Seafood is an excellent choice for summer meals as it is light, fresh, and versatile. You can grill, bake, poach, or fry and pair it with various sauces, salads, and sides. Whether you prefer fish, shrimp, or crab, there is a simple and delicious seafood recipe for every taste and occasion.
4 Delicious Seafood Recipes for Summer
Let's explore the four best summer seafood recipes that are easy to make and flavorful.
Blackened Shrimp Bowls
Blackened shrimp bowls are a tasty and healthy meal with spicy and smoky shrimp, fluffy rice, fresh veggies, and creamy avocado. They are easy to make and customizable to your preferences.
Ingredients For the Blackened Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 spoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 small red onion
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
For the Avocado-Lime Dressing:
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Combine smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create the blackening spice mix. Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp in the spice mix until it is evenly coated.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the spiced shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Combine the avocado, lime juice, Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Start with a base of cooked brown rice or quinoa in each serving bowl. Arrange the blackened shrimp, sliced bell peppers, red onion, corn kernels, and black beans on top of the rice.
- For freshness and color, sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves on top. Serve the Blackened Shrimp Bowls immediately, allowing everyone to mix the ingredients and dressing to enjoy the explosion of flavors.
Grilled Salmon with Honey Mustard Glaze
Grilled salmon with honey mustard glaze is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this healthy and nutritious fish. The honey mustard sauce adds a sweet, tangy flavor that complements the rich and tender salmon. You can make this recipe on a grill or in an oven, depending on your preference.
Ingredients for Grilled Salmon with Honey Mustard Glaze:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat for even cooking, and grill marks on the salmon.
- Combine the Dijon mustard, honey, whole grain mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl. Whisk until the ingredients are well incorporated, creating a smooth and flavorful glaze.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels. This is important to ensure a good sear on the grill. Season both sides of each fillet with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Brush a generous layer of the honey mustard glaze onto the top side of each salmon fillet. The glaze will infuse the salmon with incredible flavors and help create a beautifully caramelized coating when grilled.
- Place the salmon fillets on the preheated grill, glaze-side down. Allow them to cook for about 3-4 minutes or until grill marks form and the glaze caramelizes. During this time, you can also brush additional glaze onto the tops of the fillets.
- Gently flip the salmon fillets using a spatula. Brush the tops with more glaze. Continue grilling for 3-4 minutes or until the salmon is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Once the salmon is perfectly grilled, carefully remove the salmon from the grill and transfer it to serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley to add a touch of vibrant color and freshness.
Lobster Avocado Panini
The Lobster Avocado Panini is a luxurious and delicious sandwich that combines lobster's succulent sweetness with avocado's creamy richness and is all-pressed between slices of crusty bread. This gourmet panini is perfect for a special lunch or dinner, offering a unique twist on the classic panini experience.
Ingredients of Lobster Avocado Panini:
For the Lobster Filling:
- 1 ½ cups pre cooked lobster meat, chopped (from about two medium-sized lobsters)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling the Panini:
- 8 slices of your favorite bread (ciabatta, sourdough, or focaccia)
- 2 ripe avocados, sliced
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise or aioli
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For Serving (optional):
- Fresh lemon wedges
- Mixed greens salad
Preparation
- Combine the chopped lobster meat, mayonnaise, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix well to coat the lobster meat with the flavors. Set aside.
- Lay out the 8 slices of bread on a clean surface. On 4 of the slices, layer the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly.
- Divide the lobster mixture equally among the 4 slices with cheese. Spread it out to cover the cheese layer. Next, place slices of avocado on top of the lobster mixture.
- Place the remaining 4 slices of bread on top of the avocado slices to form sandwiches.
- Place sandwiches on a preheated panini press or grill. Gently press with spatula. Cook 3-4 min on each side until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
- Carefully remove the panini from the grill or press. Let them rest for a minute before slicing in half diagonally. Serve Lobster Avocado Panini with your favorite side salad or chips.
Crab and Cheddar Tart
The Crab and Cheddar Tart is a savory and indulgent dish that combines the delicate flavors of crab meat with the rich creaminess of cheddar cheese, and all encased in a flaky pastry crust. This elegant tart is a delightful fusion of seafood and cheese, making it a perfect choice for a summer seafood meal.
Ingredients for Crab and Cheddar Tart:
- 1 cup jumbo lump crab meat, picked clean of shells
- 1 pre-made pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a subtle kick)
- Butter or oil for sautéing
Preparation:
- If using a premade pie crust, follow the instructions on the package for blind baking. If using a homemade crust, roll it out and fit it into a tart pan, then chill it in the refrigerator.
- Heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Sauté the chopped green onions or chives until they soften, about 2 minutes. Add the fresh crab meat and sauté briefly until heated through. Remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, melted butter, chopped parsley, Old Bay seasoning, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Gently fold in the sautéed crab and green onion mixture.
- Pour the colossal king crab legs and cheddar mixture into the prepared pie crust.
- Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve the Crab and Cheddar Tart warm as a main dish or appetizer.
- For an extra touch, garnish the tart with additional chopped parsley or chives before serving.
Conclusion
These four delectable and easy summer seafood recipes offer a tantalizing journey for your taste buds. From the zesty burst of flavors in the Grilled Salmon to the comforting elegance of the Blackened Shrimp Bowls, each dish brings the essence of the ocean to your plate. Whether you're hosting a barbecue or simply craving a taste of the sea, these summertime seafood recipes are your gateway to a season filled with culinary adventure.
