salmon Stuffed with Creamy Corn and Bacon

Stuffed with creamy sweet corn and slathered with a bright green herb butter, this crowd-pleasing salmon is as beautiful as it is delicious.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Side of Salmon Stuffed with Creamy Corn and Bacon

Low-Country Boil

Here, Louisiana-style shrimp, smoked pork sausage, red potatoes and corn come together to create a memorable summer meal. Before adding any of the ingredients to your stockpot, season the water with your favorite shrimp or crab boil seasoning — one with hints of red pepper, clove and thyme is perfect.

Get the Recipe: Low-Country Boil

Grilled Fish on Pineapple Planks with Spicy Pineapple Salsa

This elegant yet incredibly easy preparation uses almost all the parts of a pineapple to yield tasty fillets of bass or snapper. The pineapple's peel acts as a buffer against the direct heat of the grill, preventing overcooking and keeping the fish moist, and its flesh becomes a tasty salsa that brings home the island flavors. The plating of the fish, right on the pineapple "planks," is dramatic and fun.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Fish on Pineapple Planks with Spicy Pineapple Salsa

Asian Grilled Salmon

Ina's easy and elegant main dish features a four-ingredient mustard-and-soy-sauce-based marinade that doubles as a finishing sauce.

Get the Recipe: Asian Grilled Salmon

Crawfish Boil

Crawfish boils are a messy, fun, hands-on, social experience and not as intimidating as one would think. Add as little or as much heat as you like—these little guys get more flavorful the longer they sit. Bring the spicy bold flavors of this Louisiana shellfish to your next backyard gathering. Don’t forget the paper towels!

Get the Recipe: Crawfish Boil

Moroccan-Style Striped Bass

Incorporate Moroccan-inspired flavors into your summer grilling routine by marinating fish in harissa, a spicy red-chile paste used in traditional North African cooking.

Get the Recipe: Moroccan-Style Striped Bass

Grilled Shrimp Scampi

Turn this classic shrimp dish into a meal on the grill with Bobby. You'll have a complete dinner in less than an hour.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Scampi

Buttery Lobster Rolls for Your Baby

Once they are thoroughly steamed, Jeff shocks the lobsters in an ice bath, then removes the tail and claw meat; this stops the lobsters from continuing to cook inside their shells and guarantees the ideal tender texture.

Get the Recipe: Buttery Lobster Rolls For Your Baby

Grilled Trout Almondine with Radicchio and Orange-Almond Vinaigrette

Bobby flavors grilled trout with an orange juice-based vinaigrette. The sweetness of the juice balances out the bitter taste of the radicchio.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Trout Almondine with Radicchio and Orange-Almond Vinaigrette

Grilled Halibut with BBQ Butter

The Neelys create a smooth and spicy BBQ butter to serve on top of grilled halibut by mashing oregano, scallions, barbecue seasoning, orange zest and cayenne pepper into fresh butter.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Halibut with BBQ Butter

Spiced Crabs and Shrimp with Potatoes

Serve this party-ready recipe that has seafood plus fixings. If live crabs are not available in your area, you can make the same dish with 4 pounds of shrimp instead

Get the Recipe: Spiced Crabs and Shrimp With Potatoes

Grilled Salmon with Chinese Barbecue Sauce

The Neelys brush meaty grilled salmon with a homemade Chinese barbecue sauce flavored with orange juice, hoisin, soy sauce and honey. Serve the hot salmon on top of a raw bed of spinach –– this will make the leaves wilt to perfection.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Salmon with Chinese Barbeque Sauce

Spanish-Style Grilled Fish

When Duff Goldman catches something worth eating, he grills the fish whole. Use a fish such as striper, rockfish or seabass for this herb-filled recipe.

Get the Recipe: Spanish-Style Grilled Fish

Grilled Tilapia with Lemon Butter, Capers and Orzo

When it comes to grilling fish, Bobby recommends choosing one with a dense texture, such as tilapia. Since white fish has such a mild flavor, the grilled tilapia makes the perfect canvas for Bobby's rich butter sauce.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Tilapia with Lemon Butter, Capers and Orzo

Grilled Sheet Pan Paella

A sheet pan is a handy stand-in for the traditional wide, low pan used to make paella in this easy version for the grill.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Sheet Pan Paella

Grilled Mahi Mahi with Jerk Spice

Prepare a spicy jerk marinade using allspice, cinnamon and nutmeg. You'll know the mahi mahi is close to done on the grill when the marinade starts to form a fragrant, crusty glaze.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Mahi Mahi with Jerk Spice

Grilled Squid with Chamomayo

Chamomayo, or chamomile-infused mayonnaise, is a surprisingly perfect accompaniment to tender grilled squid. Check your pantry for chamomile tea bags; you can also find the herb in stores that sell loose-leaf tea.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Squid with Chamomayo

Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian's Lobster Roll

"I just love a summer cookout! However, to have a successful meal centered around grilled items, you need key dishes to support and round out the menu," says Geoffrey. "Lobster Rolls do just the trick — the protein is sweet yet not too delicate, providing the perfect balance to the hearty meat offerings."

Get the Recipe: Lobster Roll

Grilled Swordfish Skewers with Coconut, Key Lime and Green Chile Sauce

Drizzle swordfish skewers with a creamy coconut sauce before topping with coconut flakes and cilantro.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Swordfish Skewers with Coconut, Key Lime and Green Chile Sauce

Moroccan Grilled Salmon

North African flavors permeate this healthful salmon dish: Marinate it in yogurt, lemon, garlic, coriander and cumin, then garnish with fresh cilantro.

Get the Recipe: Moroccan Grilled Salmon

Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Romesco Sauce

Seasoning and grilling shrimp to perfection doesn't take long at all, but to speed up Valerie Bertinelli's recipe even more, you can make the smoky romesco sauce a day ahead.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Romesco Sauce

Deviled Portuguese Lobster

Stuff fresh lobster halves with spicy linguica, or Portuguese sausage, breadcrumbs and herbs, then grill them until they're smoky and crisp.

Get the Recipe: Deviled Portuguese Grilled Lobsters

Grilled Salmon Steaks

Salmon steaks have different shapes, so that can make them cook unevenly. Alton takes a cue from filet mignon and turns his salmon steaks into rounds. Butchers twine will keep them from unravelling on the grill.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Salmon Steaks

Lobster Taco Al Carbone

Create a high-end taco with Bobby by cooking lobster on the grill until charred and then chopping into a grilled tortilla.

Get the Recipe: Lobster Taco Al Carbone

Fried Catfish

Infuse great flavor into fried catfish by marinating it in hot sauce and mustard before frying. Pair the finished fish with country remoulade and lemons for a citrus punch, and serve with hushpuppies.

Get the Recipe: Fried Catfish

Gulf Coast Crab Cakes with Country Remoulade

These bite-size cakes are packed full of lump crabmeat and panko breadcrumbs, and they're cooked until the outside has a nice crunch. Top the cakes with a warm dollop of homemade remoulade that you can prepare in advance.

Get the Recipe: Gulf Coast Crab Cakes with Country Remoulade

Fried-Catfish Rolls

Toss fried catfish with spiced mayonnaise and serve on thick potato rolls. Garnish with tomato, pickles and celery.

Get the Recipe: Fried-Catfish Rolls

The World-Famous Maine Lobster Roll

Jeff pays homage to old Maine tradition by serving steamed lobster meat tossed with cucumber mayo, fresh tarragon and scallions on buttery grilled hot dog buns.

Get the Recipe: The World-Famous Maine Lobster Roll

Triple-Citrus-Glazed Grilled Salmon

The Neelys lend a brightness to grilled salmon by brushing it with their triple-citrus glaze during and after grilling. Gina recommends using chicken stock in the citrus glaze to round out the flavors.

Get the Recipe: Triple Citrus Glazed Grilled Salmon

Viet-Cajun Seafood Boil with Lemongrass-Garlic Butter

This recipe is inspired by the crawfish boils I grew up with in New Orleans even before the term “Viet-Cajun” was coined. Back in the 1970s, Vietnamese immigrants to the Southern states (Louisiana and Texas in particular) like my family began combining classic flavors and techniques from their homeland with Gulf Coast ingredients, although it wasn’t until decades later that Viet-Cajun came to represent this distinctive seafood-oriented cuisine. Lemongrass, ginger, fish sauce and lots of garlic—this aromatic powerhouse makes a more traditional Cajun seafood boil distinctly Viet-Cajun. I’ve adapted this festive one-pot meal to incorporate some personal favorites while maintaining the hallmarks of a Viet-Cajun boil. Water and fresh orange juice are my family’s go-tos for the boiling liquid, but you can also swap orange juice for pineapple juice (a popular Vietnamese flavoring), or use light beer, which is more common in East Coast boils. Mushrooms and quail eggs are my additions, and although they’re not traditional I see them more often in restaurant-style boils. And finally the sauce: Viet-Cajun boils are commonly tossed in a simple-to-make spiced lemongrass-garlic butter; since the ones I grew up with in Louisiana weren’t soaked in sauce, I prefer to spoon a little bit of the butter over the top but serve most on the side for guests to toss or dip as much or as little as they like.

Get the Recipe: Viet-Cajun Seafood Boil with Lemongrass-Garlic Butter

On Tonight

Summer Seafood

52 Seafood Recipes That Scream 'Summer'

Related To:

Summer Seafood Ideas for Everyone

Grilled Swordfish with Lemon, Mint and Basil

Salmon Kushiyaki

Tilapia and Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

Grilled Shrimp Scampi in a Foil Packet

Grilled Salmon Sandwiches

Cumin-Grilled Sea Scallops with Chickpea Salad

Buttery Lobster Rolls

Fish Skewers with Basil Chimichurri

Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon

Crawfish Boil

Shrimp Scampi Zoodles

Grilled Tuna with Basil Pesto

Giada's Grilled Salmon with Citrus Salsa Verde

Cooler Shrimp Boil

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Salad

Barbecued Mahi Mahi with Yellow Pepper-Cilantro Pesto

Grilled Herb Shrimp

Grilled Frozen Salmon in Grape Leaves

Salmon with Brown Sugar and Mustard Glaze

Grilled Lobster Smothered in Basil Butter

BLT Lobster Rolls

Grilled Side of Salmon Stuffed with Creamy Corn and Bacon

Low-Country Boil

Grilled Fish on Pineapple Planks with Spicy Pineapple Salsa

Asian Grilled Salmon

Crawfish Boil

Moroccan-Style Striped Bass

Grilled Shrimp Scampi

Buttery Lobster Rolls for Your Baby

Grilled Trout Almondine with Radicchio and Orange-Almond Vinaigrette

Grilled Halibut with BBQ Butter

Spiced Crabs and Shrimp with Potatoes

Grilled Salmon with Chinese Barbecue Sauce

Spanish-Style Grilled Fish

Grilled Tilapia with Lemon Butter, Capers and Orzo

Grilled Sheet Pan Paella

Grilled Mahi Mahi with Jerk Spice

Grilled Squid with Chamomayo

Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian's Lobster Roll

Grilled Swordfish Skewers with Coconut, Key Lime and Green Chile Sauce

Moroccan Grilled Salmon

Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Romesco Sauce

Deviled Portuguese Lobster

Grilled Salmon Steaks

Lobster Taco Al Carbone

Fried Catfish

Gulf Coast Crab Cakes with Country Remoulade

Fried-Catfish Rolls

The World-Famous Maine Lobster Roll

Triple-Citrus-Glazed Grilled Salmon

Viet-Cajun Seafood Boil with Lemongrass-Garlic Butter

More from:

Related Pages