Ah, yes… the season of the GRILL! From tailgate parties to everyday family meals, the grill masters come out and show what they have to offer. Although your traditional burgers, hotdogs ribs an steaks are great… we strongly suggest switching it up this summer. For great flavors, HUGE variety, and better health…think fresh seafood. With the national government encouraging everyone to eat seafood at least twice a week, there is no better time to start than now. Seafood is naturally high in protein, a good source of omega-3 fats, and provides a number of different vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to your health.
When we say the options are endless, we mean it. Plus, grilling seafood is easy, and most definitely NOT just for the grill “masters”. There are so many different seafood options to cook on the grill, as well as seasonal flavors to enhance your meals; you should never have to eat the same thing twice.
Oily fish like Tuna, Salmon, Swordfish, Halibut and Mackerel are excellent on the grill. Use steaks and fillets at least a ½ inch thick, or whole dressed fish. Skin on fillets work nicely too, as they will hold together well and add extra flavor. Also, don’t be afraid to grill a more delicate fish like grouper, snapper, flounder, catfish, and tilapia. Simply place your seasoned fillet on a well-greased piece of foil, fold over the edges and get grilling!
Shellfish are also great selections for the grill. Oysters, Clams, Shrimp, Lobster Tails, and Crab Legs are all excellent and extremely tasty! Just add a little butter and you have yourself a gourmet meal.
Grilling Seafood is as easy as placing fillets directly on the grill, however there are many other options to spice up your seafood dish this summer as well.
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Grilling Planks: Grilling with planks will not only keep your fish fillets intact, but it will give you extra flavor, with a smoky aroma. To prepare a plank for using on the grill, pre-soak your plank in wine, beer, (seasoned) water or cider vinegars for at least an hour. After soaking, brush a small amount of oil on the plank to prevent sticking and place the seafood on the plank and place the plank directly on the grill. Grilling with cedar plank will give you extra variety, and extra flavor!
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Skewers: A new spin on your traditional chicken and steak kabobs. Shrimp, scallops, salmon, tuna, swordfish, halibut and more are all excellent on traditional or cedar skewers. Simply add seasoning or marinade to your fresh seafood selection, place on the skewer as well as fresh vegetables and fruits and grill away.
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Seafood Burgers: Put a spin on your traditional main dish by substituting red meats with seafood. Craving a burger? Place a fresh seafood patty/sized fillet in a bun for a delicious seafood burger topped with fresh veggies or fruit. (We love salmon patties topped with fresh pineapple!) Also, don’t forget about seafood as an excellent salad topper!
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Grilling seafood this time of year is all about the SEASONAL flavors. Cooking with fresh fruit and vegetables make an excellent addition to any seafood selection, as well as fresh spices and flavorful marinades. We also recommend cooking seafood over a bed of lemons, oranges, grapefruits or other fruit slices for additional flavor and extra moist fillets. Not only can you cook with fruits, but you can also add them as a seafood topping for a fresh citrus flavor. So, here’s your chance to get creative!
When it comes to grilling your seafood… trust us when we say it is easy! Most seafood products do not take long to cook. A simple rule of thumb: Grill fresh fish 8-10 minutes per inch of thickness. If using a cedar plank, add an additional 10 minutes to your cook time. For shellfish such as clams and mussels: simply place them either directly on the grill or in a foil tin pan and close the lid. Within just a few short minutes, your mollusks should open and will have cooked in their own natural juices. For exact cooking directions and recipes, please feel free to visit us in our retail market or give us a call. Our retail market professionals are here to answer any question you may have!
Quick Tips Before Grilling Seafood:
•Keep the skin on the fish for intact fillets &flavor!
•Utilize the grill tools available- Fish Basket, Skewers, Long spatula, Flat skewers, Cedar Planks
•Grill on a bed of herbs, or fresh fruit/lemons
•Cook fish in a packet/in or on foil
•Marinate the fish with seasonal flavors
•Cut the fish to size for even cooking
•Get the grill screaming hot
•Look for long grilling spatulas. When flipping fish, use one spatula to get under the fillet and use another to hold the top of the fish securely in place as you make the flipping motion.
•Make sure the fish doesn't stick. Whether you oil the cooking surface or brush the fish w/ oil, make sure that you have a non-stick surface to work with.
For some our FAVORITE grill recipes, please visit our page here!
Happy Grilling!
Euclid Fish Company
